Illumination module for imaging illuminated surface of light collector

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module (2), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (4) capable of emitting light; a light collector (6) having a reflective surface (6.2) configured to collect light emitted by the light source (4) and to reflect the light into a light beam along an optical axis (8) of the module; an optical system (10) configured to project the light beam. The light collector (6) is configured such that a portion of the light of the light beam is parallel to the optical axis (8) or has an inclination angle a of less than or equal to 25 DEG with respect to said optical axis in a vertical plane; the optical system (10) is configured to form an image of the reflective surface (6.2) of the light collector (6). The invention also relates to a lighting device comprising one or more such lighting modules.

Description

[0001] This application is a patent application entered into China on January 28, 2021, with the national application number 201980050549.2, and the invention name is a divisional application of the patent application "Illumination module for imaging the illuminated surface of the collector".

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of lighting and signalling, and in particular to the field of motor vehicles.

[0003] It is generally known practice to use one or more lighting modules with a bender to produce an illumination beam with a cut-off. Such an illumination module generally comprises a light collector with a reflective surface, which has an elliptical profile and is in the shape of a cap in a half-space bounded by a horizontal plane. A substantially point light source of the light-emitting diode type is located at a first focus of the reflective surface and shines into the half-space in the direction of the surface. The light rays are thus reflected in a converging manner towards a second focus of the reflective surface. A further substantially planar reflective surface with a cut-off edge at the height of the second focus ensures that the light rays that do not pass exactly through the second focus are reflected upwards and are then refracted by the thick lens towards the bottom of the illumination beam. Such a reflective surface is generally referred to as a "bender" because it "bends" towards the top of the projection lens those rays that would otherwise form the upper part of the illumination beam.

[0004] A disadvantage of this lighting module is that the positioning of the bender and the positioning of the cut-off edge require high precision. As a result, the projection lens must be a thick lens due to its small focal length, which increases its weight and complicates its production, especially with regard to shrinkage marks. In addition, the light collector has a certain height and therefore a certain height-directed volume.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting module capable of forming a light beam, possibly with a cut-off, which lighting module is compact and can be produced more economically.

[0006] A subject of the invention is a lighting module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: a light source capable of emitting light; a light collector having a reflective surface configured to collect the light emitted by the light source and to reflect the light into a light beam along the optical axis of the module; an optical system configured to project the light beam; it is noteworthy that the optical system is configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the light collector.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light collector is configured so that the rays of the light beam reflected from the rear portion of the reflective surface of the light collector are parallel to the optical axis or in a vertical plane at an angle of inclination relative to said optical axis, said angle of inclination being less than or equal to 25°, preferably less than or equal to 10°. Advantageously, the rays in question correspond to at least 30%, preferably 40%, more preferably 50%, more preferably 80% of the rays of said light beam. Advantageously, the rear portion of the reflective surface is the rear half of said surface.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source is configured to emit light along a main direction comprised between 65° and 115° relative to the optical axis, preferably perpendicular to the optical axis. According to a variant, the light source can be associated with a refractive element of the lens type in order to adjust the distribution of the light on the reflecting surface of the light collector and in particular to produce a variation in the light intensity.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reflective surface of the light collector has a parabolic profile or an elliptical profile. Preferably, the reflective surface is a surface of revolution of said profile. The revolution is about an axis advantageously parallel to the optical axis. According to a variant, the reflective surface is a free-form surface, or a swept surface, or an asymmetric surface. The reflective surface may also comprise a plurality of segments.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system has a focus which is positioned on the optical axis at the height of the light source, in front of or behind said light source with respect to the general propagation direction of the light beam along the optical axis.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the module further comprises a screen situated in front of the light source with respect to the general direction of propagation of the light beam along the optical axis and facing the reflecting surface of the collector, so as to collect the light emitted forwards by the light source but not reflected by said surface.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the screen is opaque so as to absorb the collected light.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system is a projection lens.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system comprises a mirror, which is advantageously located on the optical axis.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mirror of the optical system is a first mirror, the system comprises a second mirror, which is located behind the first mirror with respect to the general propagation direction of the light beam and at a distance from the axis, the first mirror being configured to reflect the light beam towards the second mirror, and the second mirror being configured to reflect the light beam reflected by the first mirror in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first mirror is planar or has a concave profile in a horizontal plane when the module is oriented in the installed position.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mirror or the second mirror has a parabolic profile in a vertical plane when the module is oriented in the installed position.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reflective surface of the collector is concave and has a front edge and a rear edge relative to the general propagation direction of the light beam, the front edge delimiting the lower part of the light image formed when the module is oriented in the installed position, and the rear edge delimiting the upper part of said image.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light reflected by the reflective surface along the rear edge is parallel to the optical axis or has an inclination angle relative to the optical axis in a vertical plane, which is less than or equal to 25°, preferably less than or equal to 10°.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reflecting surface of the light collector comprises two lateral edges, on either side of the optical axis and in extension of the rear edge, which lateral edges lie in a horizontal plane when the module is oriented in the mounted position.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rear edge lies in a horizontal plane, the resulting light pattern having a corresponding flat horizontal cut-off.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rear edge has a cut-off, and the light pattern formed has a corresponding cut-off horizontal cut-off.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reflective surface of the light collector comprises two lateral edges, on either side of the optical axis, intersecting the rear edge, the formed light image having a corresponding lateral cut-off.

[0024] Another subject of the invention is a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of lighting modules which are combined together so as to form together a lighting beam and / or a signal beam; it is noteworthy that at least one of the modules is a module according to the invention.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for at least one of the lighting modules, the reflecting surface of the light collector comprises two lateral edges, the two lateral edges are on both sides of the optical axis and in the extension of the rear edge, when the module is oriented in the installation position, the lateral edges are in a horizontal plane, the rear edge is in a horizontal plane, and the formed light image has a corresponding flat horizontal cutoff portion; and for at least one other of the modules, the reflecting surface of the light collector comprises two lateral edges, the two lateral edges are on both sides of the optical axis and in the extension of the rear edge, when the module is oriented in the installation position, the lateral edges are in a horizontal plane, the rear edge has a break, the formed light image presents a corresponding break horizontal cutoff portion, and the light beam has a break horizontal cutoff portion.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the number of at least one lighting module is at least two, and the optical system of each of said modules is common.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the common optical system has a focal point which is located behind the light collectors of a number of at least two lighting modules with respect to the general propagation direction of the light beam.

[0028] The advantage of the measures of the invention is that imaging the illuminated reflective surface of the light collector makes it possible to obtain a sharp projection light image by means of the edge of the surface in question and thus an equally sharp cut-off. More particularly, the size of the edge (particularly the rear edge) of the reflective surface is significantly larger (e.g. between 15 mm and 20 mm) than the cut-off edge (e.g. 5 mm) of the lighting module with a bender of the prior art, which makes the lighting module significantly less sensitive to positioning tolerances relative to the optical elements (particularly the light source relative to the light collector) and therefore significantly more robust.

[0029] Furthermore, the fact of being under Gaussian conditions, i.e. the light rays being hardly inclined relative to the optical axis and not far from said optical axis, results in the lens forming the projection system being a thin lens, for example with a thickness of less than 6 mm, which allows the lens to be produced in a single injection moulding.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with the aid of the description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] -Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a lighting module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a light collector of a lighting module;

[0033] - Figure 3 Seen from the outside along the optical axis Figure 1 A view of the inner surface of the light collector of the lighting module;

[0034] - Figure 4 Is Figure 1 a graphical representation of a light pattern of an illumination beam generated by an illumination module;

[0035] - Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a lighting module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a light collector of a lighting module;

[0037] - Figure 7 Seen from the outside along the optical axis Figure 5 A view of the inner surface of the light collector of the lighting module;

[0038] - Figure 8 Is Figure 5 a graphical representation of a light pattern of an illumination beam generated by an illumination module;

[0039] - Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a light collector of a lighting module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] - Fig.10 Seen from the outside along the optical axis Fig. 9 A view of the inner surface of the light collector of the lighting module;

[0041] - Fig.11 Is Fig. 9 a graphical representation of a light pattern of an illumination beam generated by an illumination module;

[0042] - Fig.12 is a perspective view of a lighting device including a lighting module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] - Fig.13 Seen from another direction Fig.12 A perspective view of a lighting device;

[0044] - Fig.14 Is Fig.12 and Fig.13A graphical representation of light images of illumination light beams generated by modules with a cut-off and modules with a flat cut-off, respectively, of an illumination device of the invention;

[0045] - Fig.15 yes Fig.12 and Fig.13 a graphical representation of a light pattern of a lighting device;

[0046] - Fig.16 is a perspective view of a lighting device including a lighting module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] - Fig.17 Seen from another direction Fig.16 A perspective view of a lighting device;

[0048] - Fig.18 Is Fig.16 and Fig.17 A graphical representation of light images of illumination light beams generated by modules with a cut-off and modules with a flat cut-off, respectively, of an illumination device of the invention;

[0049] - Fig.19 yes Fig.16 and Fig.17 a graphical representation of a light pattern of a lighting device;

[0050] - Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a lighting device including a lighting module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] - Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 a graphical representation of a light pattern of a lighting device;

[0052] - Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a lighting device including a lighting module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] - Fig.23 FIG. 4 is a side view of a modified embodiment of a light collector of a lighting module according to the present invention.

[0054] Figures 1 to 4 A first embodiment of a lighting module according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an illumination module and its working principle. The illumination module 2 mainly comprises: a light source 4; a light collector 6 capable of reflecting the light emitted by the light source to form a light beam along the optical axis 8 of the module; and a lens 10 for projecting the light beam. Optical projection systems other than projection lenses can be envisaged, for example, in particular Fig.16 and Fig.17One or more mirrors as shown.

[0056] Advantageously, the light source 4 is a semiconductor light source and in particular a light emitting diode. The light source 4 emits light in a half space delimited by a main plane of said light source, in the example shown, along a main direction perpendicular to said plane and to the optical axis 8. According to the invention, the main direction of emission may be between 65° and 115° relative to the optical axis 8.

[0057] The light collector 6 comprises a shell-shaped or cap-shaped carrier 6.1 and a reflective surface 6.2 located on the inner surface of the carrier 6.1. Advantageously, the reflective surface 6.2 has an elliptical profile or a parabolic profile. Advantageously, the reflective surface is a surface obtained by rotating around an axis parallel to the optical axis. Alternatively, the reflective surface can be a free-form surface, a swept surface, or an asymmetric surface. The reflective surface can also include a plurality of sections. Advantageously, the shell-shaped or cap-shaped light collector 6 is made of a material with good heat resistance, for example, made of glass or a synthetic polymer (such as polycarbonate PC or polyetherimide PEI). The term "parabolic" is generally applicable to a reflector whose surface has a single focus (i.e., a convergence area of ​​light, that is, a region where the light emitted by a light source placed in the convergence area is projected to a very far distance after being reflected by the surface). Being projected to a very far distance means that these light rays do not converge toward an area located at a distance of at least 10 times the size of the reflector. In other words, the reflected light rays do not converge towards a converging area; or, if the reflected light rays converge, the converging area is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the size of the reflector. Thus, a parabolic surface may have the characteristics of a parabolic section or not. A reflector having such a surface is usually used alone to produce a light beam. Alternatively, it may be used as a projection surface associated with an elliptical reflector. In this case, the light source of the parabolic reflector is the converging area of ​​the light rays reflected by the elliptical reflector.

[0058] The light source 4 is arranged at the focus of the reflective surface 6.2 so that the light rays of the light source are collected and reflected along the optical axis. At least some of these reflected light rays are inclined in the vertical plane relative to the optical axis at an angle α less than or equal to 25° and preferably less than or equal to 10° so as to be under the so-called Gaussian condition, thereby allowing to obtain the absence of spherical aberration, i.e. the clarity of the projected image. Advantageously, these light rays are reflected by the rear part of the reflective surface 6.2.

[0059] Advantageously, the projection lens 10 is a plano-convex lens, that is to say, it has a flat entrance face 10.1 and a convex exit face 10.2. Due to the low inclination of the light rays to be deflected, the lens 10 is called thin, for example less than 6 mm. The lens 10 has a focal point 10.3, which is located along the optical axis 8, at the height of the light source 4, or behind said light source. In this case, the focal point 10.3 is located at the height of the reflecting surface 6.2 of the light collector 6. It should be noted that the focal point can also be located behind or in front of the reflecting surface 6.2, as long as it is in the vicinity of the reflecting surface 6.2, preferably within a range of less than 10 mm, and preferably within a range of less than 5 mm.

[0060] If the reflecting surface is elliptical, it has a second focus 6.3, which is located in front of the lens 10 and at a distance from the optical axis 8. It should be noted that the focus can also be located behind the lens and / or on the optical axis, as long as it is in the vicinity of the lens, thereby reducing the width of the light beam on the lens entrance surface.

[0061] The lighting module 2 may comprise a screen 12 arranged in front of the light source 4 and facing the reflective surface 6.2 of the light collector 6, so as to collect the rays emitted by the light source 4 in question that do not encounter the reflective surface 6.2. Such a measure is useful to avoid the presence of interfering rays (de rayons lumineux parasites) that may participate in the formation of the light beam but are not strictly speaking imaged. These rays would then have the potential to illuminate the upper part of the beam, which is undesirable in the case of an illumination beam with a cut-off. Advantageously, the screen is opaque so as to absorb these rays, it being understood that it is also possible to envisage reflecting these rays towards a distal absorption zone.

[0062] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 2. Rear perspective view of the light collector 6 of the lighting module 2. The shell-shaped or cap-shaped shape of the carrier 6.1 and the fact that the reflecting surface (not shown) has a front edge 6.2.1 and a rear surface 6.2.2 can be seen. Since the carrier 6.1 and therefore the reflecting surface 6.2 form a symmetrical shell of revolution bounded by a plane, the plane in question includes the rear edge 6.2.2. The rear edge 6.2.2 extends laterally in this plane on both sides of the axis of rotation. When the reflecting surface 6.2 is illuminated by a light source, the entire surface of the reflecting surface 6.2 bounded by the front edge 6.2.1 and the rear edge 6.2.2 is then illuminated.

[0063] Figure 3is a schematic diagram of the light intensity on the reflecting surface 6.2 as seen from the outside along the optical axis. More specifically, it is the irradiance of the surface, that is, the power per unit area of ​​electromagnetic radiation incident perpendicular to the surface, expressed in W / m 2 . The dark area covering most of the surface corresponds to a lower irradiance, while the brighter central area corresponds to a higher irradiance. It can be seen that the dark area is clearly bounded by the edges 6.2.1 and 6.2.2. In other words, the illuminated surface 6.2 naturally has a sharply demarcated edge that can form a cut-off in the projection illumination beam imaging the surface.

[0064] Figure 4 Is Figure 1 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . 6.2.2 . Figure 3 ), which edge 6.2.2 is the rear edge of the reflective surface 6.2 of the light collector 6 ( Figure 2 ). It can also be seen that the generated light beam has a clear outline below the horizontal axis corresponding to the front edge 6.2.1.

[0065] Figures 5 to 8 1 shows a second embodiment of the lighting module according to the present invention. Figures 1 to 4 ) are used to indicate the same elements or corresponding elements, but these reference numerals are increased by 100. Figures 1 to 4 Description of the relevant.

[0066] The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the rear edge 106.2.2 of the reflective surface 106.2 has a break and, more generally, the wall of the carrier 106.1 forming the light collector and the reflective surface 106.2 of the light collector extend downwards for a shorter length in the direction of the light source 104. In other words, the rear edge 106.2.2 not only has a break but is also closer to the optical axis 108. This is due to the desired beam geometry, in which the maximum intensity is located at the height of the optical axis 108. In another configuration of the light collector, the rear edge may not be closer to the optical axis. The rest is essentially the same as in the first embodiment of the lighting module.

[0067] Figure 5is a schematic diagram of a lighting module and its working principle, which is similar to Figure 1 Similar to the first embodiment, optical projection systems other than the projection lens 110 can be envisaged, for example Fig.16 and Fig.17 One or more mirrors are shown in FIG. It can be seen that the light collector 106 is shorter, that is, the length of the light collector extending toward the light source 104 is smaller.

[0068] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A rear perspective view of the light collector 6 of the lighting module 102 is similar to Figure 2 It can be seen that the rear edge 106.2.2 of the reflective surface 106.2 of the light collector 106 forms a discontinuity at the intersection with the middle vertical plane.

[0069] Figure 7 is a representation of the light intensity of the reflecting surface 106.2 as seen from the outside along the optical axis, which is similar to Figure 3 The fault at the rear edge 106.2.2 can be clearly seen here.

[0070] Figure 8 Is Figure 5 A graphical representation of an image projected by an illumination module of Figure 4 . The shape of the horizontal cutoff can be seen, which corresponds to the Figure 6 and Figure 7 The profile of the rear edge 106.2.2 is seen in FIG.

[0071] Figures 9 to 11 1 shows a third embodiment of the lighting module according to the present invention. Figures 1 to 4 ) are used to indicate the same or corresponding elements, but these reference numerals are increased by 200. Figures 1 to 4 Description of the relevant.

[0072] This third embodiment differs from the first two embodiments essentially in that the light collector is laterally interrupted, ie now forms only a part of the housing as in the first and second embodiments, for example.

[0073] The structure of the module and its working principle are similar to those of the first two embodiments.

[0074] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of the light collector of the lighting module, which is similar to Figure 2 and Figure 6It can be seen that, unlike the first two embodiments, the rear edge 206.2.2 of the reflective surface 206.2 is limited in its lateral extension direction. In the present invention, the reflective surface 206.2 has two lateral edges 206.2.3 and 206.2.4 intersecting the rear edge 206.2.2 and the front edge 206.2.1.

[0075] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the light intensity of the reflecting surface 206.2 as seen from the outside along the optical axis, which is similar to Figure 3 and Figure 7 Four clear edges can be seen corresponding to the front edge 206.2.1, the rear edge 206.2.2 and the lateral edges 206.2.3 and 206.2.4.

[0076] Fig.11 is a graphical representation of an image projected by the illumination module of the third embodiment, which is similar to Figure 4 and Figure 8 It can be seen that the light image is not only cut off horizontally, but also cut off laterally and more particularly vertically.

[0077] Figures 12 to 15 A lighting device for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0078] Fig.12 and Fig.13 are two perspective views of the lighting device. The lighting device 14 comprises a plurality of lighting modules according to the invention, which are combined together to form a light beam of the low-beam type with a staggered horizontal cut-off.

[0079] More specifically, the lighting device 14 includes Figures 5 to 8 The first lighting module 102 is a module with a horizontal cut-off portion with a break. The term "break" is usually used to refer to this function.

[0080] The lighting device 14 also includes four lighting modules 2, which are arranged side by side and are based on Figures 1 to 4The term "flat" is often used to refer to this function. However, these lighting modules 2 have the special feature that their projection lenses form an integral common lens 10'. The common lens 10' has a generally curved horizontal profile, an entrance surface 10'.1 and an exit surface 10'.2. The common lens has a focal line 10'.3, which is advantageously located behind the collector 6 so as to substantially image the rear edge 6.2.2 of the reflective surface and thereby produce a sharp horizontal ("flat") cut-off. As a result, the illuminated reflective surface 6.2 of the collector 6 is imaged essentially vertically and less horizontally, so that horizontal diffuse lighting is achieved and thus good uniformity between the images of the lighting modules 2 is ensured.

[0081] Advantageously, the projection lens 110 of the lighting module 102 is different from the common lens 10. The focal point of the common lens 10 itself is located in front of the rear edge 106.2.2 of the reflecting surface 106.2 of the collector 106, so as to image said surface not only vertically but also horizontally and thus produce a sharp "offset" cutoff.

[0082] A partition may be provided between the lighting module 102 and the lighting module 2 closest to the lighting module 102 to allow them to be closer together without causing light escaping from one module to interfere with light escaping from other modules. Fig.12 In the mounted position shown, the partition extends substantially vertically. Advantageously, the partition is light-absorbing.

[0083] Fig.14 It is shown by ( Fig.12 and Fig.13 The upper light image is generated by the lighting module 102. The upper light image is very clear, corresponding to Figure 8 The lower light image is composed of four lighting modules 2 ( Fig.12 and Fig.13 ), i.e., the light path for the lighting module is Fig.12 and Fig.13 . It can be clearly seen that the sharp horizontal cutoff and the uniform horizontal mixing of the light images of the two modules. It should be noted that because the reflective surface of the light collector has a Figures 5 to 8 The rear edge and the lateral edge of the lighting module) are in the same plane, so the horizontal cut-off portion here is relative to the first embodiment of the lighting module. Figure 4 The horizontal cut-off visible in is lower and particularly flat.

[0084] Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 The optical image is a combination of a "broken" image and a "flat" image. It can be understood that Fig.12 and Fig.13 The other two lighting modules 2 whose light paths are not shown in FIG. 1 complete the light image on the right, which is similar to the light image whose light paths are shown in FIG. Fig.14 An image of two lighting modules is shown in FIG.

[0085] Figures 16 to 19 A lighting device for a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0086] Fig.16 and Fig.17 are two perspective views of the lighting device. Similar to the lighting device of the first embodiment, the lighting device 114 includes Figures 5 to 8 The first lighting module 102 is a lighting module having a staggered horizontal cutoff portion. The lighting device 114 also includes three lighting modules 2, which are arranged side by side and are based on Figures 1 to 4 A lighting module having a flat horizontal cut-off portion.

[0087] The lighting device 114 and Fig.12 and Fig.13 The main difference between the lighting device 14 and the lighting module 2 is that the projection lenses of the lighting module 102 are replaced by mirrors.

[0088] More specifically, the lighting module 102 includes an optical projection system 110', which includes a first mirror 110'.1 and a second mirror 110'.2. The first mirror 110'.1 can be flat or have a concave curved horizontal profile. The first mirror sends the light emitted by the light collector of the lighting module 102 to the second mirror 110'.2. This is configured to form an image of the illuminated reflective surface of the lighting module 102. To this end, the second mirror 110'.2 can have a concave parabolic vertical profile. Such a profile allows the illuminated reflective surface of the light collector of the lighting module 102 to be magnified and imaged. In particular, when the first mirror 110'.1 has a concave horizontal profile, the second mirror 110'.2 can have a convex horizontal profile. The first mirror and the second mirror just described can be reversed / inverted. In this case, due to the fact that the first imaging mirror will have to be further forward, the lighting device will be more bulky, especially in the longitudinal direction.

[0089] Similar to the lighting module 102, the lighting module 2 includes an optical projection system 10" provided with a first mirror 10"1 and a second mirror 10"2. The working principle is the same as that of the above-mentioned optical system 110'. Therefore, the above description also applies to the optical system 10".

[0090] Fig.18 Shown by Fig.16 and Fig.17 The light images generated by the ("staggered") lighting module 102 and the ("flat") lighting module 2 are shown in FIG. Fig.14 The description given applies to Fig.18 .

[0091] Fig.19 Shows Fig.18 The light image of the combination of the "fractured" image and the "flat" image. Fig.15 The description given applies to Fig.19 .

[0092] Fig. 20 A lighting device for a motor vehicle according to a third embodiment is shown.

[0093] Fig. 20 The lighting device 314 comprises a plurality of lighting modules according to the present invention, which are combined to form a high-beam type lighting beam.

[0094] More specifically, the lighting device 314 includes a first set of two lighting modules 302, which are similar to Figures 1 to 4 The lighting module of the first group of two lighting modules is a lighting module with a flat horizontal cutoff portion. However, since most of the light from the high-beam light beam is located above the horizontal direction, the vertical orientation of the first group of two lighting modules is opposite to the vertical orientation of the first embodiment. Therefore, the light collector 306 has a Fig. 20 The viewing angle is the cavity directed upward. For simplicity, the light source is not shown. The function of the first group is to achieve the horizontal expansion of the high beam, or the expansion of the high beam in the width direction. The lighting module 302 has a common projection lens 310.

[0095] The lighting device 314 also includes a second group of four lighting modules 302', which are arranged side by side and are similar to Figures 1 to 4 The lighting module, that is, the lighting module with a flat horizontal cutoff, is again rotated vertically by 180°. Thus, the light collector 306′ has a Fig. 20The viewing angle is the cavity directed upward. The function of the second group is to produce the front range of the high beam, that is, the central area with the maximum intensity. However, the special feature of these lighting modules 302' is that their projection lenses form an integral common lens 310'. The common lens 310' has a generally curved horizontal profile, an incident surface 310'.1 and an exit surface 310'.2. Here, the structure presented by the incident surface 310'.1 improves the uniformity of the light beam.

[0096] A partition 320 may be provided between the lighting module 302 and the lighting module 302' closest to the lighting module 302 to allow them to be closer together without light escaping from one module interfering with light escaping from the other modules. As shown, such a partition 320 extends substantially vertically when the lighting device is in the installed position. Advantageously, such a partition 320 is light absorbing.

[0097] Fig.21 Shows when all lights are turned on Fig. 20 The light image of the combination of the images of the light collectors 302 and 302'. The distribution of the high beam can be easily recognized here.

[0098] Fig. 22 A lighting device for a motor vehicle according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0099] Fig. 22 The lighting device 414 comprises a plurality of lighting modules according to the present invention, which are combined to form a segmented high-beam lighting beam, which has a sail-shaped lateral light segment and a vertical bar-shaped central segment as seen on the screen.

[0100] More specifically, lighting device 414 includes a first subset / group 502 of six lighting modules. The four central modules are similar to Figures 9 to 11 , that is, a module with a vertical cutoff. However, since most of the light from the high-beam beam is located above the horizontal direction, the vertical orientation of the four central modules is opposite to that of the third embodiment. Therefore, the light collector 406 has a vertical cutoff according to Fig. 22 The viewing angle is directed upwards into the cavity. The function of these central modules is to form a central segment of the rectangular shape of the segmented high beam. The end modules are similar to Figures 1 to 4 The module shown in FIG. 1 has one side of the light collector of the end module cut off; or the end module is similar to Figures 9 to 11The module shown, and one side of the collector of this end module has been extended into the shell. The vertical orientation is rotated 180o again, so that the collectors 506, 506' are seen from above. The function of these lateral modules is to form the lateral end segments of the segmented high beam, which have a sail shape. For simplicity, the light source is not shown. It should be noted that the collectors 406, 506, 506' here have been constructed and positioned to be placed side by side in a cyclic and repeated manner, the optical focus of the collectors is located on a circular arc, and the lateral collectors 506, 506' have the above-mentioned surface extensions.

[0101] The lighting device 314 also includes a second subset of six lighting modules, which is similar to the first subset. However, it will be noted that the central collector 406' of the two end collectors adjacent to the right lateral collector 506"' is successively offset forward relative to the optical focus of the other collectors 506" and 406, which are further to the left of the previous two collectors. In other words, there is a step between the collectors. When projected on a screen, this configuration advantageously makes it possible to reduce optical aberrations at the height of the cut-off and obtain a light segment in which the vertical cut-off is as vertical as possible. As desired, a person skilled in the art will be able to create modules of different configurations whose collectors are offset in steps, for example all successively in one direction, or even in steps by offsetting the end collectors relative to the central collector.

[0102] The beams of the subsets 502, 502' are superimposed to generate a segmented high beam.

[0103] A divider 420 may be provided between the first subset 502 and the second subset 502' to allow them to be brought closer together without light escaping from one of the subsets interfering with light escaping from the other subset. As shown, such a divider 420 extends substantially vertically when the lighting device is in the installed position. Advantageously, such a divider is light absorbing.

[0104] Furthermore, advantageously, a screen 421 is placed between the light collector and the projection lens. This makes it possible to intercept interfering light from the end light collectors 506' and 506'' and to improve the clarity of the lateral sections.

[0105] In general, it is advantageous to note that for different embodiments of the lighting module and the lighting device, different optical projection systems can be envisaged, as long as these optical projection systems enable the imaging of the illuminated reflective surface of the light collector in question. Figures 16 to 19 In the case of a set of mirrors described, the first mirror and / or the second mirror may be made in one piece with the associated light collector, which is advantageous in terms of the relative positioning of these elements.

[0106] Fig.23 A variant embodiment of the light collector is shown. According to this variant, the light collector 6 can be made as a solid refractive component made of a synthetic polymer such as polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, glass or silicone. The solid refractive component comprises: an incident surface 6'.4 for the light emitted by the light source 4, an exit surface 6'.5, and a reflective surface 6'.1 in the form of a cap, which is metallized to form a reflective surface 6'.2 according to the invention.

[0107] Furthermore, although the lighting modules of the invention are described herein, forming a lighting device for generating a lighting beam, such as a low beam, a high beam, or a segmented high beam in the type of a linear array of parallel vertical strips, it goes without saying that these lighting modules can be designed to perform signaling functions, such as direction indicators, daytime running lights or positioning lights, which has aesthetic advantages when the aesthetically similar modules comprised by the lighting device are turned off and can perform a variety of or even all lighting and signaling functions regulating the motor vehicle in front of the motor vehicle. Thus, a first lighting device generating a low beam and another lighting device generating a possibly segmented high beam can be associated in one and the same motor vehicle headlamp.

[0108] More generally, it is advantageous to note the numerous advantages of the lighting module and lighting device according to the invention, namely the fact that the illuminated reflective surface of the light collector is imaged substantially under Gaussian conditions, making it possible to obtain a sharp light image and thus to produce a variety of cut-offs of different shapes by shaping the corresponding edges of the reflective surface in question. Another advantage worth noting comes from the fact that Gaussian conditions exist, so that a minimum level of sharpness is obtained, namely the size of the light collector is limited, in particular the height of the light collector is limited, for example less than 30 mm. Another advantage worth noting also comes from the fact that Gaussian conditions exist, namely the projection lens can be advantageously a thin lens, for example less than 6 mm, which allows it to be produced in a single injection molding without the problem of shrinkage marks. Another advantage of thin lenses is that shorter injection cycle times are required, the weight of the optical module is reduced, and little or no chromatic aberration is produced, so that ordinary quality synthetic polymer materials can be used, which are inexpensive relative to high optical quality materials that produce few color defects.

[0109] Finally, the fact that the lens is thin makes it possible to envisage a particular embodiment in which the housing of the projection lens 10 and the collector 6 are made by injection moulding a single part, forming a material bridge connecting the front end of the collector and the lens.

Claims

1. A lighting module (2; 102 ； 202), in particular a lighting module for a motor vehicle, the lighting module comprising: - a light source (4; 104) capable of emitting light; - a light collector (6; 106; 206) having a reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) configured to collect the light emitted by the light source (4; 104) and to reflect the light into a light beam along the optical axis (8; 108) of the module; - an optical system (10, 10', 10"; 110, 110') configured to project said light beam; It is characterized in that The optical system (10, 10', 10"; 110, 110') is configured to form an image of the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the light collector (6; 106; 206).

2. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The concentrator (6; 106; 206) is configured so that the light reflected from the rear portion of the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the concentrator is parallel to the optical axis (8; 108) or is inclined at an angle (α) relative to the axis, the angle being less than or equal to 25°.

3. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, It is characterized in that The light source (4; 104) is configured to emit the light along a main direction, the main direction being between 65° and 115° relative to the optical axis.

4. The lighting module (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The reflecting surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the light collector (6; 106; 206) has a parabolic profile or an elliptical profile and is a surface of revolution of said profile.

5. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The optical system (10, 10', 10"; 110, 110') has a focal point (10.3, 10'.3; 110.3) which is positioned in front of or behind the reflecting surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the light collector (6; 106; 206).

6. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The module also comprises a screen (12; 112) which is in front of the light source (4; 104) relative to the general propagation direction of the light beam along the optical axis and which faces the reflecting surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the light collector (6; 106; 206) so as to collect the light emitted forwards by the light source (4; 104) and not reflected by the surface.

7. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The screen (12; 112) is opaque so as to absorb the collected light.

8. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that The optical system is a projection lens (10, 10'; 110).

9. The lighting module (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that The optical system (10"; 110') comprises a mirror (10".1; 110'.1).

10. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 9, It is characterized in that The mirror (10".1; 110'.1) of the optical system (10".110') is a first mirror, the system comprising a second mirror (10".2; 110'.2), the second mirror being located behind the first mirror (10".1; 110'.1) relative to the overall propagation direction of the light beam and at a distance from the axis, the first mirror (10".1; 110'.1) being configured to reflect the light beam toward the second mirror (10".2; 110'.2), and the second mirror being configured to reflect the light beam reflected by the first mirror in a direction parallel to the optical axis.

11. The lighting module (2; 102) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that When the module is oriented in the installed position, the first mirror (10".1; 110".1) has a concave profile in a horizontal plane, or is planar.

12. The lighting module (2, 102) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, It is characterized in that When the module is oriented in the installed position, the mirror (10".1; 110'.1) or the second mirror (10".2; 110'.2) has a parabolic profile in a vertical plane.

13. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The reflecting surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the light collector (6; 106; 206) is concave, the front edge delimiting a lower part of a light image formed and the rear edge delimiting an upper part of the image when the module is oriented in the mounted position.

14. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The light rays reflected by the reflecting surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) along the rear edge (6.2.2; 106.2.2; 206.2.2) are parallel to the optical axis (8; 108) or are inclined at an angle (α) relative to the axis in a vertical plane, the angle being less than or equal to 25°, preferably less than or equal to 10°.

15. The lighting module (2; 102) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, It is characterized in that The reflecting surface (6.2; 106.2) of the light collector (6; 106) comprises two lateral edges, on either side of the optical axis and in extension of the rear edge (6.2.2; 106.2.2), which lateral edges are located in a horizontal plane when the module is oriented in the mounting position.

16. The lighting module (2) according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The rear edge (6.2.2) lies in the horizontal plane, the light pattern formed having a corresponding flat horizontal cut-off.

17. The lighting module (102) according to claim 15, It is characterized in that The rear edge (106.2.2) has a fault, and the light pattern formed has a horizontal cutoff portion with a corresponding fault.

18. The lighting module (202) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, It is characterized in that The reflective surface (206.2) of the light collector (206) comprises two lateral edges (206.2.3, 206.2.4), the lateral edges being on either side of the optical axis, the lateral edges intersecting with the rear edge (206.2.2), and the light image formed has corresponding lateral cutoffs.

19. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The inclination angle is less than or equal to 10°.

20. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The main direction is between 90° and 115° relative to the optical axis of the side of the light source close to the optical system.

21. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 20, It is characterized in that The main direction is perpendicular to the optical axis (8; 108).

22. The lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The inclination angle is less than or equal to 10°.

23. A lighting device (14; 114) for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of lighting modules (2; 102) which are combined together to form a lighting beam or a signaling beam, It is characterized in that At least one of the lighting modules (2; 102) is a lighting module according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The lighting device (14; 114) according to claim 23, It is characterized in that At least one of the lighting modules (2, 102) is a lighting module according to claim 13, and at least one other of the modules (102) is a lighting module according to claim 14, the lighting light beam having a staggered horizontal cut-off.

25. The lighting device (14; 114) according to claim 24, It is characterized in that The number of the at least one lighting module (2) according to claim 13 is at least two, and the optical system (10') of each of the modules is common.

26. The lighting device (14) according to claim 25, It is characterized in that The plurality of lighting modules have a common optical system (10').

27. The lighting device (14) according to claim 26, It is characterized in that The common optical system (10') has a focal line (10'.3) which is located behind the light collector (6) of the lighting module (2) with respect to the general propagation direction of the light beam.

28. The lighting device (14; 114) according to any one of claims 25 to 27, It is characterized in that A partition (320) is arranged between at least two adjacent lighting modules.

29. The lighting device (14; 114) according to claim 28, It is characterized in that The partition (320) is light-absorbing and extends vertically when the lighting device is in the installed position.

30. A motor vehicle, Features The method comprises a lighting module according to any one of claims 1 to 22 or a lighting device according to any one of claims 23 to 29.

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