Lighting module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting module (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a first lighting submodule (5) including a light source (6.3) capable of forming a first light beam; a second lighting submodule (10) capable of forming a second light beam; a second projection lens (12) for projecting the second light beam and adjacent to the first projection lens (8); and an optical device (18) configured to redirect light rays from the light source (6.3) directly from the first lighting submodule (5) and passing in front of the reflective surface (6.2) of the first lighting submodule (5) to the second projection lens (12) so that the second projection lens (12) appears to be illuminated even when the second lighting submodule (10) is turned off.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting, particularly to lighting for motor vehicles. More specifically, it relates to lighting modules intended for integration into motor vehicle headlights. Background Technology

[0002] It is generally known that a cutoff illumination beam is generated by using one or more light-emitting modules with a cutoff line forming unit. Typically, such a light-emitting module includes a collector having a rotating reflective surface with an elliptical profile, and taking the form of a cap in a half-space defined by a horizontal plane. A point light source of the LED type is located at a first focal point of the reflective surface and illuminates the half-space along the direction of said surface. Thus, the light is reflected in a converging manner toward a second focal point of the reflective surface. Another generally flat reflective surface with a cutoff edge at the second focal point ensures the upward reflection of light rays that do not travel precisely through the second focal point; these rays are then refracted toward the bottom of the illumination beam by a thick lens. This reflective surface is often referred to as the "cutoff line forming unit" because it "forms a cutoff line" toward the top of the projection lens, otherwise those rays would form the upper portion of the illumination beam. Such a light-emitting module has the disadvantage of requiring the cutoff line forming unit and the cutoff edge to be positioned with high precision. Furthermore, the projection lens must be a thick lens due to its small focal length, which increases the weight of the projection lens and complicates its production, especially due to defects such as concavity. Additionally, the collector has a certain height and therefore a volume in a certain height direction.

[0003] The published patent document WO 2020 / 025171A1 discloses a light-emitting module, particularly for use in motor vehicles. This module includes a collector having a reflective surface that collects and reflects light emitted by a light source into a beam, similar to a light-emitting module with a cutoff line forming unit. The module also includes a projection optics system (e.g., a lens) specifically configured to project the beam of light in question through an image formed by the reflective surface of the collector. For this purpose, the projection optics system has a focal point located on the reflective surface, for example, at the rear edge of the reflective surface, to properly image said edge and form a sharp cutoff in the projected beam. This type of light-emitting module has the advantage of compactness, especially in terms of height, and is simple to manufacture. They can be combined to form a variety of cumulative beams.

[0004] Published patent document FR 3 093 789A1 discloses a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight that combines the technology of a previous document by combining a first cutoff lighting submodule providing low beam type lighting function and a second lighting submodule without cutoff, the second cutoff lighting submodule supplementing the cutoff beam to provide high beam type lighting function. This module, described as dual-function, has the disadvantage that during the low beam type lighting function, the projection lens or a portion of the projection lens associated with the second lighting submodule without cutoff is not illuminated. This lack of illumination may cause problems related to the overall appearance of the lighting module. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art described above. More specifically, the object of this invention is to solve the problem of an unilluminated portion of the projection lens of a dual-function lighting module.

[0006] The subject of this invention is a lighting module for a motor vehicle, the lighting module including a first lighting submodule configured to generate a first light beam, and comprising:

[0007] - A sub-component having a main light source and a main collector with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light emitted by the main light source into a main reflected beam;

[0008] - A first projection lens, configured to project at least a majority of the main reflected beam into a main projection beam that at least partially forms the first beam.

[0009] The lighting module further includes a second lighting submodule configured to generate a second light beam and including a second projection lens for projecting the second light beam and adjacent to the first projection lens.

[0010] According to the invention, the lighting module further includes an optical device configured to redirect light rays directly from the main light source of the first lighting submodule and passing in front of the reflective surface of the main collector of the first lighting submodule toward the second projection lens, so as to give the second projection lens an illuminated appearance when the second lighting submodule is turned off.

[0011] By way of example, the optical device is disposed between the sub-assembly and the first projection lens.

[0012] According to the present invention, the first beam may be a beam including an upper cutoff portion having a horizontal portion, especially a near beam.

[0013] According to the present invention, the second beam can be a beam including a lower cutoff portion having a horizontal section, particularly a complementary high beam. The features in this section can be combined with the features in the preceding section, and in this case, the second beam, together with the near beam, forms a high beam, with the lower cutoff portion coinciding with the upper cutoff portion. Therefore, the illumination module is a dual-function module for both near and high beams.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second illumination submodule may include a light source and a collector with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light emitted by the light source into a second reflected beam. The second projection lens is configured to project at least a majority of the second reflected beam into a second projected beam forming the second beam. In this case, the optical device is disposed partly between the light source and the collector, and partly between the second projection lenses.

[0015] In another embodiment, the second submodule may include a light source and optical elements capable of deflecting at least a majority of the light emitted by the light source of the second illumination submodule toward the second projection lens. The optical elements may include one or more lenses, one or more reflectors, one or more light guides, or possible combinations thereof. In this case, the optical arrangement is positioned between the optical elements and the second projection lens.

[0016] According to the present invention, one or more light sources may be light-emitting diodes, also known as LEDs.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first illumination submodule and the second illumination submodule may be disposed on opposite sides of the dividing plane, and the light rays returned by the optical device travel through the dividing plane.

[0018] In this case, the dividing plane divides the space in the lighting module into a first space dedicated to the first lighting submodule and a second space dedicated to the second lighting submodule.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical device may include a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface, the first reflective surface being configured to reflect light from the main light source directly from the first illumination submodule into reflected light, and the second reflective surface being configured to reflect the reflected light toward the second projection lens.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first reflective surface may have a parabolic or elliptical profile, such that light reflected by the first reflective surface converges. The parabolic or elliptical profile may be in a longitudinal plane including the optical axis of the illumination module, and / or in a transverse plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The convergence of light reflected by the first reflective surface further allows the light to be focused at the point where the light travels through the dividing plane, thereby limiting the space required for the light to travel.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first reflective surface may have a flat surface or a surface of another shape adapted to return light from the main light source directly from the first illumination submodule toward the second reflective surface.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lighting module includes a support member for the first lighting submodule and / or the second lighting submodule, the support member extending along the dividing plane and having an aperture adapted to allow light reflected by the first reflective surface to pass through.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second reflective surface may have a rough surface structure. In other words, the second reflective surface has raised or uneven surfaces.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second reflective surface has regular raised surfaces.

[0025] The second reflective surface can be configured to reflect reflected light from the first reflective surface in a scattering manner and guide the reflected light toward the second projection lens.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first reflective surface is disposed on the same side of the dividing plane as the first illumination submodule, and the second reflective surface is disposed on the same side of the dividing plane as the second illumination submodule.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lighting module may further include a housing that accommodates the first lighting submodule and the second lighting submodule, wherein the first reflective surface and / or the second reflective surface are formed on the housing or supported by the housing.

[0028] Advantageously, the second reflective surface can be formed directly on the housing, and advantageously, the average elevation is at least 1 mm, more advantageously at least 2 mm, and even more advantageously at least 3 mm.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first projection lens may have a focusing region located on the reflective surface of the main collector and behind the main light source of the first illumination submodule. The projection lens is configured to image a portion of the reflective surface, the portion being located behind the main light source along the general propagation direction of the reflected light in the first illumination submodule.

[0030] Advantageously, the focusing area can be located at the rear edge of the reflective surface.

[0031] Generally, the focal area can be the focal point, also known as the focal point, or it can be the focal line, also known as the focal line.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sub-component is a first sub-component, and the first lighting sub-module further includes a second sub-component, the second sub-component having:

[0033] -Secondary light source;

[0034] - A secondary collector with a reflective surface that can reflect light emitted by the secondary light source into a secondary reflected beam.

[0035] Furthermore, the second sub-component may be recessed rearward relative to the first sub-component along the general direction of light propagation. In other words, the second sub-component is positioned upstream of the first sub-component along the general direction of light propagation.

[0036] Furthermore, the first projection lens can be configured to project at least a majority of the secondary reflected beam as a secondary projected beam. In this case, the primary projected beam and the secondary projected beam together form the first beam.

[0037] In this example, the first child component is also referred to as the first type of child component, and the second child component that is recessed relative to the first child component is also referred to as the second type of child component.

[0038] Here, "light ray" in "general direction of light propagation" refers to the light ray that contributes to the formation of the first and second beams. Unless otherwise specified, the general direction of light propagation in the first illumination submodule is parallel to the optical axis of the first illumination submodule. Similarly, the general direction of light propagation in the second illumination submodule is parallel to the optical axis of the second illumination submodule. Advantageously, the optical axis of the first illumination submodule may be parallel to the optical axis of the second illumination submodule.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical device can be configured to also return light rays that come directly from the secondary light source and pass in front of the reflective surface of the secondary collector toward the second projection lens.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the optical device may include a third reflective surface configured to reflect light from the secondary light source directly from the second sub-assembly toward the second reflective surface, the second reflective surface being configured to reflect light reflected by the third reflective surface toward the second projection lens.

[0041] The third reflective surface is associated with a second sub-component of the first illumination submodule.

[0042] Advantageously, the third reflective surface associated with the second sub-component can be recessed in the rearward direction relative to the first reflective surface along the general direction of light propagation.

[0043] The third reflective surface can be integrated into the secondary collector. In this case, the third reflective surface follows the reflective surface of the secondary collector, but is oriented differently relative to the reflective surface. The third reflective surface may also have a different profile than the reflective surface.

[0044] Advantageously, the third reflective surface can be positioned on the same side of the dividing plane as the first illumination submodule.

[0045] Advantageously, the lighting module includes a support shared by a first sub-component and a second sub-component of the first lighting sub-module, the support extending along a dividing plane and having a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture being adapted to allow light reflected by a first reflective surface to pass through, the second aperture being adapted to allow light reflected by a third reflective surface to pass through, and the second aperture being recessed in a rearward direction relative to the first aperture along the general direction of light propagation.

[0046] The advantage of the measures of the present invention is that they enable illumination of the second projection lens to be ensured even when the second illumination submodule is turned off, without the need for an additional or auxiliary light source. Illumination of the second projection lens is ensured by utilizing light that would otherwise be lost from the first illumination submodule. Furthermore, since the optical device involves a relatively small number of reflective surfaces (two or three in this example), it has a simple construction.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, which includes a lighting module according to the present invention.

[0048] In particular, according to the invention, the lighting module is a single device in which its components (especially the lighting sub-module and the lens) are joined together. In other words, these components are joined together independently of the fastening device of the lighting module, which is designed to secure the lighting module in the headlight.

[0049] The first and second lenses can be formed as a single piece. This module has a more integrated appearance.

[0050] The first lens and the second lens can each have different focal lengths. This invention is particularly advantageous in this case. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a functional schematic diagram of a lighting module along a longitudinal section according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 It is a cutoff lighting submodule and is used to enable... Figure 1 A perspective view of the first reflective surface of the optical device reflecting the light from the illumination module;

[0053] Figure 3 It is used to make Figure 1 A perspective view of the second reflective surface of the optical device reflecting the light from the illumination module;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Implementation

[0056] In the following description, the concepts of "front" and "back" are understood in relation to the main propagation directions of light along the optical axes of the first illumination submodule and the second illumination submodule.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a functional schematic diagram of a lighting module for a motor vehicle along a longitudinal section according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The lighting module 2 includes a housing 4, which is schematically shown. It should be understood that the housing 4 may have a substantially more complex shape and is made of multiple parts joined together.

[0059] The illumination module 2 includes a first illumination submodule 5, which is capable of forming a first beam with a horizontal cutoff portion. The first illumination submodule 5 includes a subassembly 6, which includes a first collector 6.1 having a reflective surface 6.2 capable of collecting and reflecting light emitted by a main light source 6.3. The main light source 6.3 is advantageously semiconductor-type, in this example, a light-emitting diode (LED). The main light source 6.3 provides light substantially in a space defined by the plane of the main light source, in a main direction perpendicular to said plane and pointing towards the main collector 6.1. The main collector 6.1, and more particularly the reflective surface 6.2, has a concave shape similar to the concave shape of a half-shell. The reflective surface 6.2 is configured to collect most of the light emitted by the main light source 6.3 and, in the direction of the first projection lens 8 forming part of the first illumination submodule 5, at least partially forms the first cutoff beam or all of the first beam.

[0060] The first beam emitted by the first projection lens 8 provides a near-beam type of compliant motor vehicle lighting function. This function includes a horizontal cutoff.

[0061] The lighting module 2 also includes a second lighting submodule 10 capable of forming a second beam of light.

[0062] Similar to the first illumination submodule 5, the second illumination submodule 10 includes a collector 10.1 with a reflective surface 10.2 and a light source 10.3. Still similar to the first illumination submodule 5, the reflective surface 10.2 is configured to collect and reflect light emitted by the light source 10.3 and to form a second beam in the direction of the second projection lens 12, which forms part of the second illumination submodule 10. The collector 10.1, and more particularly the reflective surface 10.2, has a concave shape, similar to the concave shape of a half-shell, and the light source 10.3 provides light substantially in a principal direction perpendicular to the plane of the plane defined by the light source 10.3 and pointing towards the collector 10.1.

[0063] Of course, the second illumination submodule 10 can have a different structure than the first illumination submodule 5. For example, the second illumination submodule may include multiple light sources and multiple light guides, each guide associated with a light source to propagate light emitted by the light source in the direction of the second projection lens. In this example, the second illumination submodule may also include one or more additional lenses disposed between the guides and the projection lens. The one or more additional lenses may be configured to correct optical aberrations, such as field aberration.

[0064] The second beam emitted by the second projection lens 12 supplements the first beam emitted by the first projection lens 8 to provide a compliant motor vehicle lighting function of the high beam type. In another example, the second beam can perform the compliant motor vehicle lighting function of the high beam type independently.

[0065] It should be noted that the first lighting submodule 5 and the second lighting submodule 10 are opposite to the partition plane. In other words, the first lighting submodule 5 and the second lighting submodule 10 are disposed on opposite sides of the partition plane and oriented relative to each other, meaning that the main illumination directions of their light sources 6.3 and 10.3 are opposite. Advantageously, the light sources 6.3 and 10.3 in question can be disposed on a common support 16. This common support 16 extends in the partition plane and advantageously forms a plate. Figure 1 In the diagram, the common support 16 is schematically shown by a line; however, it should be understood that the common support 16 has a non-zero thickness.

[0066] Of course, support member 16 can be used solely as a support member for the first lighting submodule 5. In this case, another support member separate from support member 16 is assigned to the second lighting submodule 10.

[0067] Reflective surfaces 6.2 and 10.2 advantageously have an elliptical or parabolic profile. One or each of these reflective surfaces 6.2 and 10.2 is advantageously a surface of revolution about an axis parallel to the optical axis of the respective illumination module. Alternatively, the reflective surface can be a free-form surface, a swept surface, or an asymmetric surface. The reflective surface can also have multiple sectors. The term "parabolic type" generally applies to reflective surfaces with a single focal point (i.e., a converging region of light), such that light emitted by a light source placed in this converging region is projected a great distance after reflection at the surface. Projection a great distance means that these rays do not converge toward an area located at least 10 times the size of the reflective surface. In other words, the reflected rays do not converge toward the converging region, or if the reflected rays do converge, the converging region is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the size of the reflective surface. Therefore, a parabolic surface may or may not have a parabolic portion. Collectors with such surfaces are often used alone to create light beams. Alternatively, this surface can be used as a projection surface associated with an elliptical collector. In this case, the light source of the parabolic collector is the converging region of the light reflected from the elliptical collector.

[0068] Each of light sources 6.3 and 10.3 is positioned at the focal point of the corresponding reflective surfaces 6.2 and 10.2, such that light from that light source is collected and reflected along the optical axis of the respective illumination module. At least some of these reflected rays have an angle α in the vertical plane relative to the axis, which is less than or equal to 25° and preferably less than or equal to 10°, in order to be under the so-called Gaussian condition, thereby enabling stigmatism, that is, achieving sharpness of the projected image. Advantageously, this addresses the issue of light reflected from the rear of reflective surfaces 6.2 and 10.2.

[0069] The first projection lens 8 includes a focal point 8.1 located on a portion of the reflective surface 6.2 between the light source 6.3 and the rear edge 6.2.1 of the reflective surface 6.2. In this example, the focal point 8.1 is located on the rear edge 6.2.1 of the reflective surface 6. This positioning of the focal point allows for imaging of the rear portion of the illuminated reflective surface, in this example, the rear edge 6.2.1 of the reflective surface, thereby forming a sharp cutoff corresponding to the edge. As shown by the path of the light, the projected image of the illuminated reflective surface is inverted, meaning that the rear edge forms an upper horizontal cutoff of the first light beam.

[0070] The second projection lens 12 includes a focal point 12.1, which is advantageously located on the reflective surface 10.2, between the front edge 12.2.2 and the rear edge 12.2.1 of the reflective surface 10.2. The focal point 12.1 may be located on the portion of the reflective surface 10.2 between the light source 10.3 and the rear edge 10.2.1 of the reflective surface 10.2.

[0071] The first projection lens 8 and the second projection lens 12 are adjacent to each other at the joining axis 14. The first projection lens 8 and the second projection lens 12 are advantageously formed as a single piece, that is, integrally manufactured without any discontinuity between the two projection lenses. Alternatively, the first projection lens 8 and the second projection lens 12 can be mated together. The first projection lens 8 and the second projection lens 12 can also be offset along the longitudinal axis (that is, the axis parallel to the optical axis of each of the first and second illumination submodules).

[0072] Still referencing Figure 1The illumination module 2 includes an optical device 18 configured to return light from the first illumination submodule 5, which would otherwise be lost toward the second projection lens 12. This lost light originates directly from the light source 6.3 and passes in front of the leading edge 6.2.2 of the reflective surface 6.2 on the collector 6.1; therefore, this light is not reflected by the reflective surface 6.2. The optical device 18 includes a first reflective surface 18.1 disposed in front of the collector 6.1 to collect at least some of the light rays that originate directly from the light source 6.3 and bypass the collector 6.2. Therefore, the first reflective surface 18.1 is located between the collector 6.1 and the first projection lens 8. The first reflective surface 18.1 is configured to... Figure 1 The light in question is reflected by a second reflective surface 18.2 facing the optical device 18 in the direction opposite to the separating plane realized by the joining axis 14 and the common support 16. Then, the second reflective surface is configured to reflect the light in question toward the second projection lens 12.

[0073] Therefore, the optical device 18 enables the second projection lens 12 to be illuminated with light generated by the sub-component 6, light that would otherwise be lost. This means that when only the first illumination sub-module 5 is activated, that is, when the sub-component 6 is turned on, this light, which would otherwise be lost, will illuminate the second projection lens 12, thereby ensuring the overall illuminated appearance of the first projection lens 8 and the second projection lens 12. It should be understood that the illumination power of the second projection lens 12 illuminated by the optical device 18 is weaker than the illumination power of the second projection lens 12 illuminated by the second illumination sub-module 10. This difference in illumination power is not directly perceptible to an observer in front of the illumination module. When the second illumination sub-module and the first illumination sub-module are activated simultaneously, this illumination of the second projection lens 12 by the optical device 18 is also weak enough not to disturb the second beam.

[0074] Advantageously, the first reflective surface has a parabolic or elliptical profile in both the longitudinal and transverse planes (perpendicular to the optical axis), such that reflected light converges at the separating plane before encountering the second reflective surface 18.2, and then diverges. This convergence is advantageous when the common support 16 extends longitudinally to the position where the reflected light travels between the first reflective surface 18.1 and the second reflective surface 18.2. The light can then pass in front of the leading edge of the common support 16, or through the aperture 16.1 formed in the common support.

[0075] The first reflective surface 18.1 may be formed directly on the collector 6.1, directly on the housing 4, or otherwise formed on a specific component fastened to the housing 4 and / or the collector 6.1 by means of a continuation of the first reflective surface.

[0076] The second reflective surface 18.2 may have a straight or nearly straight profile in the longitudinal and / or transverse planes so as to reflect light toward most (advantageously more than 80%) of the input surface of the second projection lens 12.

[0077] The second reflective surface 18.2 can be formed directly on the housing 4, or otherwise formed on a specific component fastened to the housing 4. The second reflective surface 18.2 can be formed directly on the wall of the housing 4 and covered with a reflective coating, in which case the surface is advantageously raised relative to the wall to facilitate positioning of the protective mask during the deposition of the reflective coating. The elevation can be at least 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm on average. The elevation of the second reflective surface also allows for optimal orientation of the surface.

[0078] Figure 2 It is a cutoff lighting module and is used to make Figure 1 A perspective view of the first reflective surface of the optical device reflecting the light from the illumination module.

[0079] Figure 2 The thickness of the common support component 16 is non-zero. Figure 2 The illustration also shows the paths taken by four extreme rays emitted by the light source 6.3 as they pass in front of the front edge 6.2.2 of the reflective surface 6.2 of the sub-component 6 of the first illumination sub-module 5 and encounter the first reflective surface 18.1 of the optical device 18. The parabolic or elliptical outlines of the reflective surface 6.2 of the collector 6.1 and the first reflective surface 18.1 of the optical device 18 can be seen.

[0080] Figure 3 It is used to make Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the second reflective surface of an optical device reflecting the light from the illumination module.

[0081] The second reflective surface 18.2 may have a rough surface structure. In this case, the second reflective surface 18.2 may include a series of raised surfaces 18.2.1 arranged in the form of an array 18.2.2. Specifically, these raised surfaces 18.2.1 may significantly form steps or pads, and the array 18.2.2 may significantly be in the form of lines or a grid. The raised surfaces 18.2.1 and the array 18.2.2 may be configured to reflect the received light in a uniform manner, primarily towards the second projection lens 12. For this purpose, the raised surfaces 18.2.1 and the array 18.2.2 may provide the function of diffusing the received light, but directing the received light towards the second projection lens 12.

[0082] Figure 4This is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals from the first embodiment are used to denote identical or corresponding elements; however, these numbers are increased by 100. Furthermore, reference is made to the description of these elements given in the context of the first embodiment.

[0083] The difference between the lighting module 102 of the second embodiment of the present invention and the lighting module of the first embodiment is essentially that the first lighting submodule includes a plurality of sub-components disposed in contact with each other. Specifically, the first lighting submodule 105 includes a first sub-component 106 similar to sub-component 6 of the first submodule 5 of the first embodiment. The first lighting submodule 105 also includes a second sub-component 106', which is similar to or even identical to the first sub-component 106 and disposed in contact with the first sub-component 106. The first lighting submodule may also include additional sub-components, such as a third sub-component 106" and a fifth sub-component 106"', all of which are disposed in contact with each other on the same side of the dividing plane realized by the common support 116.

[0084] The lighting module also includes a second lighting submodule 110, which is not visible. This second lighting submodule 110 is similar to the second lighting submodule 10 of the first embodiment and is located on the opposite side of the dividing plane realized by the common support 116.

[0085] The reflective surfaces 106.2, 106.2, 106".2, and 106".'.2 of the sub-components 106, 106', 106" and 106"' are advantageously adjacent to each other, such that the collector (not shown) on which these reflective surfaces are formed can be a single piece. Each of the illumination modules 106, 106', 106" and 106"' generates a cutoff beam, which are combined to form a near-beam type illumination function conforming to the specifications. For this purpose, one of the illumination modules 106, 106', 106" and 106"' can form a wide beam with a straight cutoff, another illumination module can form a narrow beam with a cutoff with a kink, and yet another illumination module can form a narrow beam with a straight cutoff.

[0086] In addition to the first reflective surface 118.1, the optical device 118 in this example also includes a third reflective surface 118'.1, a fourth reflective surface 118”.1, and a fifth reflective surface 118”'.1. Specifically, each sub-assembly 106, 106', 106”, and 106”' has one reflective surface. The common support 116 may also include apertures 116.1, 116.1', 116.1”, and 116.1”' for each of the sub-assemblies 106, 106', 106”, and 106”'. The second reflective surface 118.2 of the optical device 118 may be shared by the illumination modules 106, 106', 106”, and 106”'.

[0087] The first projection lens 108 is shared by sub-assemblies 106, 106', 106" and 106"'. Then, when only the first sub-assembly 106, the third sub-assembly 106', the fourth sub-assembly 106" and the fifth sub-assembly 106"' are active, and the second illumination sub-module 110 is inactive, the second projection lens 112, which is directly adjacent to the first projection lens 108, is illuminated over its entire lateral range.

[0088] It should be noted that the second lighting submodule 110 may include a plurality of sub-components arranged in contact with each other on opposite sides of the dividing plane realized by a common support.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals from the second embodiment are used to denote identical or corresponding elements; however, these numbers are increased by 100. Furthermore, reference is made to the description of these elements within the context of the second embodiment.

[0090] The difference between the lighting module 202 of the third embodiment of the present invention and the lighting module of the first embodiment is that the first lighting submodule 205 includes multiple sub-components, similar to the second embodiment. Specifically, the first lighting submodule 205 includes a first sub-component 206 similar to the sub-component 6 of the first embodiment. The first lighting submodule 205 also includes a second lighting submodule 206' and a third sub-component 206'". The second lighting submodule 206' is similar to or even identical to the first sub-component 206 and is disposed in connection with the first sub-component 206. The third sub-component 206' is similar to or even identical to the first sub-component 206 and is disposed in connection with the first sub-component 206. Figure 5 The right side is connected to the second sub-component 206'.

[0091] The first illumination submodule 205 further includes a fourth sub-component 206”' and a fifth sub-component 206”', which are respectively disposed on both sides of the central block composed of the first sub-component 206, the second sub-component 206”' and the fourth sub-component 206”', and are recessed relative to the central block along the optical axis of the first illumination submodule. The first sub-component 206, the second sub-component 206’ and the third sub-component 206”' are also referred to as first-type sub-components. The fourth sub-component 206”' and the fifth sub-component 206”'' are also referred to as second-type sub-components.

[0092] In this configuration, similar to the first type of sub-component, each of the second type of sub-components 206”' and 206”” ​​includes secondary light sources 206”'.3, 206””.3 and secondary collectors having reflective surfaces 206”'.2, 206””.2 capable of reflecting light emitted by the secondary light sources into secondary reflected beams. In this configuration, the first projection lens 208 is configured to project at least a majority of the secondary reflected beams into secondary projected beams. Here, the secondary projected beam is a narrow cutoff beam with kinks.

[0093] The reflective surfaces 206.2, 106".2, and 106"'.2 of the sub-assemblies 206, 206', and 106" are advantageously adjacent to each other, such that the collector (not shown) on which these reflective surfaces are formed can be a single piece. Each of the sub-assemblies 206, 206', and 206" of the central block produces an extended cutoff beam, while the recessed sub-assemblies 206"' and 206"" produce a narrow cutoff beam with kinks that combine with each other. All these beams combine to form a near-beam type compliant illumination function.

[0094] Similar to the previous embodiment, the lighting module 202 includes a second lighting submodule 210 that is not visible. This second lighting submodule 210 is similar to the second lighting submodule 10 of the first embodiment and is located on the opposite side of the dividing plane implemented by the common support 216.

[0095] In addition to the first reflective surface 218.1, the optical device 218 in this example also includes a third reflective surface 218”.1, a fourth reflective surface 218”'.1, and a fifth reflective surface 218””.1. Specifically, each sub-assembly 206, 206”, 206”', and 206”” ​​has a reflective surface. The common support 216 may also include apertures 216.1, 216.1”, 216.1”', and 216””.1 for each of the sub-assemblies 206, 206”, 206”', and 206””. The second reflective surface 218.2 of the optical device 218 may be shared by the sub-assemblies 206, 206”, 206”', and 206””.

[0096] It can be observed that in the central block of sub-assemblies 206, 206' and 206" only the lateral sub-assemblies 206 and 206" are associated with the reflective surfaces 218.1 and 218".1 of the optical device 218, which means that the central illumination module 206' does not contribute to the illumination of the second projection lens.

[0097] It can also be observed that the fourth sub-assembly 206”' and the second sub-assembly 206”” ​​are recessed in the rearward direction relative to the central block of sub-assemblies 206, 206’, and 206” along the total propagation direction of the light along the optical axis of the first illumination sub-module. For this purpose, the reflective surfaces 218”’.1 and 218””.1 of the optical device 218 associated with these sub-assemblies 206”’ and 206”” ​​are also recessed relative to the reflective surfaces 218.1 and 218”.1 associated with the central block. This recess of the reflective surfaces 218”’.1 and 218””.1 allows light that would otherwise be lost and reflected downwards to be reflected by the second reflective surface 218.2 at an angle more favorable for illuminating the second projection lens 212. This recess brings the reflective surfaces 218”’.1 and 218””.1 of the sub-assemblies 206”’ and 206”” ​​closer together to concentrate more light from the light source directly from these sub-assemblies. As a result, the illuminated appearance of the second projection lens is further improved.

[0098] Finally, this arrangement also allows for a certain degree of compactness in the height of the lighting module. This is because recessing the reflective surfaces 218”'.1 and 218””.1 allows the reflective surfaces to be positioned at a lower height, near the respective sub-components 206”' and 206””.

Claims

1. A lighting module for motor vehicles (2; 102； 202), including: A first illumination submodule (5; 105; 205), configured to generate a first light beam, and comprising: Sub-components (6; 106; 206), the sub-components having a main light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) and a main collector (6.1) with a reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) capable of reflecting light emitted by the main light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) into a main reflected beam; and A first projection lens (8; 108; 208) is configured to project at least a majority of the main reflected beam into a main projected beam that at least partially forms the first beam, wherein the first projection lens (8; 108; 208) has a focusing region located on the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the main collector (6.1) and behind the main light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3); A second illumination submodule (10; 110; 210) is configured to generate a second light beam and includes a second projection lens (12; 112; 212) for projecting the second light beam and is adjacent to the first projection lens (8; 108; 208). The illumination module (2; 102) is characterized in that it further includes an optical device (18; 118; 218) configured to direct light from the main light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) directly from the first illumination submodule (5; 105; 205) and passing in front of the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the first illumination submodule (6; 106; 206) toward the second projection lens (12; 112; 212) to give the second projection lens (12; 112; 212) the appearance of being illuminated when the second illumination submodule (10; 110; 210) is turned off.

2. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 1, wherein, The first illumination submodule (5; 105; 205) and the second illumination submodule (10; 110; 210) are disposed on both sides of the partition plane, and the light rays returned by the optical device (18; 118; 218) travel through the partition plane.

3. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 2, wherein, The optical device (18; 118; 218) includes a first reflective surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1) and a second reflective surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2), the first reflective surface being configured to reflect the main light source (6.3; 118.1; 218.2) directly from the first illumination submodule (6; 106; 206). The light rays of 106.3; 206.3) are reflected as reflected light rays, and the second reflective surface is configured to reflect the reflected light rays toward the second projection lens (12; 112; 212).

4. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 3, comprising a support (16; 116; 216) for the first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205) and / or the second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210), the support extending along the dividing plane and having an aperture (16.1; 116.1; 216.1) adapted to allow light reflected by the first reflective surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1) to pass through.

5. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 3, wherein, The second reflective surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) has a rough surface structure.

6. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The second reflective surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) has regular raised surfaces (18.2.1; 18.2.2).

7. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The first reflective surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1) is disposed on the same side of the dividing plane as the first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205), and the second reflective surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) is disposed on the same side of the dividing plane as the second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210).

8. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a housing (4) accommodating the first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205) and the second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210), wherein the first reflective surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1) and / or the second reflective surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) are formed on or supported by the housing (4).

9. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The first projection lens is configured to image a portion of the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the main collector (6.1), and the imaged portion is located behind the main light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) along the general propagation direction of the reflected light in the first illumination submodule.

10. The lighting module (202) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The sub-component (206) is a first sub-component (206), and the first lighting sub-module (205) further includes a second sub-component (206''', 206''''), the second sub-component having: -Secondary light source (206'''.3, 206''''.3); - A secondary collector with reflective surfaces (206'''.2, 206''''.2), the reflective surfaces of which are capable of reflecting light emitted by the secondary light source into a secondary reflected beam; The second sub-component (206''', 206'''') is recessed in the rearward direction relative to the first sub-component (206) along the total propagation direction of the light; Wherein, the first projection lens (8; 108; 208) is configured to project at least a majority of the secondary reflected beam as a secondary projected beam; and The primary projection beam and the secondary projection beam together form the first beam.

11. The lighting module (202) according to claim 10, wherein, The optical device (218) is configured to also return light rays that come directly from the secondary light source (206'''.3, 206''''.3) and pass in front of the reflective surface (206'''.2, 206''''.2) of the secondary collector toward the second projection lens (212).

12. The lighting module (202) according to claim 10, wherein, The optical device (218) includes a third reflective surface (218'''.1, 218''''.1), which is configured to reflect light directly from the secondary light source (206'''.3, 206''''.3) toward a second reflective surface (218.2), which is configured to reflect light reflected by the third reflective surface toward the second projection lens (212).

13. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The first projection lens and the second projection lens are formed as a single piece.

14. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The first projection lens and the second projection lens each have different focal lengths.

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