EP3470727A1 - Lighting module forming a light pattern divided into an upper portion with net vertical ledges and a lower portion with fuzzy vertical edges - Google Patents

Lighting module forming a light pattern divided into an upper portion with net vertical ledges and a lower portion with fuzzy vertical edges Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3470727A1
EP3470727A1 EP18196923.9A EP18196923A EP3470727A1 EP 3470727 A1 EP3470727 A1 EP 3470727A1 EP 18196923 A EP18196923 A EP 18196923A EP 3470727 A1 EP3470727 A1 EP 3470727A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
lighting module
lower portion
upper portion
vertical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP18196923.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3470727B1 (en
Inventor
Eric Mornet
Marine Courcier
Alexandre Joerg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3470727A1 publication Critical patent/EP3470727A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3470727B1 publication Critical patent/EP3470727B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • F21S41/153—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines arranged in a matrix
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/143—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being parallel to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/255—Lenses with a front view of circular or truncated circular outline
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/27—Thick lenses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/275—Lens surfaces, e.g. coatings or surface structures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/322—Optical layout thereof the reflector using total internal reflection
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V13/00—Producing particular characteristics or distribution of the light emitted by means of a combination of elements specified in two or more of main groups F21V1/00 - F21V11/00
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F21W2102/10—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2107/00—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles
    • F21W2107/10—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles for land vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one light source and optical elements for forming at least one light pattern.
  • Light modules of this type are already known. Such light modules are able to produce a light beam of illumination, for example a high beam, divided into light patterns forming pixels that can be selectively extinguished. This allows for example to illuminate the road and its environment in an optimal way while avoiding dazzle the road users.
  • Such light modules are known by the name of "pixel beam". For example, it is possible to divide the global light beam into a matrix of pixels or into vertical bands.
  • said overlapping component light pixel beam illuminate, for a first lower part, the road near the vehicle and, for a second top, above the road.
  • This shadow zone is delimited transversely by the vertical edges of the two adjacent overlapping light patterns on.
  • each overlapping light pattern is delimited by vertical edges that are substantially sharp over their entire height.
  • the lower part of said adjacent overlapping light patterns delimits the shadow zone by boundaries which appear clearly on the road surface.
  • the invention proposes a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one light source and optical elements for forming at least one luminous pattern, characterized in that each luminous pattern is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion that are illuminated simultaneously and indissociable, the upper portion being delimited transversely by two vertical edges for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a first determined gradient, and the lower portion being delimited transversely by two vertical edges for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a second determined gradient lower than said first determined gradient.
  • the invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one lighting module made according to the teachings of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 a motor vehicle 10 equipped with a lighting device 12, here a projector 12.
  • the lighting device 12 produces a pixel light beam 14 which performs a specific lighting function. Without limitation, this is a high beam function.
  • the pixel light beam 14 is emitted along a substantially longitudinal transmission axis "A" toward the front of the vehicle 10.
  • a vertical transverse screen 16 has been arranged at a determined longitudinal distance in front of the vehicle 10.
  • the screen 16 is here arranged at 25 m from the vehicle.
  • figure 2 the areas of the screen 16 which are illuminated by the pixel light beam 14.
  • a transverse axis "H” and a vertical axis "V” intersecting at the "A" axis of emission of the pixel light beam 14 have been drawn on the screen 16.
  • the "H” and “V” axes are graduated in degree of opening of the light beam.
  • the horizontal axis "H” divides the screen 16 into an upper part and a lower part. The portions of the pixel light beam 14 which illuminate the lower portion of the screen 16 are intended to illuminate the road surface in front and near the vehicle, while the portions of the pixel light beam 14 which illuminate the upper portion of the screen 16 are intended to illuminate over the road.
  • the pixel light beam 14 here comprises a transverse alignment of five identical and contiguous light patterns 18.
  • the light patterns referenced 18 illuminate a lower portion of the screen 16.
  • the projector 12 is also capable of projecting a second line of complementary light patterns 17 which are arranged above the lower line of patterns 18.
  • the set of Luminous patterns 18 and 17 enable the high beam function when they are switched on simultaneously.
  • the invention specifically relates to the formation of the light patterns 18 of the lower line which overlap the horizontal "H" axis of the screen 16.
  • the fourth light pattern 18 from the left is selectively turned off to form a shadow area 20. All light patterns 18 here overlap the horizontal axis "H". Each light pattern 18 illuminates over a field width less than or equal to 20 °, for example a field width less than or equal to 15 ° or 10 °.
  • At least one of the light patterns 18 is produced by a lighting module 19 of the motor vehicle headlight 12 comprising at least one light source and optical elements. Such a lighting module 19 will be described in more detail later. Each light pattern 18 is projected in a fixed direction relative to the motor vehicle.
  • Projector 12 mainly comprises a housing (not shown) which is closed by an ice (not shown) through which the pixel light beam is projected.
  • the projector 12 thus encloses at least the lighting module 19.
  • Each light pattern 18 is divided into an upper portion 18A and a lower portion 18B which are illuminated with simultaneous and inseparable way. Thus it is not possible to illuminate only the upper portion 18A and possible to illuminate only the lower portion 18B. More particularly, the upper portion 18A and the lower portion 18B are delimited by a transverse line which passes here by the optical axis "A" and which corresponds here to the line "H" of the screen. Thus, the upper portion 18A of the light pattern 18 illuminates above the road, while the lower portion 18B illuminates the surface of the road ahead and near the vehicle 10, for example between 5 m and 50 m.
  • the upper portion 18A is delimited transversely by two vertical edges 20A, 20B said net for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a first gradient "G1" determined.
  • the lower portion 18B is bounded transversely by two so-called fuzzy vertical edges 22A, 22B for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a determined second "G2" gradient, lower than said determined first "G1" gradient.
  • a first sharp edge will be “sharper” than a second soft edge, that is, the sharp edge intensity gradient will be greater than that of the soft edge, and, conversely, the second soft edge will be blurred.
  • the first sharp edge will be “sharper” than a second soft edge, that is, the sharp edge intensity gradient will be greater than that of the soft edge, and, conversely, the second soft edge will be blurred.
  • the first determined gradient "G1" of luminous intensity of the transverse edge 20A said net was calculated along a line “L1" transverse passing through the axis "H".
  • the first gradient "G1" determined here is equal to about 0.35.
  • the first determined “G1” gradient is greater than 0.13, preferably greater than 0.30. This corresponds to a rapid decrease in intensity when crossing the vertical edge 20A along the line "L1".
  • the second determined gradient "G2" of luminous intensity of the blurred transverse edge 22A was calculated along a transverse "L2" line arranged below the "H” axis.
  • the second gradient "G2" determined here is equal to about 0.11.
  • the determined second "G2" gradient is less than 0.2, preferably less than 0.13. This corresponds to a slower decrease in light intensity when crossing the vertical edge 22A along the line "L2" relative to the intensity decrease along the line "L1".
  • the gradient is obtained as described below.
  • the first or second gradient "G1", “G2” corresponds to the maximum value of G (a) obtained on the segment corresponding to the lateral edge considered.
  • the shadow zone 20 which is created on the surface of the road is bounded transversely by so-called fuzzy vertical edges 22A, 22B.
  • fuzzy vertical edges 22A, 22B Such a configuration makes it possible not to draw the driver's attention to the delimitation between the shadow zone 20 and the zones illuminated by the illuminated light patterns 18.
  • each vertical edge 22A, 22B said blur of the lower portion 18B is arranged substantially in the vertical extension of the vertical edge 20A, 20B said corresponding net of the upper portion 18A.
  • the lower portion 18B is delimited by so-called fuzzy vertical edges 22A, 22B, it illuminates a wider surface transversely than the upper portion 18A.
  • At least one vertical edge 22A, 22B said blur of the lower portion 18B is shifted transversely relative to the vertical edge 20A, 20B said corresponding net of the upper portion 18A.
  • the upper end of said blurred vertical edge 22A, 22B offset is connected to the lower end of said sharp vertical edge by a horizontal edge 24A, 24B said net.
  • the horizontal edge 24A, 24B said net is here coincides with the axis "H" so as not be noticeable by the driver.
  • the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is wider transversely in both directions relative to the upper portion 18A.
  • the lower portion 18B is delimited upwards by a first edge 24A said net, the upper portion 18A and a second edge 24B said net.
  • the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is entirely offset transversely in one direction relative to the upper portion 18A, here to the left.
  • the lower portion 18B is delimited upwards by a first edge 24A said net, by the upper portion 18A.
  • the upper portion 18A is delimited downwards by the lower portion 18B and by a second edge 24B said net.
  • the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is extended transversely in one direction relative to the upper portion 18A.
  • the lower portion 18B is delimited upwards by a first edge 24A said net, by the upper portion 18A.
  • the second edge 22B said blur is arranged substantially in the extension of the edge 20B said net corresponding.
  • the pattern then has a shape of "L".
  • FIGS. Figures 8 to 10 We now describe a lighting module 19 capable of producing at least a portion of the light patterns forming the pixel light beam 14, as shown in FIGS. Figures 8 to 10 .
  • the lighting module 19 is designed to form several light patterns 18 aligned transversely. Said light patterns 18 are contiguous, or even overlap, transversely, so as to form a pixel beam 14 illuminating homogeneously when all the light patterns 18 are lit.
  • Each light pattern 18 can be controlled independently to participate in the formation of the pixel light beam 14 performing a specific lighting function, for example a high beam.
  • the lighting module 19 comprises a primary optical element 26 associated with a plurality of light sources 28, each of which is associated with a light pattern 18.
  • Each light source 28 is for example a light emitting diode belonging to a matrix of light-emitting diodes.
  • the light sources 28 are here aligned transversely.
  • the primary optical element 26 has a plurality of light guides 30 which form a transverse row.
  • Each light guide 30 extends globally longitudinally from an input rear face 32 of the light emitted by a light source 28 associated to a front face 34 of the output light.
  • each light guide 30 is associated with one of the light sources 28. According to a variant, each light guide 30 is associated with several of the light sources 28.
  • the input faces 32 are in the same vertical transverse plane parallel to the plane of the light-emitting diodes 28.
  • the exit faces 34 are also arranged in the same transverse vertical plane.
  • a transverse space is reserved between two adjacent light guides 30 for guiding the light rays by total internal reflection on the lateral faces of the light guides 30.
  • Each light guide 30 has a cross section of rectangular shape. Each light guide 30 thus has two vertical lateral faces 35 and two upper and lower faces.
  • the primary optical element 26 also comprises a front lens 36.
  • the front lens 36 is delimited longitudinally forwards by a face 38 for shaping the light patterns 18 and towards the rear with a transverse vertical face that is merged with the plane of the exit faces 34 of the light guides 30.
  • the front lens 36 is here made integrally in one piece with the light guides 30.
  • the light guides 30 open directly into the front lens 36.
  • the light rays emerging from the exit faces 34 of the light guides are propagate without being deflected to the exit face 38 of the front lens 36.
  • the lighting module 19 also includes a front end projection lens 39, shown in FIG. figure 9 , which is arranged longitudinally forward and away from the face of output 38 of the front lens 36.
  • the projection lens 39 is intended to project a vertically inverted image of the output faces 34 of the light guides to infinity.
  • an upper portion 34B of the exit face 34 of a light guide 30 is intended to form the lower portion 18B of the associated light pattern 18, while a lower portion 34A of the exit face 34 of the light guide 30 is intended to form the upper portion 18A of the associated light pattern 18.
  • each lateral face 35 of each light guide 30 is connected to the lateral faces 35 of the adjacent light guides 30 via a transverse bridge 40 made come from matter in one piece with the light guides.
  • Each bridge 40 extends longitudinally from the plane of the inlet faces 32 to the plane of the exit faces 34, here to the front lens 36.
  • Each bridge 40 is arranged transversely in coincidence with the upper portion 34B of the the exit face of the light guides 30.
  • all the bridges 40 are delimited by a lower face 41 and by an upper face 43.
  • the upper face 43 is arranged in the same plane as the upper faces of the light guides 30.
  • the lower faces 41 are arranged in a horizontal common plane.
  • the upper portions of the light guides 30 thus connected by the bridges 40 form a single light-forming sheet which extends transversely over the entire row of the light guides 30 and having an exit face 34B single transverse extending all along the row of light guides 30. Only a lower portion of the side faces 35 of the light guides remains free, as shown in FIGS. figures 8 and 9 .
  • some light guides are not connected by bridges.
  • the primer has a plurality of light-shaping webs each of which includes a plurality of light guides and each having an associated exit face.
  • each bridge 40 has a thickness approximately equal to half the height of the lateral face 35 of the light guide 30. In a variant, the thickness of each bridge may also be less than half of said height.
  • the thickness of the bridges varies according to their position along the primary optical element.
  • FIG. 19 To illustrate the operation of the lighting module 19, there is shown figures 10 and 11 a single light source 28 turned on to form a light pattern 18, the other light sources 28 being extinguished.
  • the figures 10 and 11 represent the same light source 28 on.
  • the upper portion 18A of the light patterns 18 is formed by the lower portions of light guides 30 separated transversely from each other by a space. This configuration allows the free side faces 35 of the light guide 30 to reflect the light by total internal reflection to focus the light rays to the lower portion 34A of the exit face 34. This allows to form the so-called vertical edges of the net. upper portion 18A of the light pattern 18.
  • the bridges 40 made on either side of the upper portion of the light guides 30 allow the light rays to continue their propagation in a straight line beyond the lateral face 35 to exit on a larger surface transversely of upper portion of the exit face 34B as the lower portion 34A of the exit face.
  • the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is obtained. It can thus be seen that the light rays emitted by a light source 28 exit through an upper portion of the output face 34B which encroaches on the output face of the adjacent light guides 30.
  • T luminous pattern 18 having a "T" shape returned as shown in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 .
  • T a luminous pattern 18 having a "T" shape returned as shown in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 .
  • T returned is meant a pattern having an upper portion of substantially constant width and a lower portion wider than the upper portion and protruding laterally on either side of the upper portion.
  • the lower horizontal faces of the bridges 40 indeed make it possible to create so-called net horizontal edges which connect the so-called net vertical edges 20A, 20B, formed by the lateral faces of the light guides 30, with the vertical edges 22A, 22B so-called fuzz, formed by bridges 40.
  • the primary optical element 26 also comprises a second row of light guides 42 which make it possible to obtain the complementary luminous patterns 17 of rectangular shape delimited transversely by so-called net vertical edges over their entire height.
  • These complementary light patterns 17, shown in FIG. figure 2 are intended to illuminate only above the road.
  • the light guides 30 remain separated from each other by a space over their entire vertical height.
  • a portion of the exit face 38 of the lens 36 before the primary optical element 26 has means for transversely spreading the spokes for illuminating the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18.
  • the exit face 38 is sufficiently close to the focal plane of the system, for example the exit face is arranged at a distance from the focal plane of between 2% and 20%. % of the focal length of the system. In this way, a diffraction or refraction structure disposed on an upper part of the exit face 38 only affects a lower part of the light pattern 18.
  • the light spreading means are for example formed by diffraction or refraction structures made in relief on a portion of the output face 38.
  • the diffraction or refraction structures are, for example, shaped as cushions 44.
  • This second embodiment makes it possible to obtain light patterns of a shape similar to that shown in FIG. figure 3 .
  • the spreading means are formed by graining the corresponding parts of the exit face.
  • the diffraction or refraction structures are formed by streaks, corrugations, prisms or any other form adapted to perform the function of spreading the light.
  • the primary element comprises a light-shaping sheet structure, as in the first embodiment, whose exit face comprises means for spreading out. of light, as in the second embodiment.
  • the third embodiment of the invention thus combines the characteristics of the first and second embodiments of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un module d'éclairage (19) pour projecteur (12) de véhicule automobile comportant au moins une source lumineuse (28) et des éléments optiques (26) pour former au moins un motif lumineux (18), caractérisé en ce que chaque motif lumineux (18) est divisé en une portion supérieure (18A) et une portion inférieure (18B) qui sont éclairées de manière simultanée et indissociable, la portion supérieure (18A) étant délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux (20A, 20B) pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un premier gradient (G1) déterminé, et la portion inférieure (18B) étant délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux (22A, 22B) pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un deuxième gradient (G2) déterminé inférieur audit premier gradient (G1) déterminé.The invention relates to a lighting module (19) for a motor vehicle headlamp (12) comprising at least one light source (28) and optical elements (26) for forming at least one light pattern (18), characterized in that each luminous pattern (18) is divided into an upper portion (18A) and a lower portion (18B) which are illuminated simultaneously and indissociable, the upper portion (18A) being delimited transversely by two vertical edges (20A). , 20B) for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a first gradient (G1) determined, and the lower portion (18B) being delimited transversely by two vertical edges (22A, 22B) for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a second gradient (G2) determined lower than said first gradient (G1) determined.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

L'invention concerne un module d'éclairage pour projecteur de véhicule automobile comportant au moins une source lumineuse et des éléments optiques pour former au moins un motif lumineux.The invention relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one light source and optical elements for forming at least one light pattern.

ARRIERE PLAN TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION

On connaît déjà des modules lumineux de ce type. De tels modules lumineux sont aptes à produire un faisceau lumineux d'éclairage, par exemple un feu de route, divisé en motifs lumineux formant des pixels pouvant être éteints sélectivement. Cela permet par exemple d'éclairer la route et son environnement de manière optimale tout en évitant d'éblouir les usagers de la route.Light modules of this type are already known. Such light modules are able to produce a light beam of illumination, for example a high beam, divided into light patterns forming pixels that can be selectively extinguished. This allows for example to illuminate the road and its environment in an optimal way while avoiding dazzle the road users.

De tels modules lumineux sont connus sous l'appellation anglaise de "pixel beam". Il est par exemple possible de diviser le faisceau lumineux global en une matrice de pixels ou encore en bandes verticales.Such light modules are known by the name of "pixel beam". For example, it is possible to divide the global light beam into a matrix of pixels or into vertical bands.

Certains motifs lumineux, dits chevauchant, composant le faisceau lumineux à pixels éclairent, pour une première partie inférieure, la route à proximité du véhicule et, pour une deuxième partie supérieure, au-dessus de la route.Some light patterns, said overlapping component light pixel beam illuminate, for a first lower part, the road near the vehicle and, for a second top, above the road.

Lorsqu'un motif lumineux chevauchant est éteint sélectivement, une zone d'ombre est créée sur la route. Cette zone d'ombre est délimitée transversalement par les bords verticaux des deux motifs lumineux chevauchants adjacents allumés.When an overlapping light pattern is selectively turned off, a shadow area is created on the road. This shadow zone is delimited transversely by the vertical edges of the two adjacent overlapping light patterns on.

Cependant, chaque motif lumineux chevauchant est délimité par des bords verticaux qui sont sensiblement nets sur toute leur hauteur. Il en résulte que la partie inférieure desdits motifs lumineux chevauchants adjacents délimite la zone d'ombre par des frontières qui apparaissent nettement sur la surface route. Ces frontières nettes attirent l'attention du conducteur diminuant ainsi sa vigilance, voire provoquant une confusion.However, each overlapping light pattern is delimited by vertical edges that are substantially sharp over their entire height. As a result, the lower part of said adjacent overlapping light patterns delimits the shadow zone by boundaries which appear clearly on the road surface. These sharp boundaries attract the driver's attention, diminishing their alertness and even causing confusion.

BREF RESUME DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

L'invention propose un module d'éclairage pour projecteur de véhicule automobile comportant au moins une source lumineuse et des éléments optiques pour former au moins un motif lumineux, caractérisé en ce que chaque motif lumineux est divisé en une portion supérieure et une portion inférieure qui sont éclairées de manière simultanée et indissociable, la portion supérieure étant délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un premier gradient déterminé, et la portion inférieure étant délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un deuxième gradient déterminé inférieur audit premier gradient déterminé.The invention proposes a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one light source and optical elements for forming at least one luminous pattern, characterized in that each luminous pattern is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion that are illuminated simultaneously and indissociable, the upper portion being delimited transversely by two vertical edges for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a first determined gradient, and the lower portion being delimited transversely by two vertical edges for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a second determined gradient lower than said first determined gradient.

Le gradient des bords verticaux de la portion supérieure étant plus élevé que le gradient des bords verticaux de la portion inférieure, on qualifiera lesdits bords verticaux, relativement l'un par rapport à l'autre, de « nets », pour ceux de la portion supérieure, et de « flous », pour ceux de la portion inférieure.Since the gradient of the vertical edges of the upper portion is greater than the gradient of the vertical edges of the lower portion, the said vertical edges, relatively to each other, will be termed "net", for those of the portion superior, and "fuzzy", for those of the lower portion.

Ceci permet d'éviter que l'attention du conducteur ne soit attirée par la ligne de contraste formant la frontière entre la zone de la surface de la route éclairée par le bas du motif lumineux et la zone de la surface de la route restant dans l'ombre, tout en permettant d'éclairer une zone précise sur la route et au-dessus de la route qui est délimitée par des bords verticaux nets. Ceci est notamment utile pour des faisceaux à pixels ou des faisceaux segmentés réalisant des fonctions de feux de route ou de feux de croisement. De manière non limitative, l'invention trouve par exemple à s'appliquer :

  • aux feux adaptatifs aussi connus sous l'acronyme anglais "ADB" signifiant "adaptative driving beam", qui permettent d'éclairer la route en feux de route tout en éteignant sélectivement des zones susceptibles d'éblouir des usagers de la route détectés automatiquement ;
  • aux feux d'éclairage en virage, aussi connus sous l'acronyme anglais "LBB" signifiant "low beam bending", qui permettent de d'éclairer la route en feux de croisement avec une portée qui s'adapte en fonction des virages pris par le véhicule ;
  • aux feux dits "motorway" qui sont des feux à coupures adaptés pour la conduite sur autoroute, la ligne de coupure étant notamment plus haute que la ligne de coupure d'un feu de croisement normal ;
  • aux feux de croisements adaptés pour la conduite en ville ou encore des feux de croisement adaptés pour la conduite par temps de pluie.
This avoids the driver's attention being drawn to the line of contrast forming the boundary between the area of the road surface illuminated by the bottom of the light pattern and the area of the road surface remaining in the road. 'shadow, while allowing to illuminate a specific area on the road and above the road which is bounded by sharp vertical edges. This is particularly useful for pixel beams or segmented beams performing functions of high beam or low beam. In a non-limiting manner, the invention finds application, for example:
  • adaptive driving lights, also known as adaptive driving beam (ADB), which make it possible to illuminate the road with high beams while selectively switching off areas that may dazzle automatically detected road users;
  • cornering lights, also known by the acronym "LBB" meaning "low beam bending", which allow to illuminate the road in low beam with a range that adapts to the turns taken by the vehicle ;
  • the so-called motorway lights, which are cut-off lights suitable for motorway driving, the cut-off line being in particular higher than the cut-off line of a normal dipped beam;
  • at crossroads suitable for driving in the city or even dipped headlights suitable for driving in rainy weather.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • le premier gradient déterminé est supérieur à 0,13, de préférence supérieur à 0,30 ; ceci permet d'obtenir un bord vertical suffisamment net pour permettre laisser une zone d'ombre bien précise au-dessus de la route pour ne pas éblouir des usagers de la route, tout en éclairant suffisamment à côté de cette zone d'ombre pour permettre au conducteur de conduire confortablement ;
  • le deuxième gradient déterminé est inférieur à 0,2, de préférence inférieur à 0,13 ; ceci permet de ne pas attirer l'attention du conducteur sur la frontière entre la zone de surface de route éclairée par la portion inférieure du motif lumineux et la zone restant dans l'ombre ;
  • au moins un bord vertical de la portion inférieure est agencé dans le prolongement vertical du bord vertical de la portion supérieure ;
  • les deux bords verticaux de la portion inférieure sont agencés dans le prolongement de chaque bord vertical de la portion supérieure ;
  • au moins un bord vertical de la portion inférieure est décalé transversalement par rapport au bord vertical correspondant de la portion supérieure, ledit bord vertical étant relié audit bord vertical par un bord horizontal ;
  • le motif lumineux éclaire sur une largeur de champ inférieure à 10° ; ceci permet de réaliser un faisceau à pixels ayant une résolution suffisamment fine ;
  • le module d'éclairage forme plusieurs motifs lumineux alignés jointivement transversalement et commandés indépendamment les uns des autres pour participer à la formation d'un faisceau lumineux à pixels réalisant une fonction déterminée d'éclairage ;
  • le module d'éclairage comporte un élément optique primaire associé à une pluralité de sources lumineuses dont chacune est associée à un motif lumineux, l'élément optique primaire comportant des guides de lumière chacun associé à l'une des sources lumineuses et une face de sortie de la lumière ;
  • le module d'éclairage comporte un élément optique primaire associé à une pluralité de sources lumineuses dont chacune est associée à un motif lumineux, l'élément optique primaire comportant des guides de lumière chacun associé à plusieurs des sources lumineuses et une face de sortie de la lumière ;
  • la partie inférieure des motifs lumineux est réalisée en joignant une partie correspondante des faces latérales des guides de lumière adjacents pour former une nappe de mise en forme, la partie supérieure des motifs lumineux étant réalisée par une portion des faces latérales des guides de lumières séparées transversalement les unes des autres ; ceci permet d'obtenir des motifs lumineux réalisés selon les enseignements de l'invention de manière simple et peu onéreuse ;
  • la face de sortie de l'élément optique primaire présente des moyens d'étalement transversal des rayons destinés à éclairer la partie inférieure du motif lumineux ; il s'agit d'une autre manière pour obtenir des motifs lumineux réalisés selon les enseignements de l'invention de manière simple et peu onéreuse ;
  • les moyens d'étalement de la lumière sont formés par des structures réfractives ou diffractives réalisées sur la face de sortie, telles que des structures en forme de coussins, un grainage, des stries, des ondulations, des prismes ou toute autre forme adaptée à réaliser la fonction d'étalement de la lumière.
According to other features of the invention:
  • the first determined gradient is greater than 0.13, preferably greater than 0.30; this makes it possible to obtain a vertical edge that is sufficiently sharp to allow a specific area of shadow to be left over the road so as not to dazzle road users, while illuminating sufficiently close to this shadow zone to allow the driver to drive comfortably;
  • the second determined gradient is less than 0.2, preferably less than 0.13; this makes it possible not to draw the driver's attention to the boundary between the road surface area illuminated by the lower portion of the light pattern and the area remaining in the shadow;
  • at least one vertical edge of the lower portion is arranged in the vertical extension of the vertical edge of the upper portion;
  • the two vertical edges of the lower portion are arranged in the extension of each vertical edge of the upper portion;
  • at least one vertical edge of the lower portion is shifted transversely to the corresponding vertical edge of the upper portion, said vertical edge being connected to said vertical edge by a horizontal edge;
  • the luminous pattern illuminates over a field width of less than 10 °; this makes it possible to produce a pixel beam having a sufficiently fine resolution;
  • the lighting module forms several light patterns aligned transversely and controlled independently of each other to participate in the formation of a pixel light beam performing a specific lighting function;
  • the lighting module comprises a primary optical element associated with a plurality of light sources, each of which is associated with a light pattern, the primary optical element comprising light guides each associated with one of the light sources and an exit face light ;
  • the lighting module comprises a primary optical element associated with a plurality of light sources, each of which is associated with a light pattern, the primary optical element comprising light guides each associated with several of the light sources and an exit face of the light source. light;
  • the lower portion of the light patterns is made by joining a corresponding portion of the side faces of the adjacent light guides to form a shaping sheet, the upper part of the light patterns being formed by a portion of the lateral faces of the light guides separated transversely from each other; this makes it possible to obtain light patterns produced according to the teachings of the invention in a simple and inexpensive manner;
  • the exit face of the primary optical element has transverse spreading means of the spokes for illuminating the lower part of the light pattern; it is another way to obtain light patterns made according to the teachings of the invention in a simple and inexpensive way;
  • the light-spreading means are formed by refractive or diffractive structures produced on the exit face, such as cushion-like structures, graining, ridges, corrugations, prisms or any other form suitable for producing the function of spreading light.

L'invention concerne aussi un projecteur de véhicule automobile comportant au moins un module d'éclairage réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention.The invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one lighting module made according to the teachings of the invention.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaitront au cours de la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue de côté qui représente schématiquement un véhicule automobile équipé d'un module d'éclairage réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de face qui représente un écran éclairé par un faisceau lumineux à pixels produit par le module d'éclairage de la figure 1 qui comporte plusieurs motifs lumineux ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de détail qui représente un motif lumineux isolé de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en courbes isocandela qui représente le motif lumineux de la figure 3 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3 qui représente une variante de forme du motif lumineux ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3 qui représente une autre variante de forme du motif lumineux ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3 qui représente encore une autre variante de forme du motif lumineux ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue en perspective qui représente un élément optique primaire du module d'éclairage de la figure 1 qui est réalisé selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 9 est une vue en coupe verticale longitudinale selon le plan de coupe 9-9 de la figure 8 qui représente l'élément optique primaire ;
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe horizontale selon le plan de coupe 10-10 de la figure 8 qui représente l'ensemble du module d'éclairage dans lequel une seule source lumineuse est allumée ;
  • la figure 11 est une vue en coupe horizontale selon le plan de coupe 11-11 de la figure 8 qui représente l'ensemble du module d'éclairage dans lequel une seule source lumineuse est allumée ;
  • la figure 12 est une vue en perspective qui représente l'élément optique primaire du module d'éclairage de la figure 1 réalisé selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a side view which schematically shows a motor vehicle equipped with a lighting module made according to the teachings of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a front view that represents a screen illuminated by a pixel light beam produced by the lighting module of the figure 1 which has several light patterns;
  • the figure 3 is a detail view that represents a luminous pattern isolated from the figure 2 ;
  • the figure 4 is an isocandela curve that represents the luminous pattern of the figure 3 ;
  • the figure 5 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 which represents a variant of shape of the light pattern;
  • the figure 6 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 which represents another variant of shape of the light pattern;
  • the figure 7 is a view similar to that of the figure 3 which represents yet another variant of form of the luminous pattern;
  • the figure 8 is a perspective view that represents a primary optical element of the lighting module of the figure 1 which is made according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 9 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view along the section plane 9-9 of the figure 8 which represents the primary optical element;
  • the figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view along the section plane 10-10 of the figure 8 which represents the entire lighting module in which a single light source is lit;
  • the figure 11 is a horizontal sectional view along the section plane 11-11 of the figure 8 which represents the entire lighting module in which a single light source is lit;
  • the figure 12 is a perspective view that represents the primary optical element of the lighting module of the figure 1 realized according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DES FIGURESDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Dans la suite de la description, on adoptera des orientations longitudinale, dirigée d'arrière en avant selon le sens de déplacement du véhicule, verticale, dirigée de bas en haut selon une orientation orthogonale à la route, et transversale dirigée d'un bord gauche vers un bord droit de la route, et qui sont indiquées par le trièdre "L,V,T" des figures. Ces orientations s'entendent en outre lorsque les éléments sont installés dans un dispositif d'éclairage lui-même installé en position de fonctionnement sur le véhicule.In the remainder of the description, longitudinal orientations will be adopted, directed from rear to front according to the direction of movement of the vehicle, vertical, directed from bottom to top in an orientation orthogonal to the road, and transverse directed by a left edge. towards a straight edge of the road, and which are indicated by the trihedron "L, V, T" of the figures. These orientations are further understood when the elements are installed in a lighting device itself installed in operating position on the vehicle.

Dans la suite de la description, des éléments présentant une structure identique ou des fonctions analogues seront désignés par des mêmes références.In the remainder of the description, elements having identical structure or similar functions will be designated by the same references.

On a représenté à la figure 1 un véhicule automobile 10 équipé d'un dispositif d'éclairage 12, ici un projecteur 12. Le dispositif d'éclairage 12 produit un faisceau lumineux à pixels 14 qui réalise une fonction d'éclairage déterminée. De manière non limitative, il s'agit ici d'une fonction de feu de route. Le faisceau lumineux à pixels 14 est émis selon un axe "A" d'émission sensiblement longitudinal vers l'avant du véhicule 10.We have shown figure 1 a motor vehicle 10 equipped with a lighting device 12, here a projector 12. The lighting device 12 produces a pixel light beam 14 which performs a specific lighting function. Without limitation, this is a high beam function. The pixel light beam 14 is emitted along a substantially longitudinal transmission axis "A" toward the front of the vehicle 10.

On comprendra que l'invention peut être appliqué à des faisceau lumineux remplissant d'autres fonctions comme cela a déjà été expliqué en préambule de la présente description.It will be understood that the invention can be applied to light beams fulfilling other functions as already explained in the preamble of the present description.

Pour les besoins de la description, on a agencé un écran 16 transversal vertical à une distance longitudinale déterminée en avant du véhicule 10. L'écran 16 est ici agencé à 25 m du véhicule.For the purposes of the description, a vertical transverse screen 16 has been arranged at a determined longitudinal distance in front of the vehicle 10. The screen 16 is here arranged at 25 m from the vehicle.

On a représenté à la figure 2 les zones de l'écran 16 qui sont éclairées par le faisceau lumineux à pixels 14.We have shown figure 2 the areas of the screen 16 which are illuminated by the pixel light beam 14.

On a tracé sur l'écran 16 un axe transversal "H" et un axe vertical "V" concourants au niveau de l'axe "A" d'émission du faisceau lumineux à pixels 14. Les axes "H" et "V" sont gradués en degré d'ouverture du faisceau lumineux. L'axe horizontal "H" divise l'écran 16 en une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure. Les parties du faisceau lumineux à pixels 14 qui éclairent la partie inférieure de l'écran 16 sont destinées à éclairer la surface de la route en avant et à proximité du véhicule, tandis que les parties du faisceau lumineux à pixels 14 qui éclairent la partie supérieure de l'écran 16 sont destinées à éclairer au-dessus de la route.A transverse axis "H" and a vertical axis "V" intersecting at the "A" axis of emission of the pixel light beam 14 have been drawn on the screen 16. The "H" and "V" axes are graduated in degree of opening of the light beam. The horizontal axis "H" divides the screen 16 into an upper part and a lower part. The portions of the pixel light beam 14 which illuminate the lower portion of the screen 16 are intended to illuminate the road surface in front and near the vehicle, while the portions of the pixel light beam 14 which illuminate the upper portion of the screen 16 are intended to illuminate over the road.

Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 2, le faisceau lumineux à pixels 14 comporte ici un alignement transversal de cinq motifs lumineux 18 identiques et jointifs. Les motifs lumineux référencés 18 éclairent une partie basse de l'écran 16. Le projecteur 12 est en outre susceptible de projeter une deuxième ligne de motifs lumineux complémentaires 17 qui sont agencés au-dessus de la ligne inférieure de motifs 18. L'ensemble des motifs lumineux 18 et 17 permet de réaliser la fonction de feu de route lorsqu'ils sont allumés simultanément.In the example shown in figure 2 the pixel light beam 14 here comprises a transverse alignment of five identical and contiguous light patterns 18. The light patterns referenced 18 illuminate a lower portion of the screen 16. The projector 12 is also capable of projecting a second line of complementary light patterns 17 which are arranged above the lower line of patterns 18. The set of Luminous patterns 18 and 17 enable the high beam function when they are switched on simultaneously.

L'invention concerne spécifiquement la formation des motifs lumineux 18 de la ligne inférieure qui chevauchent l'axe "H" horizontal de l'écran 16.The invention specifically relates to the formation of the light patterns 18 of the lower line which overlap the horizontal "H" axis of the screen 16.

Le quatrième motif lumineux 18 en partant de la gauche est éteint sélectivement pour former une zone d'ombre 20. Tous les motifs lumineux 18 chevauchent ici l'axe horizontal "H". Chaque motif lumineux 18 éclaire sur une largeur de champ inférieure ou égale à 20°, par exemple une largeur de champ inférieure ou égale à 15° ou à 10°.The fourth light pattern 18 from the left is selectively turned off to form a shadow area 20. All light patterns 18 here overlap the horizontal axis "H". Each light pattern 18 illuminates over a field width less than or equal to 20 °, for example a field width less than or equal to 15 ° or 10 °.

Au moins un des motifs lumineux 18 est produit par un module d'éclairage 19 du projecteur 12 de véhicule automobile comportant au moins une source lumineuse et des éléments optiques. Un tel module d'éclairage 19 sera décrit plus en détails par la suite. Chaque motif lumineux 18 est projeté selon une direction fixe par rapport au véhicule automobile.At least one of the light patterns 18 is produced by a lighting module 19 of the motor vehicle headlight 12 comprising at least one light source and optical elements. Such a lighting module 19 will be described in more detail later. Each light pattern 18 is projected in a fixed direction relative to the motor vehicle.

Le projecteur 12 comporte principalement un boîtier (non représenté) qui est fermé par une glace (non représentée) à travers laquelle le faisceau lumineux à pixels est projeté. Le projecteur 12 renferme ainsi au moins le module d'éclairage 19.Projector 12 mainly comprises a housing (not shown) which is closed by an ice (not shown) through which the pixel light beam is projected. The projector 12 thus encloses at least the lighting module 19.

Les motifs lumineux 18 étant identiques, on décrira un seul de ces motifs lumineux 18 en référence à la figure 3, la description étant applicable aux autres motifs lumineux.Since the light patterns 18 are identical, only one of these light patterns 18 will be described with reference to FIG. figure 3 , the description being applicable to other light patterns.

Chaque motif lumineux 18 est divisé en une portion supérieure 18A et une portion inférieure 18B qui sont éclairées de manière simultanée et indissociable. Ainsi il n'est pas possible d'éclairer uniquement la portion supérieure 18A ni possible d'éclairer uniquement la portion inférieure 18B. Plus particulièrement, la portion supérieure 18A et la portion inférieure 18B sont délimitées par une ligne transversale qui passe ici par l'axe optique "A" et qui correspond ici à la ligne "H" de l'écran. Ainsi, la portion supérieure 18A du motif lumineux 18 éclaire au-dessus de la route, tandis que la portion inférieure 18B éclaire la surface de la route en avant et à proximité du véhicule 10, par exemple entre 5 m et 50 m.Each light pattern 18 is divided into an upper portion 18A and a lower portion 18B which are illuminated with simultaneous and inseparable way. Thus it is not possible to illuminate only the upper portion 18A and possible to illuminate only the lower portion 18B. More particularly, the upper portion 18A and the lower portion 18B are delimited by a transverse line which passes here by the optical axis "A" and which corresponds here to the line "H" of the screen. Thus, the upper portion 18A of the light pattern 18 illuminates above the road, while the lower portion 18B illuminates the surface of the road ahead and near the vehicle 10, for example between 5 m and 50 m.

La portion supérieure 18A est délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux 20A, 20B dits nets pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un premier gradient "G1" déterminé.The upper portion 18A is delimited transversely by two vertical edges 20A, 20B said net for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a first gradient "G1" determined.

La portion inférieure 18B est délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux 22A, 22B dits flous pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un deuxième gradient "G2" déterminé, inférieur audit premier gradient "G1" déterminé.The lower portion 18B is bounded transversely by two so-called fuzzy vertical edges 22A, 22B for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a determined second "G2" gradient, lower than said determined first "G1" gradient.

Les termes "flou" et "net" sont utilisés de manière relative. Ainsi, un premier bord net sera plus "net" qu'un deuxième bord flou, c'est-à dire que le gradient d'intensité du bord net sera plus grand que celui du bord flou, et, inversement, le deuxième bord flou sera plus "flou" que le premier bord net, c'est-à dire que le gradient d'intensité du bord flou sera plus petit que celui du bord net.The terms "blur" and "net" are used in a relative manner. Thus, a first sharp edge will be "sharper" than a second soft edge, that is, the sharp edge intensity gradient will be greater than that of the soft edge, and, conversely, the second soft edge will be blurred. will be more "fuzzy" than the first sharp edge, that is, the intensity gradient of the fuzzy edge will be smaller than that of the sharp edge.

On a illustré à la figure 4 les courbes isocandela d'un tel motif lumineux 18, les unités des axes "H" et "V" étant angulaires.We illustrated at the figure 4 the isocandela curves of such a light pattern 18, the units of the "H" and "V" axes being angular.

On a calculé le premier gradient "G1" déterminé d'intensité lumineuse du bord transversal 20A dit net le long d'une ligne "L1" transversale passant par l'axe "H". Le premier gradient "G1" déterminé est ici égal à environ 0,35. De manière générale, le premier gradient "G1" déterminé est supérieur à 0,13, de préférence supérieur à 0,30. Ceci correspond à une diminution rapide de l'intensité lorsqu'on traverse le bord vertical 20A le long de la ligne "L1".The first determined gradient "G1" of luminous intensity of the transverse edge 20A said net was calculated along a line "L1" transverse passing through the axis "H". The first gradient "G1" determined here is equal to about 0.35. In general, the first determined "G1" gradient is greater than 0.13, preferably greater than 0.30. This corresponds to a rapid decrease in intensity when crossing the vertical edge 20A along the line "L1".

On a calculé le deuxième gradient "G2" déterminé d'intensité lumineuse du bord transversal 22A dit flou le long d'une ligne "L2" transversale agencée au-dessous de l'axe "H". Le deuxième gradient "G2" déterminé est ici égal à environ 0,11. De manière générale, le deuxième gradient "G2" déterminé est inférieur à 0,2, de préférence inférieur à 0,13. Ceci correspond à une diminution plus lente de l'intensité lumineuse lorsqu'on traverse le bord vertical 22A le long de la ligne "L2" relativement à la diminution d'intensité le long de la ligne "L1".The second determined gradient "G2" of luminous intensity of the blurred transverse edge 22A was calculated along a transverse "L2" line arranged below the "H" axis. The second gradient "G2" determined here is equal to about 0.11. In general, the determined second "G2" gradient is less than 0.2, preferably less than 0.13. This corresponds to a slower decrease in light intensity when crossing the vertical edge 22A along the line "L2" relative to the intensity decrease along the line "L1".

Plus précisément, dans la présente demande, le gradient est obtenu de la manière décrite ci-après.More specifically, in the present application, the gradient is obtained as described below.

Le long de la ligne "L1" ou "L2", pour tout point d'un segment s'étendant de part et d'autre du bord latéral dont on souhaite mesurer le gradient, on calcule : G α = log I α + 0.05 ° − log I α − 0.05 °

Figure imgb0001
où α est l'angle selon l'axe "H" dudit point du segment parcouru et I l'intensité du faisceau lumineux pour l'angle considéré.Along the line "L1" or "L2", for any point of a segment extending on either side of the lateral edge whose gradient is to be measured, we calculate: G α = log I α + 0.05 ° - log I α - 0.05 °
Figure imgb0001
 where α is the angle along the "H" axis of said point of the segment traveled and I the intensity of the light beam for the angle considered.

Le premier ou deuxième gradient "G1", "G2" correspond à la valeur maximale de G(a) obtenue sur le segment correspondant au bord latéral considéré.The first or second gradient "G1", "G2" corresponds to the maximum value of G (a) obtained on the segment corresponding to the lateral edge considered.

Ainsi, lorsqu'un des motifs lumineux 18 est éteint, comme cela est illustré à la figure 2, la zone d'ombre 20 qui est créée sur la surface de la route est délimitée transversalement par des bords verticaux 22A, 22B dits flous. Une telle configuration permet de ne pas attirer l'attention du conducteur sur la délimitation entre la zone d'ombre 20 et les zones éclairées par les motifs lumineux 18 allumés.Thus, when one of the light patterns 18 is off, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , the shadow zone 20 which is created on the surface of the road is bounded transversely by so-called fuzzy vertical edges 22A, 22B. Such a configuration makes it possible not to draw the driver's attention to the delimitation between the shadow zone 20 and the zones illuminated by the illuminated light patterns 18.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation du motif lumineux 18 représenté aux figures 2 à 4, chaque bord vertical 22A, 22B dit flou de la portion inférieure 18B est agencé sensiblement dans le prolongement vertical du bord vertical 20A, 20B dit net correspondant de la portion supérieure 18A.In a first embodiment of the light pattern 18 shown in FIGS. Figures 2 to 4 each vertical edge 22A, 22B said blur of the lower portion 18B is arranged substantially in the vertical extension of the vertical edge 20A, 20B said corresponding net of the upper portion 18A.

Cependant, du fait que la portion inférieure 18B est délimitée par des bords verticaux 22A, 22B dits flous, elle éclaire une surface plus étendue transversalement que la portion supérieure 18A.However, because the lower portion 18B is delimited by so-called fuzzy vertical edges 22A, 22B, it illuminates a wider surface transversely than the upper portion 18A.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation du motif lumineux 18, au moins un bord vertical 22A, 22B dit flou de la portion inférieure 18B est décalé transversalement par rapport au bord vertical 20A, 20B dit net correspondant de la portion supérieure 18A. En ce cas, l'extrémité supérieure dudit bord vertical flou 22A, 22B décalé est reliée à l'extrémité inférieure dudit bord vertical net par un bord horizontal 24A, 24B dit net. Le bord horizontal 24A, 24B dit net est ici confondu avec l'axe "H" de manière à ce pas être perceptible par le conducteur.According to a second embodiment of the light pattern 18, at least one vertical edge 22A, 22B said blur of the lower portion 18B is shifted transversely relative to the vertical edge 20A, 20B said corresponding net of the upper portion 18A. In this case, the upper end of said blurred vertical edge 22A, 22B offset is connected to the lower end of said sharp vertical edge by a horizontal edge 24A, 24B said net. The horizontal edge 24A, 24B said net is here coincides with the axis "H" so as not be noticeable by the driver.

Ainsi selon une première variante de ce deuxième mode de réalisation illustrée à la figure 5, la portion inférieure 18B du motif lumineux 18 est plus étendue transversalement dans les deux sens par rapport à la portion supérieure 18A. Dans ce cas, la portion inférieure 18B est délimitée vers le haut par un premier bord 24A dit net, par la portion supérieure 18A et par un deuxième bord 24B dit net.Thus according to a first variant of this second embodiment illustrated in FIG. figure 5 the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is wider transversely in both directions relative to the upper portion 18A. In this case, the lower portion 18B is delimited upwards by a first edge 24A said net, the upper portion 18A and a second edge 24B said net.

Selon une deuxième variante de ce deuxième mode de réalisation illustrée à la figure 6, la portion inférieure 18B du motif lumineux 18 est entièrement décalée transversalement dans un sens par rapport à la portion supérieure 18A, ici vers la gauche. Dans ce cas, la portion inférieure 18B est délimitée vers le haut par un premier bord 24A dit net, par la portion supérieure 18A. La portion supérieure 18A est délimitée vers le bas par la portion inférieure 18B et par un deuxième bord 24B dit net.According to a second variant of this second embodiment illustrated in FIG. figure 6 , the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is entirely offset transversely in one direction relative to the upper portion 18A, here to the left. In this case, the lower portion 18B is delimited upwards by a first edge 24A said net, by the upper portion 18A. The upper portion 18A is delimited downwards by the lower portion 18B and by a second edge 24B said net.

Selon une troisième variante de ce deuxième mode de réalisation du motif lumineux 18 illustrée à la figure 7, la portion inférieure 18B du motif lumineux 18 est plus étendue transversalement dans un seul sens par rapport à la portion supérieure 18A. Dans ce cas, la portion inférieure 18B est délimitée vers le haut par un premier bord 24A dit net, par la portion supérieure 18A. Le deuxième bord 22B dit flou est agencé sensiblement dans le prolongement du bord 20B dit net correspondant. Le motif présente alors une forme de "L".According to a third variant of this second embodiment of the light pattern 18 illustrated in FIG. figure 7 , the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is extended transversely in one direction relative to the upper portion 18A. In this case, the lower portion 18B is delimited upwards by a first edge 24A said net, by the upper portion 18A. The second edge 22B said blur is arranged substantially in the extension of the edge 20B said net corresponding. The pattern then has a shape of "L".

On décrit à présent un module d'éclairage 19 susceptible de produire au moins une partie des motifs lumineux formant le faisceau lumineux à pixels 14, comme cela est représenté aux figures 8 à 10.We now describe a lighting module 19 capable of producing at least a portion of the light patterns forming the pixel light beam 14, as shown in FIGS. Figures 8 to 10 .

Le module d'éclairage 19 est conçu pour former plusieurs motifs lumineux 18 alignés transversalement. Lesdits motifs lumineux 18 sont jointifs, voire se chevauchent, transversalement, afin de former un faisceau lumineux à pixels 14 éclairant de manière homogène lorsque tous les motifs lumineux 18 sont allumés.The lighting module 19 is designed to form several light patterns 18 aligned transversely. Said light patterns 18 are contiguous, or even overlap, transversely, so as to form a pixel beam 14 illuminating homogeneously when all the light patterns 18 are lit.

Chaque motif lumineux 18 est susceptible d'être commandé indépendamment pour participer à la formation du faisceau lumineux à pixels 14 réalisant une fonction déterminée d'éclairage, par exemple un feu de route.Each light pattern 18 can be controlled independently to participate in the formation of the pixel light beam 14 performing a specific lighting function, for example a high beam.

Le module d'éclairage 19 comporte un élément optique primaire 26 associé à une pluralité de sources lumineuses 28 dont chacune est associée à un motif lumineux 18.The lighting module 19 comprises a primary optical element 26 associated with a plurality of light sources 28, each of which is associated with a light pattern 18.

Chaque source lumineuse 28 est par exemple une diode électroluminescente appartenant à une matrice de diodes électroluminescentes. Les sources lumineuses 28 sont ici alignées transversalement.Each light source 28 is for example a light emitting diode belonging to a matrix of light-emitting diodes. The light sources 28 are here aligned transversely.

L'élément optique primaire 26 comporte une pluralité de guides de lumière 30 qui forment une rangée transversale. Chaque guide de lumière 30 s'étend globalement longitudinalement depuis une face arrière d'entrée 32 de la lumière émise par une source lumineuse 28 associée jusqu'à une face avant de sortie 34 de la lumière.The primary optical element 26 has a plurality of light guides 30 which form a transverse row. Each light guide 30 extends globally longitudinally from an input rear face 32 of the light emitted by a light source 28 associated to a front face 34 of the output light.

Dans un mode de réalisation préféré chaque guide de lumière 30 est associé à l'une des sources lumineuses 28. Selon une variante chaque guide de lumière 30 est associé à plusieurs des sources lumineuses 28.In a preferred embodiment, each light guide 30 is associated with one of the light sources 28. According to a variant, each light guide 30 is associated with several of the light sources 28.

Les faces d'entrée 32 sont dans un même plan transversal vertical parallèle au plan des diodes électroluminescentes 28. Les faces de sortie 34 sont aussi agencées dans un même plan vertical transversal. Un espace transversal est réservé entre deux guides de lumière 30 adjacents pour permettre le guidage des rayons lumineux par réflexion interne totale sur les faces latérales des guides de lumière 30.The input faces 32 are in the same vertical transverse plane parallel to the plane of the light-emitting diodes 28. The exit faces 34 are also arranged in the same transverse vertical plane. A transverse space is reserved between two adjacent light guides 30 for guiding the light rays by total internal reflection on the lateral faces of the light guides 30.

Chaque guide de lumière 30 est présente une section transversale de forme rectangulaire. Chaque guide de lumière 30 présente ainsi deux faces latérales 35 verticales et deux faces supérieure et inférieure.Each light guide 30 has a cross section of rectangular shape. Each light guide 30 thus has two vertical lateral faces 35 and two upper and lower faces.

L'élément optique primaire 26 comporte aussi une lentille avant 36. La lentille avant 36 est délimitée longitudinalement vers l'avant par une face 38 de mise en forme des motifs lumineux 18 et vers l'arrière avec une face verticale transversale qui est confondue avec le plan des faces de sortie 34 des guides de lumière 30.The primary optical element 26 also comprises a front lens 36. The front lens 36 is delimited longitudinally forwards by a face 38 for shaping the light patterns 18 and towards the rear with a transverse vertical face that is merged with the plane of the exit faces 34 of the light guides 30.

La lentille avant 36 est ici réalisée venue de matière en une seule pièce avec les guides de lumière 30. Ainsi, les guides de lumière 30 débouchent directement dans la lentille avant 36. Les rayons lumineux sortant des faces de sortie 34 des guides de lumière se propagent ainsi sans être déviés jusqu'à la face de sortie 38 de la lentille avant 36.The front lens 36 is here made integrally in one piece with the light guides 30. Thus, the light guides 30 open directly into the front lens 36. The light rays emerging from the exit faces 34 of the light guides are propagate without being deflected to the exit face 38 of the front lens 36.

Le module d'éclairage 19 comporte aussi une lentille de projection 39 d'extrémité avant, représentée à la figure 9, qui est agencée longitudinalement en avant et à distance de la face de sortie 38 de la lentille avant 36. La lentille de projection 39 est destinée à projeter une image inversée verticalement des faces de sortie 34 des guides de lumière vers l'infini. Ainsi, une portion supérieure 34B de la face de sortie 34 d'un guide de lumière 30 est destinée à former la portion inférieure 18B du motif lumineux 18 associé, tandis qu'une portion inférieure 34A de la face de sortie 34 du guide de lumière 30 est destinée à former la portion supérieure 18A du motif lumineux 18 associé.The lighting module 19 also includes a front end projection lens 39, shown in FIG. figure 9 , which is arranged longitudinally forward and away from the face of output 38 of the front lens 36. The projection lens 39 is intended to project a vertically inverted image of the output faces 34 of the light guides to infinity. Thus, an upper portion 34B of the exit face 34 of a light guide 30 is intended to form the lower portion 18B of the associated light pattern 18, while a lower portion 34A of the exit face 34 of the light guide 30 is intended to form the upper portion 18A of the associated light pattern 18.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation du module d'éclairage 19, une portion supérieure de chaque face latérale 35 de chaque guide de lumière 30 est reliée aux faces latérales 35 des guides de lumière 30 adjacents par l'intermédiaire d'un pont 40 transversal réalisé venu de matière en une seule pièce avec les guides de lumière. Chaque pont 40 s'étend longitudinalement depuis le plan des faces d'entrée 32 jusqu'au plan des faces de sortie 34, ici jusqu'à la lentille avant 36. Chaque pont 40 est agencé transversalement en coïncidence avec la portion supérieure 34B de la face de sortie des guides de lumière 30. En outre, tous les ponts 40 sont délimités par une face inférieure 41 et par une face supérieure 43. La face supérieure 43 est agencée dans le même plan que les faces supérieures des guides de lumière 30. Les faces inférieures 41 sont agencées dans un plan commun horizontal.According to a first embodiment of the lighting module 19, an upper portion of each lateral face 35 of each light guide 30 is connected to the lateral faces 35 of the adjacent light guides 30 via a transverse bridge 40 made come from matter in one piece with the light guides. Each bridge 40 extends longitudinally from the plane of the inlet faces 32 to the plane of the exit faces 34, here to the front lens 36. Each bridge 40 is arranged transversely in coincidence with the upper portion 34B of the the exit face of the light guides 30. In addition, all the bridges 40 are delimited by a lower face 41 and by an upper face 43. The upper face 43 is arranged in the same plane as the upper faces of the light guides 30. The lower faces 41 are arranged in a horizontal common plane.

Dans cette configuration, les parties supérieures des guides de lumière 30 ainsi reliées par les ponts 40 forment une unique nappe de mise en forme de la lumière qui s'étend transversalement sur toute la rangée des guides de lumière 30 et présentant une face de sortie 34B unique s'étendant transversalement tout le long de la rangée de guides de lumière 30. Seule une partie inférieure des faces latérales 35 des guides de lumière reste libre, comme cela est représenté aux figures 8 et 9. En variante non représentée de l'invention, certains guides de lumières ne sont pas reliés par des ponts. Ainsi, l'élément optique primaire présente plusieurs nappes de mise en forme de la lumière dont chacune englobe plusieurs guides de lumière et qui présente chacune une face de sortie associée.In this configuration, the upper portions of the light guides 30 thus connected by the bridges 40 form a single light-forming sheet which extends transversely over the entire row of the light guides 30 and having an exit face 34B single transverse extending all along the row of light guides 30. Only a lower portion of the side faces 35 of the light guides remains free, as shown in FIGS. figures 8 and 9 . In variant not shown of the invention, some light guides are not connected by bridges. Thus, the optical element The primer has a plurality of light-shaping webs each of which includes a plurality of light guides and each having an associated exit face.

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 8, chaque pont 40 présente une épaisseur environ égale à la moitié de la hauteur de la face latérale 35 du guide de lumière 30. En variante, l'épaisseur de chaque pont peut aussi être inférieure à la moitié de ladite hauteur.In the embodiment of the figure 8 each bridge 40 has a thickness approximately equal to half the height of the lateral face 35 of the light guide 30. In a variant, the thickness of each bridge may also be less than half of said height.

Selon une variante non représentée de l'invention, l'épaisseur des ponts varient en fonction de leur position le long de l'élément optique primaire.According to a not shown variant of the invention, the thickness of the bridges varies according to their position along the primary optical element.

Pour illustrer le fonctionnement du module d'éclairage 19, on a représenté aux figures 10 et 11 une unique source lumineuse 28 allumée pour former un motif lumineux 18, les autres sources lumineuses 28 étant éteintes. Les figures 10 et 11 représentent la même source lumineuse 28 allumée.To illustrate the operation of the lighting module 19, there is shown figures 10 and 11 a single light source 28 turned on to form a light pattern 18, the other light sources 28 being extinguished. The figures 10 and 11 represent the same light source 28 on.

Comme cela est représenté à la figure 10, la portion supérieure 18A des motifs lumineux 18 est réalisée par les parties inférieure de guides de lumières 30 séparés transversalement les uns des autres par un espace. Cette configuration permet aux faces latérales 35 libres du guide de lumière 30 de réfléchir la lumière par réflexion interne totale pour concentrer les rayons lumineux vers la portion inférieure 34A de la face de sortie 34. Ceci permet ainsi de former les bords verticaux dits nets de la portion supérieure 18A du motif lumineux 18.As shown in figure 10 , the upper portion 18A of the light patterns 18 is formed by the lower portions of light guides 30 separated transversely from each other by a space. This configuration allows the free side faces 35 of the light guide 30 to reflect the light by total internal reflection to focus the light rays to the lower portion 34A of the exit face 34. This allows to form the so-called vertical edges of the net. upper portion 18A of the light pattern 18.

Comme cela est illustré à la figure 11, les ponts 40 réalisés de part et d'autre de la partie supérieure des guides de lumière 30 permettent aux rayons lumineux de poursuivre leur propagation en ligne droite au-delà de la face latérale 35 pour sortir sur une surface plus étendue transversalement de portion supérieure de la face de sortie 34B que la portion inférieure 34A de la face de sortie. On obtient ainsi la portion inférieure 18B du motif lumineux 18. On constate ainsi que les rayons lumineux émis par une source lumineuse 28 sortent par une portion supérieure de face de sortie 34B qui empiète sur la face de sortie des guides de lumière 30 adjacents.As illustrated in figure 11 , the bridges 40 made on either side of the upper portion of the light guides 30 allow the light rays to continue their propagation in a straight line beyond the lateral face 35 to exit on a larger surface transversely of upper portion of the exit face 34B as the lower portion 34A of the exit face. Thus, the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18 is obtained. It can thus be seen that the light rays emitted by a light source 28 exit through an upper portion of the output face 34B which encroaches on the output face of the adjacent light guides 30.

La nappe de mise en forme formée par les ponts 40 permet d'obtenir un motif lumineux 18 présentant une forme de "T" retourné comme représentée aux figures 3 et 4. Par "T" retourné on entend un motif présentant une portion supérieure de largeur sensiblement constante et une portion inférieure plus large que la portion supérieur et dépassant latéralement de part et d'autre de la partie supérieure.The forming sheet formed by the bridges 40 makes it possible to obtain a luminous pattern 18 having a "T" shape returned as shown in FIGS. Figures 3 and 4 . By "T" returned is meant a pattern having an upper portion of substantially constant width and a lower portion wider than the upper portion and protruding laterally on either side of the upper portion.

En variante non représentée de l'invention, lorsque les faces horizontales des ponts sont assez larges, notamment plus larges que ce qui est représenté à la figure 8, elles permettent de réaliser le motif lumineux 18 représenté à la figure 5. Dans ce cas, les faces horizontales inférieures des ponts 40 permettent en effet de créer des bords horizontaux dits nets qui relient les bords verticaux 20A, 20B dits nets, formés par les faces latérales des guides de lumière 30, avec les bords verticaux 22A, 22B dits flous, formés par les ponts 40.In variant not shown of the invention, when the horizontal faces of the bridges are rather wide, in particular wider than what is represented in FIG. figure 8 , they make it possible to produce the light pattern 18 shown in FIG. figure 5 . In this case, the lower horizontal faces of the bridges 40 indeed make it possible to create so-called net horizontal edges which connect the so-called net vertical edges 20A, 20B, formed by the lateral faces of the light guides 30, with the vertical edges 22A, 22B so-called fuzz, formed by bridges 40.

Dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 8 à 11, l'élément optique primaire 26 comporte aussi une deuxième rangée de guides de lumière 42 qui permettent d'obtenir les motifs lumineux complémentaires 17 de forme rectangulaire délimités transversalement par des bords verticaux dits nets sur toute leur hauteur. Ces motifs lumineux complémentaires 17, représentés à la figure 2 sont destinés à éclairer uniquement au-dessus de la route.In the example shown in Figures 8 to 11 , the primary optical element 26 also comprises a second row of light guides 42 which make it possible to obtain the complementary luminous patterns 17 of rectangular shape delimited transversely by so-called net vertical edges over their entire height. These complementary light patterns 17, shown in FIG. figure 2 are intended to illuminate only above the road.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation du module d'éclairage 19 qui est représenté à la figure 11, les guides de lumières 30 demeurent séparés les uns des autres par un espace sur toute leur hauteur verticale. En revanche, une portion de la face de sortie 38 de la lentille 36 avant de l'élément optique primaire 26 présente des moyens d'étalement transversal des rayons destinés à éclairer la portion inférieure 18B du motif lumineux 18. En effet, la face de sortie 38 est suffisamment proche du plan focal du système, par exemple la face de sortie est agencé à une distance du plan focal comprise entre 2% et 20% de la longueur focale du système. De la sorte, une structure de diffraction ou de réfraction disposée sur une partie supérieure de la face de sortie 38 n'affecte qu'une partie inférieure du motif lumineux 18.According to a second embodiment of the lighting module 19 which is shown in FIG. figure 11 , the light guides 30 remain separated from each other by a space over their entire vertical height. On the other hand, a portion of the exit face 38 of the lens 36 before the primary optical element 26 has means for transversely spreading the spokes for illuminating the lower portion 18B of the light pattern 18. In fact, the exit face 38 is sufficiently close to the focal plane of the system, for example the exit face is arranged at a distance from the focal plane of between 2% and 20%. % of the focal length of the system. In this way, a diffraction or refraction structure disposed on an upper part of the exit face 38 only affects a lower part of the light pattern 18.

Les moyens d'étalement de la lumière sont par exemple formés par des structures de diffraction ou de réfraction réalisées en relief sur une portion de la face 38 de sortie. Les structures de diffraction ou de réfraction sont par exemple conformées en coussins 44.The light spreading means are for example formed by diffraction or refraction structures made in relief on a portion of the output face 38. The diffraction or refraction structures are, for example, shaped as cushions 44.

Ce deuxième mode de réalisation permet d'obtenir des motifs lumineux de forme similaire à celui représenté à la figure 3.This second embodiment makes it possible to obtain light patterns of a shape similar to that shown in FIG. figure 3 .

En variante, les moyens d'étalement sont formés par un grainage des parties correspondantes de la face de sortie.In a variant, the spreading means are formed by graining the corresponding parts of the exit face.

Selon une autre variante, les structures de diffraction ou de réfraction sont formées par des stries, des ondulations, des prismes ou toute autre forme adaptée à réaliser la fonction d'étalement de la lumière.According to another variant, the diffraction or refraction structures are formed by streaks, corrugations, prisms or any other form adapted to perform the function of spreading the light.

On prévoit aussi un troisième mode de réalisation, non représenté, dans lequel l'élément primaire comporte une structure à nappes de mise en forme de la lumière, comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, dont la face de sortie comporte des moyens d'étalement de la lumière, comme dans le deuxième mode de réalisation. Le troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention combine ainsi les caractéristiques des premier et deuxième modes de réalisation de l'invention.There is also provided a third embodiment, not shown, in which the primary element comprises a light-shaping sheet structure, as in the first embodiment, whose exit face comprises means for spreading out. of light, as in the second embodiment. The third embodiment of the invention thus combines the characteristics of the first and second embodiments of the invention.

Claims (13)

Module d'éclairage (19) pour projecteur (12) de véhicule automobile comportant au moins une source lumineuse (28) et des éléments optiques (26) pour former au moins un motif lumineux (18),
caractérisé en ce que chaque motif lumineux (18) est divisé en une portion supérieure (18A) et une portion inférieure (18B) qui sont éclairées de manière simultanée et indissociable, la portion supérieure (18A) étant délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux (20A, 20B) pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un premier gradient (G1) déterminé, et la portion inférieure (18B) étant délimitée transversalement par deux bords verticaux (22A, 22B) pour chacun desquels l'intensité lumineuse diminue selon un deuxième gradient (G2) déterminé inférieur audit premier gradient (G1) déterminé.A lighting module (19) for a motor vehicle headlamp (12) having at least one light source (28) and optical elements (26) for forming at least one light pattern (18),
characterized in that each luminous pattern (18) is divided into an upper portion (18A) and a lower portion (18B) which are illuminated simultaneously and indissociable, the upper portion (18A) being delimited transversely by two vertical edges (20A). , 20B) for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a first gradient (G1) determined, and the lower portion (18B) being delimited transversely by two vertical edges (22A, 22B) for each of which the light intensity decreases according to a second gradient (G2) determined lower than said first gradient (G1) determined. Module d'éclairage (19) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que le premier gradient (G1) déterminé est supérieur à 0,13, de préférence supérieur à 0,30.Lighting module (19) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first gradient (G1) determined is greater than 0.13, preferably greater than 0.30. Module d'éclairage (19) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le deuxième gradient (G2) déterminé est inférieur à 0,2, de préférence inférieur à 0,13.Lighting module (19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determined second gradient (G2) is less than 0.2, preferably less than 0.13. Module d'éclairage (19) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un bord vertical (22A, 22B) de la portion inférieure (18B) est agencé dans le prolongement vertical du bord vertical (20A, 20B) de la portion supérieure (18A).Lighting module (19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one vertical edge (22A, 22B) of the lower portion (18B) is arranged in the vertical extension of the vertical edge (20A, 20B) of the upper portion (18A). Module d'éclairage (19) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que les deux bords verticaux (22A, 22B) de la portion inférieure (18B) sont agencés dans le prolongement de chaque bord vertical (20A, 20B) de la portion supérieure (18A).Lighting module (19) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two vertical edges (22A, 22B) of the lower portion (18B) are arranged in the extension of each vertical edge (20A, 20B) of the upper portion (18A). Module d'éclairage (19) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un bord vertical (22A, 22B) de la portion inférieure (18B) est décalé transversalement par rapport au bord vertical (20A, 20B) correspondant de la portion supérieure (18A), ledit bord vertical (22A, 22B) étant relié audit bord vertical (20A, 20B) par un bord horizontal (24A, 24B).Lighting module (19) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one vertical edge (22A, 22B) of the lower portion (18B) is offset transversely with respect to the vertical edge (20A , 20B) corresponding to the upper portion (18A), said vertical edge (22A, 22B) being connected to said vertical edge (20A, 20B) by a horizontal edge (24A, 24B). Module d'éclairage (19) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le motif lumineux (18) éclaire sur une largeur de champ inférieure à 20°, plus particulièrement inférieure à 15°, et notamment inférieure à 10°.Lighting module (19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light pattern (18) illuminates over a field width of less than 20 °, more particularly less than 15 °, and in particular less than 10 ° . Module d'éclairage (19) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il forme plusieurs motifs lumineux (18) alignés jointivement transversalement et commandés indépendamment les uns des autres pour participer à la formation d'un faisceau lumineux à pixels (14).Lighting module (19) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it forms a plurality of light patterns (18) aligned transversely and controlled independently of each other to participate in the formation of a light beam at pixels (14). Module d'éclairage (19) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un élément optique primaire (26) associé à une pluralité de sources lumineuses (28) dont chacune est associée à un motif lumineux (18), l'élément optique primaire (26) comportant des guides de lumière (30) chacun associé à l'une des sources lumineuses (28) et une face de sortie (38) de la lumière.Lighting module (19) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a primary optical element (26) associated with a plurality of light sources (28) each of which is associated with a light pattern (18), the primary optical element (26) having light guides (30) each associated with one of the light sources (28) and an exit face (38) of the light. Module d'éclairage (19) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que la partie inférieure (18B) des motifs lumineux (18) est réalisée en joignant une partie correspondante des faces latérales (35) des guides de lumière (30) adjacents pour former une nappe de mise en forme, la partie supérieure (18A) des motifs lumineux (18) étant réalisée par une portion des faces latérales (35) des guides de lumières (30) séparées transversalement les unes des autres.Lighting module (19) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lower portion (18B) of the light patterns (18) is made by joining a corresponding portion of the side faces (35) of the adjacent light guides (30) to forming a shaping sheet, the upper portion (18A) of the light patterns (18) being formed by a portion of the side faces (35) of the light guides (30) separated transversely from each other. Module d'éclairage (19) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que la face de sortie (38) de l'élément optique primaire (26) présente des moyens (44) d'étalement transversal des rayons destinés à éclairer la partie inférieure (18B) du motif lumineux (18).Lighting module (19) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the output face (38) of the primary optical element (26) has means (44) for transverse spreading radii for illuminating the lower portion (18B) of the light pattern (18). Module d'éclairage (19) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'étalement de la lumière sont formés par des structures réfractives ou diffractives réalisées sur la face (38) de sortie, telles que des structures en forme de coussins (44), un grainage, des stries, des ondulations, des prismes.Lighting module (19) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the light spreading means are formed by refractive or diffractive structures produced on the outlet face (38), such as pillow-shaped structures (44), a graining, streaks, undulations, prisms. Projecteur (12) de véhicule automobile comportant au moins un module (19) d'éclairage réalisé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.Motor vehicle headlamp (12) comprising at least one lighting module (19) made according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP18196923.9A 2017-10-13 2018-09-26 Lighting module forming a light pattern divided into an upper portion with net vertical ledges and a lower portion with fuzzy vertical edges Active EP3470727B1 (en)

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FR1759636A FR3072446B1 (en) 2017-10-13 2017-10-13 "LIGHTING MODULE FORMING A LUMINOUS PATTERN DIVIDED INTO A CLEAR UPPER PORTION AND A BLURRED LOWER PORTION"

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CN109668108B (en) 2022-02-18
FR3072446A1 (en) 2019-04-19
US20190113198A1 (en) 2019-04-18
FR3072446B1 (en) 2021-06-25
EP3470727B1 (en) 2024-01-31
CN109668108A (en) 2019-04-23
US10473285B2 (en) 2019-11-12

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