MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHT MODULE COMPRISING A LOW WALL FOR POSITIONING AND/OR ATTACHING AN OPTICAL DEVICE

Abstract

A motor vehicle light module has at least one first light source intended to emit first light rays and at least one second light source intended to emit second light rays. At least one optical device is configured to deflect at least a part of the first light rays and second light rays, and a support directly or indirectly supports the first light source and the second light source. At least one wall disposed on the support and configured to separate the first light rays from the second light rays, the optical device being positioned on and/or fixed to the wall.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle light module having: at least one first light source intended to emit first light rays and at least one second light source intended to emit second light rays; at least one optical device configured to deflect at least a part of the first light rays and second light rays, a support directly or indirectly supporting the first light source and the second light source, at least one wall disposed on the support and configured to separate the first light rays from the second light rays, the optical device being positioned on and/or fixed to the wall.

2. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the support has an upper face directly or indirectly supporting the first light source and the second light source, the upper face being intended to be a horizontal face when the light module is disposed in the motor vehicle.

3. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the support is a radiator configured to dissipate the heat energy emitted by the first light source and the second light source.

4. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the wall is integral with the support.

5. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the wall extends perpendicularly to the support.

6. Light module according to claim 1, wherein said at least one optical device comprises a projection lens having an optically active zone configured to project the first light rays and the second light rays in order to form a first light beam and a second light beam, respectively.

7. Light module according to claim 6, wherein the wall has a mounting lug, the projection lens has at least one mounting element which is situated at the periphery of the optically active zone and via which the projection lens is fitted in the light module, the mounting element having an orifice, the mounting lug of the wall being positioned in the orifice in the projection lens so as to position the projection lens on and/or fix it to the wall.

8. Light module according to claim 1, wherein said at least one optical device comprises a reflector that is able to reflect the first light rays and the second light rays, the reflector being positioned on and/or fixed to the wall.

9. Light module according to claim 8, wherein the reflector has at least one first reflective cavity that is able to reflect the first light rays emitted by the first light source and a second reflective cavity that is able to reflect the second light rays emitted by the second light source.

10. Light module according to claim 9, wherein the projection lens has at least one first portion intended for the projection of the first light rays reflected by the first reflective cavity, and a second portion intended for the projection of the second light rays reflected by the second reflective cavity.

11. Light module according to claim 8, wherein the wall has a first mechanical coupling element, the reflector has a second mechanical coupling element coupled to the first mechanical coupling element, and having a holding element cooperating with the first mechanical coupling element and the second mechanical coupling element in order to fix the reflector to the wall.

12. Light module according to claim 11, wherein the first mechanical coupling element is a screw bushing, the second mechanical coupling element is a through-hole and the holding element is a main screw that passes through the through-hole and is screwed into the screw bushing.

13. Light module according to claim 2, wherein the support is a radiator configured to dissipate the heat energy emitted by the first light source and the second light source.

14. Light module according to claim 2, wherein the wall is integral with the support.

15. Light module according to claim 2, wherein the wall extends perpendicularly to the support.

16. Light module according to claim 2, wherein said at least one optical device comprises a projection lens having an optically active zone configured to project the first light rays and the second light rays in order to form a first light beam and a second light beam, respectively.

17. Light module according to claim 2, wherein said at least one optical device comprises a reflector that is able to reflect the first light rays and the second light rays, the reflector being positioned on and/or fixed to the wall.

18. Light module according to claim 9, wherein the wall has a first mechanical coupling element, the reflector has a second mechanical coupling element coupled to the first mechanical coupling element, and having a holding element cooperating with the first mechanical coupling element and the second mechanical coupling element in order to fix the reflector to the wall.

19. Light module according to claim 3, wherein the wall is integral with the support.

20. Light module according to claim 3, wherein the wall extends perpendicularly to the support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the description and the drawings, in which:

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the lighting device according to the invention, having a support, a projection lens and a reflector;

[0069] FIG. 2 shows the lighting device from FIG. 1, from which the projection lens and the reflector have been removed;

[0070] FIG. 3 shows the projection lens of the light module shown in FIG. 1;

[0071] FIG. 4 shows the light module from FIG. 1, from which only the reflector has been removed;

[0072] FIG. 5 shows the light module from FIG. 1 in a top view and in which the screws for attaching the reflector to the light module have been removed;

[0073] FIG. 6 shows the light module from FIG. 1 in a top view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle light module 1 according to the invention. This light module is intended to be positioned in a lighting or signalling device of a motor vehicle, such as a headlight or a tail light. Generally, the lighting or signalling device has an open housing and an outer lens that closes the housing, thereby forming a cavity for receiving the light module 1.

[0075] Throughout the description, the vertical, transverse and longitudinal directions are given with reference to the light module 1 when the latter is positioned on the vehicle. The longitudinal direction L corresponds to the direction from the rear to the front of the light module 1 and is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the light module 1. The transverse direction T corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, from one transverse edge of the light module 1 to the other transverse edge of the light module 1. The vertical direction V corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and transverse direction T, and extends from bottom to top in the light module 1.

[0076] The front and rear directions are given in relation to the direction of propagation of the light in the light module 1 along the optical axis of the light module 1.

[0077] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the light module 1 has a support 40 and two optical devices, namely a reflector 20 and a projection lens 30.

[0078] FIG. 2 shows the light module 1, from which the reflector 20 and the projection lens 30 have been removed. It is thus possible to see that the light module 1 has a first light source 11 for emitting first light rays, and a plurality of second light sources 12 for emitting second light rays.

[0079] In the example shown, the light module 1 has five second light sources 12. The number of the first light source 11 and of the second light sources 12 shown in the figures is by way of illustration and does not limit the invention only to this possibility. Specifically, alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the light module 1 could comprise a plurality of first light sources 11 or a single second light source 12 or a different number of second light sources 12.

[0080] For example, the first light rays and the second light rays are each involved in the formation of a lighting beam with a cutoff, such as a low beam. In particular, the first light rays may be involved in the formation of a light beam with a cutoff and of small extent (sometimes known as a kink), while the second light rays may be involved in the formation of a beam without a cutoff but with a greater extent (sometimes known as a flat), the superposition of these two light beams making it possible to create a low beam.

[0081] In another example, the first light rays are involved in the formation of a lighting beam with a cutoff, such as a low beam, and the second light rays are involved in the formation of a lighting beam without a cutoff, such as a high beam.

[0082] Alternatively, the first and second light rays could be involved in the formation of a signalling function such as a marker light function or a brake function.

[0083] The first light source 11 and the second light sources 12 are disposed on a printed circuit board 14 (or PCB), which is itself disposed on the support 40. In particular, the support 40 has an upper face 40a on which the printed circuit board 14 is disposed. Thus, the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12 are indirectly supported by the support 40, and more particularly, the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12 are indirectly disposed on the upper face 40a of the support 40.

[0084] In an alternative, the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12 could be directly supported by the support 40.

[0085] In the example described, the upper face 40a is intended to be a horizontal face when the light module is disposed in the motor vehicle, in a normal mounting position.

[0086] By being disposed on the upper face 40a of the support 40, the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12 are disposed on the same side of the support 40. The first light source 11 and the second light sources 12 therefore respectively emit the first light rays and the second light rays in the same direction.

[0087] In the example illustrated, the support 40 is a radiator. The support 40 thus makes it possible to dissipate the heat energy emitted by the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12. In particular, the radiator has a plurality of fins 47 that are involved in the dissipation of the heat energy emitted by the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12.

[0088] The support 40 also has a first recess 44a and a second recess 44b that are situated at each lateral end of the support 40. The first recess 44a and the second recess 44b are situated in front of the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12.

[0089] The support 40 also has two additional screw bushings 46. These additional screw bushings 46 are situated behind the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12.

[0090] The light module 1 also has a wall 41, which is disposed on the support 40 and makes it possible to separate the first light rays from the second light rays. In particular, the wall 41 extends on the same side of the support 40 as the upper face 40a, and in particular in front of the upper face 40a of the support 40.

[0091] In the example illustrated, the wall 41 is integral with the support 40. The wall 41 and the support 40 are thus produced in a single injection-moulding operation. The simultaneous injection moulding of the wall 41 with the support 40 makes it possible to limit the production cost of the light module 1.

[0092] Furthermore, the wall 41 can thus advantageously be involved in the dissipation of the heat energy emitted by the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12.

[0093] Alternatively, the wall 41 could be a separate part from the support 40 and be connected and secured to the support 40.

[0094] The wall 41 extends perpendicularly to the support 40. In the example illustrated, the wall 41 extends vertically in the light module 1. In other words, the wall 41 is intended to extend in a plane that extends in a direction parallel to the vertical direction V and a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L when the light module is disposed in the motor vehicle, in a normal mounting position.

[0095] Since the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12 are disposed on the upper face 40a of the support 40, the vertical wall 41 makes it possible to effectively separate the first light rays and the second light rays.

[0096] The wall 41 comprises a mounting lug 42. The mounting lug 42 is situated at the front of the wall 41. The mounting lug 42 protrudes from the upper end of the wall 41.

[0097] The wall 41 also has a screw bushing 45 forming a first mechanical coupling element 45. This screw bushing 45 is situated at the rear of the wall 41.

[0098] The wall 41 has a wavy profile. This wavy profile makes it possible to limit parasitic rays in the light module 1. In particular, this wavy profile prevents the first light rays from interfering with the second light rays and vice versa.

[0099] As described above, the light module 1 has a reflector 20 and a projection lens 30. The reflector 20 and the projection lens 30 each make it possible to deflect at least a part of the first light rays and of the second light rays.

[0100] The projection lens 30 is illustrated in particular in FIG. 3. The projection lens 30 has an optically active zone 33 for projecting the first light rays and the second light rays in order to form a first light beam and a second light beam, respectively.

[0101] The projection lens 30 extends in the transverse direction T, which is transverse to an optical axis of the light module. In the example illustrated, the support 40 extends in a plane parallel to the transverse direction T and to the optical axis of the light module.

[0102] The projection lens 30 comprises a mounting element 31a via which the projection lens 30 is fitted in the light module 1. The mounting element 31a is not optically active, meaning that it is not involved in the deflection of the first and second light rays. The mounting element 31a is situated at the periphery of the optically active zone 33. The mounting element 31a extends in particular transversely along the upper edge of the optically active zone 33, and in particular behind the optically active zone 33.

[0103] The mounting element 31a has an orifice 32, which can be seen for example in FIG. 4. The mounting lug 42 of the wall 41 is positioned in the orifice 32 so as to position the projection lens 30 on and fix it to the wall 41. The cooperation between the mounting lug 42 and the orifice 32 makes it possible in particular to position the projection lens 30 in the transverse direction T and in the longitudinal direction L.

[0104] The projection lens 30 has an additional mounting element 31b situated at the periphery of the optically active zone 33. The additional mounting element 31b is not optically active, meaning that it is not involved in the deflection of the first and second light rays. The additional mounting element 31b is situated at the periphery of the optically active zone 33. The additional mounting element 31b extends in particular transversely along the lower edge of the optically active zone 33, and in particular behind the optically active zone 33.

[0105] The mounting element 31a and the additional mounting element 31b may be situated on a single part or may be situated on two separate parts, as in the example shown.

[0106] The additional mounting element 31b has a first lateral rib 34a and a second lateral rib 34b that are each situated at a lateral end of the additional mounting element 31b. The first lateral rib 41a is received in the first recess 44a of the support 40 and the second lateral rib 41b is received in the second recess 44b of the support 40. The cooperation of the first lateral rib 34a and the second lateral rib 34b with the first recess 44a and the second recess 44b, respectively, supplements the cooperation between the mounting lug 42 and the orifice 32 for the positioning of the projection lens 30 on the support 40. The cooperation of the first lateral rib 34a and the second lateral rib 34b with the first recess 44a and the second recess 44b, respectively, makes it possible in particular to position the projection lens 30 in the vertical direction V.

[0107] The reflector 20 makes it possible to reflect the first light rays and the second light rays. In particular, the reflector 20 reflects the first light rays and the second light rays towards the projection lens 30. The first and second light rays reflected by the reflector 20 are then projected by the projection lens 30 in order to form the first and second light beams.

[0108] The reflector 20 has a first reflective cavity 21 for reflecting the first light rays, and a second reflective cavity 22 for reflecting the second light rays. In particular, the second reflective cavity 22 has a plurality of sub-cavities 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, each of which is arranged opposite one of the second light sources 12 and makes it possible to reflect the second light rays from the second light source 12 opposite which it is arranged.

[0109] The projection lens 30 also has a first portion 35 intended for the projection of the first light rays reflected by the first reflective cavity 21 and a second portion 36 intended for the projection of the second light rays reflected by the second reflective cavity 22.

[0110] The reflector 20 has a second mechanical coupling element 25. This second mechanical coupling element 25 is coupled to the first mechanical coupling element 45 of the wall 41. In the example illustrated, and in particular as can be seen in FIG. 5, the second mechanical coupling element is a through-hole 25. The through-hole 25 is coupled to the screw bushing 45 of the wall 41. In particular, the screw bushing 45 and the through-hole 25 are aligned.

[0111] The light module 1 also has a holding element 5 cooperating with the first mechanical coupling element 45 and the second mechanical coupling element 25 in order to position the reflector 20 on and fix it to the wall 41.

[0112] In the example illustrated, and in particular as can be seen in FIG. 6, the holding element is a main screw 5. The main screw 5 passes through the through-hole 25 and is screwed into the screw bushing 45. Thus, the reflector 20 is fixed to the wall 41, and is therefore positioned with respect to the support 40.

[0113] According to an example that is not shown, the first mechanical coupling element may be an indentation, the second mechanical coupling element may be a stem inserted into the indentation by way of a lower end, and the holding means may be a clip positioned at an upper end of the stem, at the opposite end from the lower end.

[0114] The main screw 5 is situated in front of the first reflective cavity 21 and the second reflective cavity 22. Thus, the positioning of the first reflective cavity 21 and the second reflective cavity 22 is precise and ensures that the first reflective cavity 21 and the second reflective cavity 22 are aligned with the first light source 11 and the second light sources 12, respectively.

[0115] The reflector 20 has additional through-holes 26. Each additional through-hole 26 is associated with an additional screw bushing 46 of the support 40. Moreover, the light module 1 has an additional screw 6 associated with each additional through-hole 26. Each additional screw 6 passes through the additional through-hole 26 with which it is associated and is fixed in the additional screw bushing 46 of the support 40 with which it is associated. Each additional screw 6 is situated behind the first reflective cavity 21 and the second reflective cavity 22. The additional screws 6 form supplementary fixing to the fixing realized by the main screw 5. They ensure a better hold of the reflector 20 on the support 40.