Lighting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (0) comprising a first light source (1) configured to form a near-field beam of low beam, a first reflector (6), a second reflector (11) and a first lens (7). The first light source is configured to emit light on the second reflector, then reflected on the first reflector, and then passed through the first lens. The lighting device comprises a row of second light sources (2) configured to emit light towards the first lens. The row of second light sources is configured to generate a cut-off beam of the low beam. The lighting device comprises a row of third light sources (3) configured to emit light towards the first lens. The row of third light sources is located between the row of second light sources and the first reflector.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting including signaling, and to components that contribute to lighting, in particular optical components. The present invention is particularly advantageously applicable to the field of motor vehicles. The present invention relates in particular to a lighting device. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive industry, devices capable of emitting light beams (also known as lighting and / or signaling functions) are known.

[0003] These devices must comply with applicable regulations (which vary depending on the country involved) by emitting light to the desired location while limiting the brightness of certain areas. One of the limitations faced by the industry is also to reduce the size of the device while having a lighting device with as many functions as possible in order to be able to selectively use the same lighting device to meet the requirements of different national regulations.

[0004] To partially meet these different objectives, a solution has been proposed that includes two sets of two reflectors that enable a first set of light sources to be reflected on one reflector of the first set, then on the other reflector of the first set, then pass through a lens, and that enables a second set of light sources to be reflected on one of the second set of reflectors, then on the other reflector of the second set, then pass through the lens. A special feature of this solution lies in the fact that the most downstream reflector in the first set is positioned upstream of the object focal plane of the lens, where the area of this reflector is in contact with the object focal plane of the lens, while the most downstream reflector in the second set is positioned downstream of the object focal plane of the lens, where the area of this reflector is in contact with the object focal plane of the lens. Thus, this solution makes it possible to project two light beams that respectively perform two different lighting functions using the same single lens that is symmetric over its entire perimeter, which is in order to increase the simplicity and compactness of the lighting device.

[0005] However, this type of solution has drawbacks, in particular the fact that a large number of optical components need to be used. Thus, although this solution makes it possible to simplify and reduce the overall volume occupied by the lighting device, this solution does not achieve a completely satisfactory result in terms of the space occupied. Moreover, this solution also does not make it possible to produce a universal lighting device such that the same lighting device can selectively meet the requirements of different national regulations.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to propose a device that makes it possible to at least partially overcome the said drawbacks.

[0007] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon studying the following description and the drawings. It should be understood that other advantages may be combined. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To achieve this purpose, according to one embodiment, there is provided an illumination device, comprising:

[0009] - A first light source configured to form a near-field light beam of low beam,

[0010] - A first reflector,

[0011] - A second reflector, and

[0012] - A first lens including a focal point and an optical axis, wherein the first light source is configured to emit light rays, the light rays are reflected on the second reflector and then on the first reflector, and then pass through the first lens,

[0013] Characterized in that the illumination device includes a row of second light sources, the row of second light sources including light sources aligned in a direction and configured to emit light rays towards the first lens, the row of second light sources being configured to form a cut-off beam of low beam, and

[0014] Characterized in that the illumination device includes a row of third light sources, the row of third light sources including light sources aligned in this direction and configured to emit light rays towards the first lens, the row of third light sources being located between the row of second light sources and the first reflector in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and this direction.

[0015] Therefore, in view of the fact that the row of third light sources is positioned below the first reflector and above the row of second light sources (the row itself is advantageously positioned below the first reflector), and the light rays originating from the first light source will be reflected on the first reflector and then reach the lens, the area illuminated by the row of third light sources is located between the area illuminated by the row of second light sources and the area illuminated by the first light source.

[0016] This thus results in an illumination device that can at least partially form a cut-off beam of low beam, a near-field light beam of low beam, and a third light beam, which third light beam can: supplement the near-field light beam of low beam so as to obtain a near-field light beam of low beam that occupies a greater height and has increased brightness in the area positioned towards the upper part of the illumination, the illumination being achieved by the near-field light beam of low beam obtained without adding the third light beam; or supplement the cut-off beam of low beam so as to obtain a cut-off beam of low beam that occupies a greater height and has a right cut-off line or a left cut-off line. In this way, the developed illumination device achieves a high degree of compactness and simplicity, because the same illumination device can be used in a general illumination device and can meet the US standard or the ECE standard only by modifying the settings.

[0017] On the other hand, it relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one such illumination device. Description of the Drawings

[0018] The objects, aims, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a lighting device according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 depicts a first reflector and a set of multi - row light sources according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 depicts Figure 1 a cross - sectional view of a portion at the first reflector in a plane perpendicular to the direction aligned with the light sources in a row of second light sources.

[0022] The drawings are provided by way of example and do not limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic representations intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale of actual application. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0023] Before commencing the detailed discussion of the embodiments of the present invention, the following optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively will be outlined:

[0024] According to an example, the first reflector 6 has a peripheral zone 6a, a part 6b of which is positioned to face a row of third light sources 3, and the part 6b includes a recess 14 that defines a zone through which light rays originating from this row of third light sources 3 can pass through the first reflector 6 to advance towards the first lens 7.

[0025] Thus, the light rays originating from this row of third light sources 3 can easily reach the first lens 7 without being blocked by the first reflector 6, but are also reflected at least on the first reflector 6. In this way, this row of third light sources 3 can be positioned at a height closer to the height of the bottom part of the first reflector 6, and the light rays originating from this row of third light sources 3 are not affected by the positioning of the first reflector 6, such that the lighting device can even better achieve its general function. Specifically, in this way, the zone illuminated by the light rays originating from this row of third light sources 3 is closer to the zone illuminated by the first light source 1.

[0026] According to an example, the light sources in this row of third light sources 3 have an average emission direction, and the light sources in this row of third light sources 3 are configured such that the light rays originating from the light sources in this row of third light sources 3 advance towards the first lens 7 through the recess 14 along their average emission direction.

[0027] ​​​This condition means that although the light rays from the light sources in the third light source row 3 are directed in various directions not all of which are included in the recess 14, the average light rays among these light rays (and thus the light rays sufficient to achieve the desired illumination among these light rays) are directed such that they pass through the recess 14 without being affected by the positioning of the first reflector 6.

[0028] According to one example, the lighting device 0 includes a wall 10 that extends from a portion 6b of the peripheral region 6a in a direction away from the first lens 7.

[0029] In this way, the wall 10 defines a region that is substantially perpendicular to the first reflector 6, and the orientation of this region allows the light source to be positioned in, in contact with, and attached to this region, and to be retracted backward from the first reflector 6 in the direction of the position away from the first lens 7, so that the desired lighting function can be achieved.

[0030] According to one example, the wall 10 includes a first horizontal plane 10a and a second horizontal plane 10b, and the first horizontal plane 10a and the second horizontal plane 10b are configured such that the third light source row 3 is positioned between the first horizontal plane 10a and the second horizontal plane 10b, so that the light rays from the third light source row 3 pass through the first reflector 6 and advance toward the first lens 7.

[0031] This configuration means that the third light source row 3 can be positioned at a greater height compared to when only the recess 14 is configured such that the region illuminated by the light rays from the third light source row 3 is closer to the region illuminated by the first light source 1. Therefore, this configuration enables the general lighting device 0 to be realized in a more optimal manner.

[0032] According to one example, the wall 10 includes a reflective surface 5 that is configured such that the light rays from the third light source row 3 and the light rays from the first light source 1 are reflected on the reflective surface 5 and then advance toward the first lens 7.

[0033] Therefore, the light rays from the third light source row 3 and the light rays from the first light source 1 are not directed such that they directly pass through the recess 14 (in the case where the light rays are from the third light source row 3) when leaving the light source, and are not directed such that they are directly reflected on the material surface of the first reflector 6 (in the case where the light rays are from the first light source 1) when leaving the light source, and still contribute to the lighting function and are not ineffective.

[0034] Thus, the reflective surface 5 makes it possible to increase the overlap between the light rays originating from the third light source 3 in this row and the light rays originating from the first light source 1. Specifically, at the reflective surface 5, the light rays originating from the third light source 3 in this row and the light rays originating from the first light source 1 are reflected in substantially the same direction. The reflective surface 5 can be smooth or striated in order to improve the uniformity of the resulting light beam. The screen can be positioned such that the light rays originating from the third light source 3 in this row are diffused before reaching the reflective surface 5, in particular in order to increase the blurriness of the light beam.

[0035] According to an example, the light sources in the third light source row 3 can be selectively activated.

[0036] Thanks to this condition, the selective activation of the light sources is possible and thus makes it possible to obtain different light beam configurations that can be customized to suit different situations, particularly situations that make the lighting device 0 versatile. Specifically, in this way, the area illuminated by the light rays originating from the third light source 3 in this row can complement the area illuminated by the second light source row 2 in order to have an area with a right cut-off line or a left cut-off line. Moreover, with this configuration, the area illuminated by the light rays originating from the third light source 3 in this row can complement the area illuminated by the first light source 1 while avoiding an excessive amount of light in certain areas, which may be prohibited by current regulations since such an excess may inconvenience other road users. Specifically, in order to avoid an excessive amount of light in certain areas, certain light sources can be easily turned off.

[0037] According to an example, the light sources in the second light source row 2 can be selectively activated.

[0038] In the same way as the light sources in the third light source row 3, the selective activation of the light sources in the second light source row makes it possible to obtain different light beam configurations that can be customized to suit different situations, particularly situations that make the lighting device 0 versatile. Specifically, the light sources in the second light source row 2 can also be selectively turned off or on, and these light sources can be turned on in order to form a cut-off line on the left or right side in order to avoid excessive brightness or insufficiency in certain areas.

[0039] In one example, the lighting device 0 includes a fourth light source row 4a, which includes light sources aligned in the direction d, and the fourth light source row 4a is configured to produce a high beam complementary light beam.

[0040] In this way, the lighting device 0 is able to provide a complete lighting function.

[0041] In one example, the lighting device 0 includes an additional fourth light source row 4b, which includes light sources aligned in the direction d, and the additional fourth light source row 4b is configured to produce a high beam complementary light beam.

[0042] Thus, similar to the fourth light source 4a in this row, a row of additional fourth light sources 4b enables the realization of as global a lighting function as possible.

[0043] According to one example, the lighting device 0 includes a second lens 13, and the second lens 13 is configured such that the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 form an achromatic doublet.

[0044] Therefore, with this configuration, the two lenses 7 and 13 can limit the geometric aberration.

[0045] According to one example, the row of second light sources 2 and the row of third light sources 3 are arranged on a carrier 8, and the carrier is located in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12.

[0046] In the desired case, this arrangement enables ensuring that the dispersion of the light rays from the row of second light sources 2 and the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 is equivalent, such that the light distribution per unit area of the light rays from the row of second light sources 2 and the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 is also equivalent.

[0047] According to one example, the first reflector 6 has an optical axis 12 passing through it, and the focal point 9 is located in the portion 6b.

[0048] Given that the row of second light sources 2, the row of third light sources 3, the row of fourth light sources 4a, and the row of additional fourth light sources 4b are located at the portion 6b, the fact that the focal point of the first lens 7 is also located in the portion 6b means that the images of the light rays from these rows can be projected to almost infinity.

[0049] In the context of the present invention, the term "between" applied to the positioning of the row of third light sources relative to the row of second light sources and the positioning of this first reflector means that the row of third light sources is included in a plane located between the plane containing the row of second light sources and the plane of the portion of this first reflector that faces the row of third light sources 3. Thus, in this way, the row of third light sources can be positioned between the row of second light sources and the first reflector, and no plane perpendicular to the optical axis passes through the row of third light sources, the row of second light sources, and this first reflector in any way.

[0050] The horizontal plane can be represented by a median plane containing the optical axis and parallel to the row of second light sources 2.

[0051] In the context of the present specification, the adjectives "lower" and "higher" and their equivalents (under, below, on, above) shall be interpreted with respect to the vertical direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the direction d and the optical axis 12). In the same context, in the vertical direction, the upper element is located above the lower element (but not necessarily in contact with the lower element nor directly vertically aligned).

[0052] According to one embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the lighting device 0 includes a first light source 1, a first reflector 6, a second reflector 11, a first lens 7, and an optical axis 12. The first lens 7 has a focal point 9.

[0053] The first light source 1 is configured to emit a near-field light beam of low beam. The first light source 1 is configured to direct the light rays originating from the first light source 1 towards the second reflector 11, then towards the first reflector 6, and then through the first lens 7.

[0054] The lighting device 0 includes a row of second light sources 2, which are arranged in a straight line in the direction d. The row of second light sources 2 is configured to direct the light rays originating from the row of second light sources 2 towards the first lens 7. The row of second light sources 2 is configured to emit a cut-off beam of low beam.

[0055] The device includes a row of third light sources 3, which are arranged in a straight line in the direction d. The row of third light sources 3 is configured to cause the light rays originating from the row of third light sources 3 to advance towards the first lens 7. The row of third light sources 3 is positioned at a height coordinate between the height coordinate of the row of second light sources 2 and the height coordinate of the portion of the first reflector 6 closest to the row of second light sources 2. The height coordinates in question are coordinates on an axis perpendicular to the optical axis 12 and the direction d.

[0056] The first light source 1 may be positioned so as to be in virtual contact with the second reflector 11 (which means at a distance of 1 mm to 3 mm from the second reflector 11) and at the center of the recess of the second reflector 11. The concave surface of the recess of the second reflector 11 faces the first reflector 6.

[0057] The first lens 7 may be positioned at a distance between 16 cm and 20 cm from the row of second light sources 2. This distance may be measured on the optical axis of the first lens 7.

[0058] These rows of light sources may be positioned perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 7. These rows of light sources may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis such that an equal number of light sources exist on both sides of the optical axis.

[0059] This distance is selected so as to obtain a light diffusion sufficient to achieve a lighting area of the desired size, while achieving proper focusing of the light rays and limiting the light emission attenuation.

[0060] The second reflector 11 may be closer to the first lens 7 than the first reflector 6. The second reflector 11 may be positioned at a distance of 8 cm from the first lens 7. The second reflector 11 may be positioned below the first reflector 6 and below the optical axis 12. The second reflector 11 may be positioned at a distance between 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm below the first reflector 6.

[0061] The cut-off beam of the low beam is used to define the cut-off region. The cut-off beam of the low beam is a beam having a portion including two parts forming an angle between 75° and 105°. Thus, the beam is configured to produce a low beam illumination portion with a cut-off line in the low beam mode. The angled portion of the low beam is called the low beam "kink". The near-field beam of the low beam is also called the "flat" beam or the diffused beam. It is widely projected below the cut-off line and is used to illuminate the near field in front of the vehicle. In other words, the near-field beam of the low beam is typically a relatively dispersed projection laterally in front of the vehicle, mainly or entirely below the horizon, and typically seeks to achieve a good illumination distribution throughout the illuminated area.

[0062] Therefore, combining these two beams enables at least partial definition of the low beam of the headlamp. Due to the near-field beam of the low beam of the headlamp, the luminous intensity of the beam of the low beam type obtained by this simultaneous projection is enhanced.

[0063] The beam of the low beam type typically has a first lateral zone (usually at the road edge), the projection height of the first lateral zone is slightly higher than the projection height of the second lateral zone (usually at the road center), these two zones are aligned front and back laterally, and there is a bend or kink between them.

[0064] The second reflector 11 may include one or more sectors having an elliptical, parabolic or semi-elliptical surface. Associated with each sector is at least one light source, especially at the focus of the surface defining the sector, and each sector has one light source.

[0065] The first reflector 6 may have a significantly rounded surface with a concave surface facing the direction of the first lens 7. The first reflector 6 and the second reflector 11 may act like concave mirrors on the light rays originating from the light source.

[0066] The purpose of the first reflector 6 is to collect and reflect the light originating from the light sources in this row of the third light sources 3. In the case of the first light source 1, the purpose of the first reflector 6 is to reflect the light indirectly originating from these light sources, and the second reflector 11 has the purpose of collecting and reflecting the light originating from these light sources.

[0067] Preferably, the first reflector 6 has a peripheral zone 6a. A part 6b of the peripheral zone 6a is positioned facing this row of third light sources 3. The part 6b includes a recess 14 which defines a zone allowing the light rays originating from this row of third light sources 3 to pass through the first reflector 6 in order to reach the first lens 7 and thus pass through this first reflector.

[0068] Advantageously, the light rays originating from the light sources in this row of third light sources 3 are on average directed in a direction called the average emission direction. The average emission direction is defined such that on average the light rays originating from the light sources in this row of third light sources 3 are guided so as to advance towards the first lens 7 without being blocked by the first reflector 6.

[0069] The average emission direction is defined as the median direction in the part of space where the light sources emit; typically, this is perpendicular to the light source at the center of the light source; it can be arranged so as to be parallel to the optical axis 12 and to pass through the recess 14 without intersecting the material part of the first reflector 6.

[0070] Preferably, the lighting device 0 includes a wall 10 which projects from the part 6b of the peripheral zone 6a in a direction substantially opposite to the direction towards the first lens 7.

[0071] In an advantageous embodiment, the wall 10 includes a first horizontal plane 10a and a second horizontal plane 10b. The first horizontal plane 10a and the second horizontal plane 10b are configured such that this row of third light sources 3 is positioned between the first horizontal plane 10a and the second horizontal plane 10b. Thus, the light rays originating from this row of third light sources 3 are emitted such that these light rays advance towards the first lens 7 and pass through the first reflector 6.

[0072] The first horizontal plane 10a is located at the base of the first reflector 6, and the second horizontal plane 10b is located in the middle between the base of the first reflector 6 and the top of the first reflector 6.

[0073] Thus, the lower edge of the light sources in this row of third light sources 3 can be aligned with the first horizontal plane 10a.

[0074] Preferably, the wall 10 includes a reflective surface 5, such as a mirror function coating, which is configured such that the light rays originating from this row of third light sources 3 and the light rays originating from the first light source 1 are returned by reflection on the reflective surface 5 and then advance towards the first lens 7.

[0075] The reflective surface 5 can be positioned at the second horizontal plane 10b.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the light sources in this row of third light sources 3 can be switched on individually.

[0077] Preferably, the light sources in the second row of light sources 2 can be individually turned on. With this configuration, individually turning on the light sources can produce a pixelated light source. The acronym ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) is used for this type of function. This discretization of light is also referred to as a segmented beam. Thus, a beam that projects an image formed by beam segments is called a segmented beam, and each segment can be independently illuminated.

[0078] The lighting device 0 may include control means for selectively activating the light sources in the third row of light sources 3 and the second row of light sources 2. Thus, the resulting beam can be partially independently discretized.

[0079] It should be noted that each light source can be controlled to be selectively activated. This means that not all of the emitting elements need to be enabled, i.e., emitting light simultaneously. This function allows the shape of the generated beam to be modulated. If a light source is not activated, its image (such as projected by an optical device) will not be present. Thus, an illumination void is formed in the total generated beam. This void is only interrupted by the light source coupling effect and the effect of stray light from the optical device.

[0080] These light sources are preferably part of a light generation system, which preferably includes a carrier, one face of which carries selectively activatable light sources based on emission semiconductor element (including light-emitting diode (LED)) technology.

[0081] The device according to the invention may include a unit for driving the activation of each light source, the unit being configured to produce at least one dark zone that forms a tunnel in the projected beam by deactivating a group of adjacent light sources, the driving unit being configured to determine the number of light sources in the group corresponding to the dark zone depending on the width dimension of the light sources.

[0082] The driving unit may include a computer program product (preferably stored in a non-transitory memory), the computer program product including instructions which, when executed by a processor, determine the light sources to be activated, in particular to obtain at least one dark zone of a defined area (in which the light sources are not activated) taking into account the variable area of the image of the elements.

[0083] Conventional light sources currently used in the automotive field are light-emitting diodes individually encapsulated in a housing, commonly also referred to as LEDs. The light-emitting part of the diode is covered by at least one light-transmitting layer made of, for example, a transparent polymer material. Depending on the shape of the transmission layer, once light is generated in the diode, the transmission layer can be used as a primary optical device. Thus, such an LED forms a complex component combining an emission part and an optical part. Moreover, when these LEDs are arranged next to each other, the emission parts of adjacent LEDs are relatively far apart from each other, which requires an optical projection that is designed to form an image that does not include such an interval between the LEDs.

[0084] Advantageously, the lighting device 0 includes a row of fourth light sources 4a. This row of fourth light sources 4a includes light sources arranged in a straight line in the direction d. This row of fourth light sources 4a is configured to produce a high beam complementary beam.

[0085] Advantageously, the lighting device 0 includes a row of additional fourth light sources 4b. This row of additional fourth light sources 4b includes light sources arranged in a straight line in the direction d. This row of additional fourth light sources 4b is configured to produce a high beam complementary beam.

[0086] These rows of light sources 3, 2, 4a and 4b can be positioned one above the other so as to be able to be included in the same plane defined perpendicular to the optical axis 12. These rows of light sources 3, 2, 4a and 4b can also be positioned one above the other so as to be able to be included in different planes all perpendicular to the optical axis 12. Other arrangements are also possible, for example such that these rows of light sources 3 and 2 are included in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12, while these rows of light sources 4a and 4b are included in another plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12. These rows of light sources 3, 2, 4a and 4b can be spaced apart by a distance between 900 μm and 1000 μm.

[0087] The invention can thus contribute to a high beam function which aims to illuminate a large area of the scene in front of the vehicle and also to illuminate a relatively long distance, typically about two hundred meters. This beam is mainly above the horizon due to its lighting function. It can for example have a lighting optical axis which is slightly inclined upwards. In particular, it can be used to produce a "complementary beam" lighting function which forms part of a high beam which is complementary to the beam produced by the near field beam, the complementary high beam seeking to fully or at least mainly illuminate above the horizon, while the near field beam (which may have the specific characteristics of a dipped beam) seeks to fully or at least mainly illuminate below the horizon. Thus, the complementary high beam part can be the main part of the overall "high beam" and is associated with another beam participating in the dipped beam.

[0088] By virtue of the functions described above with respect to the adaptive beam or in addition thereto, the device can also be used for other lighting functions. This makes it possible to produce a lighting matrix to selectively illuminate parts of the space in front of the vehicle.

[0089] According to a preferred option, the light sources in these rows of light sources 2, 3, 4b and 4b and the first light source 1 include at least one electroluminescent source having a maximized emission part. In this case, the emission part is exposed at the end face of the light source and occupies at least 90%, preferably 98%, and even more preferably 100% of the surface of said end face. In the latter case, the emission part then forms the exit surface of the light from the light source.

[0090] These light sources can especially include at least one semiconductor chip capable of emitting light. Moreover, "light source" is understood here to mean a set of at least one elementary light source capable of generating a flux that causes at least one light beam to exit the device of the invention.

[0091] Thus, using light sources of this type allows these light sources to be arranged very close to each other (typically with a gap of less than 50 microns, or even less than 25 microns). An image can be formed directly from these light sources. However, the efficiency of the optical device is maintained, and the pixels are shaped, especially vertically shaped, by a main optical element that is a common element of the light sources.

[0092] The light source can be laterally delimited by a number of circumferential walls and end faces extending along the growth axis of the diode. In this case, the end face includes an emission portion through which light is emitted when the diode is biased.

[0093] The emission portion can be a layer, which can be called an active layer, in which photon generation occurs through electron-hole recombination, or more commonly, especially for white light, a conversion layer with charges (such as phosphor particles) allows the photons generated in the active layer to be re-emitted within a wavelength band suitable for the application.

[0094] In an advantageous embodiment, the end face of the light source has a rectangular cross-section, which is typical for an LED chip. Thus, the emission portion also has a rectangular cross-section that is slightly smaller than the exit face. In particular, the length of one of the sides of the emission portion is smaller than the length of one of the sides of the end face of the light source by a value between 10 microns and 40 microns. In other words, the distance between the edge of the end face and the edge of the emission portion can be between 5 microns and 20 microns.

[0095] In the case of a separately packaged light-emitting source (also called an LED chip), maximizing the size of the emission portion reduces the size of the housing surrounding the light-emitting diode. In fact, the housing can include an edge covering the circumferential wall of the diode. By having an emission portion that occupies almost all or all of the end face of the diode, these edges can be configured to have a very small thickness, for example, on the order of a few microns. Thus, the housing surrounding the light-emitting diode is almost the same size as the diode. The housing is only a few microns larger than the end face of the diode.

[0096] In particular, light sources sold by the company under the brand name Luxeon NEO can be used.

[0097] Another example of a light source with a maximized emission part is a light source including at least two rows of light sources on a common substrate. Such an arrangement of elements can result from growth on the substrate (from which the elements grow separately), or from any other production method, such as transferring these elements using transfer techniques. Various arrangements of electroluminescent elements can meet this definition of a monolithic array, provided that one of the main extension dimensions of the electroluminescent elements is substantially perpendicular to the common substrate, and the lateral spacing between pixels formed by one or more electroluminescent elements grouped together is smaller compared to the spacing used in the known arrangement of a typically flat square chip soldered to a printed circuit board.

[0098] In other words, in the present invention, it can be an integral electroluminescent light source divided into several separate segments. Each segment is separated by a thin wall made of, for example, silicone resin. The thickness of the thin wall is between 10 microns and 25 microns. In particular, a light source sold by the company under the trademark can be used.

[0099] Preferably, this row of second light sources 2 consists of 24 light sources. This row of third light sources 3 can also consist of 24 light sources. This row of fourth light sources 4a can also consist of 24 light sources. This row of additional fourth light sources 4b can also consist of 24 light sources. There can be five first light sources 1.

[0100] Advantageously, the LED has an emission surface area of 0.5 mm 2 or 1 mm 2 . The LED can have a height of 0.74 mm and a width of 1 mm. The size of the LED is directly related to the desired beam amount. Moreover, in order to have a large beam amount, other rows of LEDs can also be added.

[0101] According to one possibility, the lighting device 0 includes a second lens 13. The second lens 13 is configured such that the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 form an achromatic doublet.

[0102] The first lens 7 and the second lens 13 can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or glass. The system including the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 can have a focal length of 42.5 mm. The geometric aperture of the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 can be measured as 30 mm × 60 mm.

[0103] Preferably, the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 can have a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm. The first lens 7 and the second lens 13 can be measured as 30 mm × 60 mm.

[0104] The field of view of the overall beam exiting the device is between ±25° and ±35°, especially ±30°.

[0105] Preferably, the second row of light sources 2 and the third row of light sources 3 are positioned on a carrier 8 which is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12.

[0106] The carrier 8 can be made of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). These rows of light sources 2, 3, 4a and 4b can be fixed to the carrier 8 by adhesive bonding or some other type of fixing (such as using fasteners).

[0107] Preferably, the optical axis 12 passes through the first reflector 6. The focus 9 is positioned in the part 6b.

[0108] The lighting device 0 according to the invention can be assembled to a vehicle, and preferably, the vehicle is also equipped with at least one other device for projecting at least one other light beam. This means that several lighting devices 0 can be arranged in a housing enclosed by an outer lens so as to obtain one or more lighting and / or signaling light beams at the output of the headlamp. The headlamp can also be complex and include multiple devices which can also optionally share components.

[0109] Advantageously, the lighting device 0 according to the invention can be assembled to the headlamp of a vehicle, in particular to the headlamp of a vehicle or to the two headlamps of a vehicle, one headlamp being positioned on the right side and the other headlamp being positioned on the left side.

[0110] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0111] List of reference numerals

[0112] 0. Lighting device

[0113] 1. First light source

[0114] 2. Second row of light sources

[0115] 3. Third row of light sources

[0116] 4a. Fourth row of light sources

[0117] 4b. Additional fourth row of light sources

[0118] 5. Reflective surface

[0119] 6. First reflector

[0120] 6a. Peripheral zone

[0121] 6b. Part

[0122] 7. First lens

[0123] 8. Carrier

[0124] 9. Focus

[0125] 10. Wall

[0126] 10a. First horizontal plane

[0127] 10b. Second horizontal plane

[0128] 11. Second reflector

[0129] 12. Optical axis

[0130] 13. Second lens

[0131] 14. Retracted portion

[0132] d. Direction

Claims

1. A lighting device (0), comprising: - a first light source (1), which is configured to form a near-field light beam of low beam, - a first reflector (6), - a second reflector (11), and - a first lens (7), which includes a focal point (9) and an optical axis (12) wherein the first light source (1) is configured to emit light rays, the light rays are reflected on the second reflector (11) and then on the first reflector (6), and then pass through the first lens (7), the lighting device (0) is such that the lighting device includes a row of second light sources (2), the row of second light sources includes light sources that are aligned in a direction (d) and are configured to emit light rays towards the first lens (7), the row of second light sources (2) is configured to form a cut-off light beam of low beam, and the lighting device includes a row of third light sources (3), the row of third light sources includes light sources that are aligned in the direction (d) and are configured to emit light rays towards the first lens (7), and the row of third light sources (3) is located between the row of second light sources (2) and the first reflector (6) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (12) and the direction (d).

2. The lighting device (0) according to the previous claim, wherein, the first reflector (6) has a peripheral area (6a), a part (6b) of the peripheral area is positioned facing the row of third light sources (3), and the part (6b) includes a recess (14), and the recess defines an area through which light rays from the row of third light sources (3) can pass through the first reflector (6) to advance towards the first lens (7).

3. The lighting device (0) according to the previous claim, wherein, the light sources in the row of third light sources (3) have an average emission direction, and the light sources in the row of third light sources (3) are configured such that the light rays from the light sources in the row of third light sources (3) pass through the recess (14) along their average emission direction and advance towards the first lens (7).

4. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the previous two claims, comprising a wall (10), which extends from the part (6b) of the peripheral area (6a) in a direction away from the first lens (7).

5. The lighting device (0) according to the previous claim, wherein, the wall (10) includes a first horizontal plane (10a) and a second horizontal plane (10b), and the first horizontal plane (10a) and the second horizontal plane (10b) are configured such that the row of third light sources (3) is positioned between the first horizontal plane (10a) and the second horizontal plane (10b), so that the light rays from the row of third light sources (3) pass through the first reflector (6) and advance towards the first lens (7).

6. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the previous two claims, wherein, The wall (10) includes a reflective surface (5) configured such that light rays from the row of third light sources (3) and light rays from the first light source (1) are reflected on the reflective surface (5) and then travel towards the first lens (7).

7. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the light sources in the row of third light sources (3) can be selectively activated.

8. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the light sources in the row of second light sources (2) can be selectively activated.

9. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a row of fourth light sources (4a), the row of fourth light sources including light sources aligned in the direction (d), the row of fourth light sources (4a) being configured to produce a high beam complementary beam.

10. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a row of additional fourth light sources (4b), the row of additional fourth light sources including light sources aligned in the direction (d), the row of additional fourth light sources (4b) being configured to produce a high beam complementary beam.

11. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second lens (13), the second lens (13) being configured such that the first lens (7) and the second lens (13) form an achromatic doublet.

12. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the row of second light sources (2) and the row of third light sources (3) are arranged on a carrier (8), the carrier being in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (12).

13. The lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first reflector (6) has an optical axis (12) passing through the first reflector, and the focal point (9) is located in the portion (6b).

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