Lighting module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module comprising a light source (1, 4) and a main lens (5) comprising two refractive entry interfaces (5a, 5b), a refractive exit interface (12) and two reflective surfaces (8, 9). The first incident refractive interface is configured to receive light from the first light source, which then reaches the exit refractive interface, and the second incident refractive interface is configured to receive light from the second light source, which then transmits the light to the first reflective surface. The first reflective surface is configured to reflect light rays from the second light sources toward the second reflective surface, and the second reflective surface is configured to reflect the light rays toward the exit refractive interface after the light rays from the second light sources are reflected on the first reflective surface. The differently inclined portions (5aa, 5ab) of the first incident refractive interface are connected by a connecting line (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting, which includes signaling, and to the field of 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 particularly relates to a lighting module. Background Art

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

[0003] These modules must meet applicable regulations, which vary from country to country. Specifically, light is emitted in certain areas to exclude areas that should remain dark, and the light is emitted uniformly so as not to leave dark areas in the areas that should be illuminated. Another limitation that manufacturers face is to reduce the size of the module in order to obtain the most easily usable module.

[0004] To optimally achieve these different objectives, a technical solution has been proposed in document FR 3077362 A1. This solution is based on the development of a headlight provided with three light beams in order to form a low beam associated with a complementary high beam, so that a desired light distribution can be obtained. The specific feature of this solution lies in the fact that the near-field beam of the low beam passes through a waveguide, and the near-field beam undergoes several internal reflections in the waveguide to direct the beam to the desired position.

[0005] However, this type of solution has drawbacks, especially due to the properties of the fully illuminated area, it cannot achieve compactness and safety.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to propose a module that can overcome all or some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

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

[0008] To achieve this object, according to one embodiment, there is provided a lighting module, which includes:

[0009] - A first row of first light sources, the first row of first light sources including light sources aligned in a first direction,

[0010] - A group of second light sources,

[0011] - An optical axis, a first plane being defined to contain the first direction and being perpendicular to the optical axis,

[0012] - A main lens, the main lens including a first incident refractive interface and an exit refractive interface, the first incident refractive interface being configured to receive light from a first light source in a first row, the exit refractive interface being configured to transmit light from the first light source in the first row and received by the first incident refractive interface,

[0013] The main lens further includes:

[0014] - A second incident refractive interface, a first reflecting surface, and a second reflecting surface, the second incident refractive interface being configured to receive light from a second light source in the group and transmit the light to the first reflecting surface, the first reflecting surface being configured to reflect the light from the second light source in the group towards the second reflecting surface,

[0015] wherein the second reflecting surface is configured to reflect the light towards the exit refractive interface after the light from the second light source in the group is reflected on the first reflecting surface, and

[0016] The first incident refractive interface includes a first portion and a second portion connected by a connecting line, the first portion and the second portion being inclined differently with respect to the optical axis.

[0017] It should be obvious that the two portions of the first incident refractive interface generate different refractions at the entrance of the lens due to their different inclinations, thereby causing a greater diversity in the directions of the light rays from the first row, thereby promoting the uniformity of the illumination of the area corresponding to its light rays in the final projected light beam.

[0018] Therefore, the fact that the light rays from the first light source in the first row can partially pass through the first portion of the first incident refractive interface and partially pass through the second portion of the first incident refractive interface (the second portion being inclined differently with respect to the optical axis compared to the second reflecting surface) enables different illumination configurations to be produced according to the surfaces through which the light rays in question pass, as can be seen in Figure 4 As can be seen. More specifically, in Figure 4 As can be seen, the upper area has a clear upper cut-off line towards the top, while the lower area in the same figure has a wider and less well-defined diffusion (the illumination in the lower area can be called "blurred" due to its diffusion and deformed shape), the upper area corresponding to the light rays that have passed through the second portion of the first incident refractive interface, and the lower area corresponding to the light rays that have passed through the first portion of the first incident refractive interface.

[0019] In addition, the positioning of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface enables an illumination module to be produced in which the first light source and the second light source share the same exit refractive interface, which reduces the size of the illumination module.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first part forms part of the second reflecting surface. In this case, the corresponding part of the second reflecting surface has a dual function: on the one hand, it enables total internal reflection of the light rays from the second light source; on the other hand, due to its inclination, it ensures that certain light rays incident in the second row have a specific refraction at this level.

[0021] Thus, in view of the first part forming part of the second reflecting surface, the second reflecting surface is connected to the first incident refractive interface and, in particular, to the second part. Thus, as can be seen in Figure 4 , the area illuminated by the light rays from the first light source that have passed through the first part will be located in the area that is also partially illuminated by the light rays from the second light source. In particular, the light rays from the second light source are intercepted by the second reflecting surface by reflection before reaching the exit refractive interface, while the light rays from the first light source are intercepted by the first part by refraction, so that all these light rays are directed (after they have passed through the projection lens) towards an area below the area towards which the light rays from the first light source that have passed through the second part are directed after they have passed through the projection lens. Thus, Figure 4 , the lower area that constitutes the so-called "blur" will make it possible to create a transition zone between the light beam from the second light source and the light beam from the first light source in order to generate a uniform brightness (in the entire relevant area) without dark areas.

[0022] According to another advantageous embodiment, the first row of first light sources is positioned in a direction transverse to the first direction such that 30% to 50% of the light rays from the first row of first light sources are refracted by the first part.

[0023] Thus, due to the position of the first light source relative to the connection line, this lighting module makes it possible to obtain the desired high diffusion of the light beam from the first light source, which can in particular be a dipped beam with a cut-off line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The objects, aims, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in the following drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view (at the optical axis) of the lighting module according to the present invention, in which the path of the light rays can be seen.

[0026] Figure 2 Figure 2 shows Figure 1 ​​​​An enlarged view of the area, which particularly includes the first row of first light sources, the second row of first light sources, the third row of first light sources, the fourth row of first light sources, the first incident refractive interface, and the second reflective surface, where the path of the light can be seen.

[0027] Figure 3 Figure 3 The first row of first light sources, the second row of first light sources, the third row of first light sources, and the fourth row of first light sources are shown, and in particular the positioning of the connecting line relative to the first row of first light sources.

[0028] Figure 4 Figure 4 An isointensity curve of the luminous intensity from the low beam including a cut-off line according to the present invention is shown, where the configuration of the bottom area is due to the light from the first light source passing through the first part.

[0029] The drawings are provided by way of example and do not limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic conceptual representations intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale for actual applications. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] Before starting a detailed discussion of the embodiments of the present invention, the following optional features that can optionally be used in combination or alternatively will be described:

[0031] According to one example, the first part 5aa is positioned at the upper end of the first incident refractive interface 5a, and the first part 5aa extends from the connecting line 15 towards the exit refractive interface 12.

[0032] This configuration enables the formation of a main lens 5, which particularly includes a set of surfaces connected to each other in the upper part to prevent light from exiting the lighting module without contributing to the lighting function.

[0033] According to one example, the second reflective surface 9 has a concave profile to direct the light from the group 4 of second light sources towards the exit refractive interface 12.

[0034] Thus, in this way, the light from the group 4 of second light sources contributes to the lighting function as needed and is not excluded from the lighting function.

[0035] According to one example, the second reflective surface 9 forms an angle between 115° and 155° with the second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a.

[0036] This configuration enables different lighting configurations to be obtained depending on whether the lighting is desired to be more directed towards the top or the bottom.

[0037] ​​​​According to an example, the connection line 15 projects onto the first row of first light sources in a direction parallel to the optical axis 13 so as to divide the first row of first light sources into an upper part and a lower part, and the lower part is 1% to 20% larger than the upper part.

[0038] This configuration enables the positioning of the first light sources in the first row relative to the connection line to be adjusted so as to better control the height of the cut-off line of the light beam formed by the first light sources. Thus, for each first light source, the superposition of the light emitted by the upper part and the lower part of the light source forms a luminous segment.

[0039] According to an example, the lighting module includes a third reflecting surface 14 which is configured such that the light rays from the group 4 of second light sources are reflected on the third reflecting surface 14 after being reflected by the first reflecting surface 8 and before being reflected by the second reflecting surface 9.

[0040] The arrangement of this third reflecting surface 14 enables the maximum number of light rays from the group 4 of second light sources in the final resulting illumination to be taken into account with a folding effect.

[0041] According to an example, the third reflecting surface 14 is at least partially formed by a second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a.

[0042] By virtue of this configuration, the third reflecting surface 14 and the second part 5ab are in the same plane, so that the light rays from the second light sources are reflected on the second reflecting surface 9 after having been reflected on the third reflecting surface 14. This configuration also enables the lighting module to be simplified.

[0043] According to an example, the second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a is inclined at an angle between 0° and 10° with respect to the first plane p1, such that the angle between the second part 5ab and the first reflecting surface 8 is reduced.

[0044] This configuration enables a compromise to be obtained between a desired luminance distribution and sufficient light luminance. This configuration also enables different lighting configurations to be obtained so as to obtain more or less lighting towards the top of the exit refractive interface.

[0045] According to an example, the exit refractive interface 12 includes an upper part 6 having an upper curved surface 6a and a lower part 7 having a lower curved surface 7a, and the upper curved surface 6a is more convex than the lower curved surface 7a.

[0046] Thus, the fact that the upper curved surface 6a is more convex than the lower curved surface 7a enables greater illumination to be obtained in the upper part of the illuminated area, which can also improve safety.

[0047] According to one example, the lighting module includes a collimator 10, each collimator 10 being associated with a separate second light source 4, each collimator 10 receiving light from the source and sending the light in a collimated manner towards a second incident refractive interface 5b.

[0048] The positioning of the collimators associated with each light source in the group of second light sources is such that a collimated beam, that is to say a beam formed of parallel light rays, can be obtained separately for each light source in the group of second light sources. Due to the direction of intersection of the light rays with the second incident refractive interface 5b, this configuration makes it possible to better control the path of these light rays until they exit the lighting module.

[0049] According to one example, the first row 1 of first light sources is configured to form a dipped beam with a cut-off line.

[0050] According to one example, the group 4 of second light sources is configured to form a near-field beam of the dipped light.

[0051] Thus, the fact that the light rays from the first light sources in the first row 1 can selectively pass through two separate surfaces, combined with the fact that the beams produced by these light sources can be a dipped beam with a cut-off line, makes it possible to Figure 4 produce, as shown, a clear upper zone providing a right / left cut-off line and a diffused lower zone providing the supplement necessary to solve part of the technical problem solved by the present invention. Specifically, due to the reflection of the beam from the group 4 of second light sources (which can be a near-field beam of the dipped light) on the second reflecting surface 9, this lower zone will be the transition of this beam.

[0052] According to one example, the lighting module includes a second row 2 of first light sources, the second row of first light sources including light sources aligned in a second direction d2, the second direction d2 being parallel to the first direction d1, the second row 2 of first light sources being positioned below the first row 1 of first light sources.

[0053] According to one example, the lighting module includes a third row 2a of first light sources and a fourth row 2b of first light sources, the third row of first light sources including light sources aligned in a third direction d3, the fourth row of first light sources including light sources aligned in a fourth direction d4, the third direction d3 and the fourth direction d4 being parallel to the first direction d1, the third row 2a of first light sources being positioned below the second row 2 of first light sources, and the fourth row 2b of first light sources being positioned below the third row 2a of first light sources.

[0054] Adding the second row 2 of first light sources, the third row 2a of first light sources and the fourth row 2b of first light sources makes it possible to obtain a lighting that is as extended as possible and thus as complete as possible.

[0055] According to one example, the second row 2 of first light sources, the third row 2a of first light sources and the fourth row 2b of first light sources are configured to form or contribute to forming a complementary high beam.

[0056] This configuration enables the lighting function to be obtained as complete as possible.

[0057] According to an example, the light sources in the first row 1 of first light sources, the second row 2 of first light sources, the third row 2a of first light sources, and the fourth row 2b of first light sources are selectively activatable.

[0058] Thus, this configuration in particular enables the lighting with a cut-off line that can be on the right or on the left to be selectively configured using the same lighting module.

[0059] According to an example, the lighting module includes a projection lens 11 that is positioned on the optical axis 13, behind the main lens 5.

[0060] Combining the main lens and the projection lens enables the desired light distribution to be obtained in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, while still having sufficient luminous power and imaging quality.

[0061] According to an example, at least one of the incident refractive interface of the projection lens 11 and the exit refractive interface of the projection lens 11 has micro-sized irregularities on its surface. "Micro-sized irregularities" are understood to mean a surface condition, especially on the refractive interface, which has a set of protruding elements with a depth of less than 600 μm.

[0062] Thus, the positioning of these irregularities enables the cut-off line to be slightly blurred on the exit refractive interface in order to obtain an adjustment gradient, and on the incident refractive interface, by virtue of the presence of micro-protrusions on the surface of the refractive interface, the light beam is made uniform, thus producing scattering of the light rays.

[0063] Regarding the features set forth below, terms related to verticality, horizontality, or transversality (or even lateral direction) or their equivalents should be understood relative to the position in which the lighting system is intended to be assembled in a vehicle. In this specification, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used to mean that, regarding the term "vertical", it represents a direction having an orientation perpendicular to the horizon plane (which corresponds to the height of the system), and regarding the term "horizontal", it represents a direction having an orientation parallel to the horizon plane. These directions are considered under the operating conditions of the module in the vehicle. The use of these words does not mean that minor variations with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the present invention. For example, an inclination of approximately + or - 10° with respect to these directions is considered here to be a minor variation with respect to the two preferred directions. With respect to the horizontal plane, the inclination is in principle between - 5° and + 4°, and it is between - 6° and + 7.5° laterally.

[0064] In the context of the present specification, the adjectives "lower" and "higher" and their equivalents (under, below, on, above) shall be considered with respect to the vertical direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the directions d1 and the optical axis 9). In the same context, in the vertical direction, the upper element is located above the lower element (but not necessarily in contact with or directly in line with the lower element).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the illumination module includes a first row 1 of first light sources, a group 4 of second light sources, an optical axis 13, and a main lens 5. The first row 1 of first light sources includes light sources arranged in a straight line in a first direction d1. A first plane p1 is defined as containing the first direction d1 and being perpendicular to the optical axis 13.

[0066] The main lens 5 includes a first incident refractive interface 5a, a second incident refractive interface 5b, an exit refractive interface 12, a first reflecting surface 8, and a second reflecting surface 9. The first incident refractive interface 5a is configured to transmit light rays from the first light sources in the first row 1. The exit refractive interface 12 is configured to be traversed by the light rays from the first light sources in the first row 1 after they have passed through the first incident refractive interface 5a. The second incident refractive interface 5b is configured to be traversed by the light rays from the second light sources in the group 4 such that these light rays are then reflected on the first reflecting surface 8. The first reflecting surface 8 is configured such that the light rays from the second light sources in the group 4 are reflected on the first reflecting surface by total internal reflection before being reflected on the second reflecting surface 9, the total internal reflection being related to the angle of the light rays irradiating the first reflecting surface.

[0067] The second reflecting surface 9 is configured such that the light rays from the second light sources in the group 4 are reflected on the second reflecting surface after being reflected on the first reflecting surface 8 and are directed towards the exit refractive interface 12.

[0068] The first incident refractive interface 5a includes a first portion 5aa and a second portion 5ab. The first portion 5aa and the second portion 5ab are joined at a connection line 15. The first portion 5aa and the second portion 5ab do not have the same orientation with respect to the optical axis 13.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the first portion 5aa is located in the upper portion of the first incident refractive interface 5a relative to the second portion 5ab. The first portion 5aa is located between the connection line 15 (while being in contact therewith) and the exit refractive interface 12. The first portion 5aa may be in contact with the exit refractive interface 12.

[0070] Advantageously, the first portion 5aa is included in the second reflecting surface 9.

[0071] Preferably, as Figure 2As shown, the second reflecting surface 9 has a concave profile so as to direct the light from the group of second light sources in the group 4 towards the exit refractive interface 12. This particularly achieves a converging effect.

[0072] Advantageously, the second reflecting surface 9 and the second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a form an angle between 115° and 155°.

[0073] Preferably, the first row 1 of first light sources is positioned relative to the first incident refractive interface 5a such that 30% to 50% of the light from the first row 1 of first light sources is directed towards the first part 5aa.

[0074] Preferably, the connecting line 15 is positioned relative to the first row 1 of first light sources such that the connecting line 15 divides the first row 1 of first light sources into an upper part and a lower part. The lower part is 1% to 20% larger than the upper part.

[0075] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lighting module includes a third reflecting surface 14. The third reflecting surface 14 is configured such that the light from the light source group 4 is reflected on the third reflecting surface 14 after being reflected by the first reflecting surface 8 and before being reflected by the second reflecting surface 9.

[0076] Preferably, the third reflecting surface 14 and the second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a are located on the same surface, which is preferably planar. The third reflecting surface 14 is formed by a part of the second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a.

[0077] Advantageously, the second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a is oriented relative to the first plane p1 so as to form an angle between 0° and 10° with the first plane p1. In other words, the second part 5ab of the first incident refractive interface 5a (relative to the first plane p1) is oriented such that the angle between the second part 5ab and the first reflecting surface 8 is reduced.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment, the exit refractive interface 12 includes an upper part 6 and a lower part 7. The upper part 6 has an upper curved surface 6a. The lower part 7 has a lower curved surface 7a. The upper curved surface 6a is more concave than the lower curved surface 7a. In the case where each of the upper curved surface 6a and the lower curved surface 7a defines an arc, the radius of the upper curved surface 6a is at least 30% smaller than the radius of the lower curved surface 7a.

[0079] Preferably, the lighting module includes a collimator 10. Each collimator 10 of the lighting module is associated with a separate second light source 4. Then, each collimator 10 receives light from the said source and sends the light in a collimated manner towards the second incident refractive interface 5.

[0080] Preferably, the first row 1 of first light sources is configured to form a dipped beam with a cut-off line.

[0081] Advantageously, the group 4 of second light sources is configured to form a near-field beam of the dipped light.

[0082] The beam from the group 4 of second light sources can also be referred to as a "flat" beam or a diffused beam. This beam is projected widely below the cut-off line and is used to illuminate the near field in front of the vehicle. The beam from the first row 1 of first light sources makes it possible to define a cut-off zone. Thus, the combination of the near-field beam and the beam from the first row 1 of first light sources makes it possible to at least partially define the beam of the dipped light.

[0083] Therefore, the beam from the first row 1 of first light sources is configured to produce the cut-off line portion of the dipped light in the dipped light mode. The resulting angled portion is called the dipped light "distortion".

[0084] A beam of the dipped light type typically has a first lateral zone (usually at the edge of the road), the projection height of the first lateral zone being slightly higher than the projection height of the second lateral zone (usually at the center of the road). These two zones are aligned front and back laterally, and there is a bend or kink between them.

[0085] The near-field beam of the dipped light is typically a relatively dispersed projection laterally in front of the vehicle, mainly or completely below the horizon, and generally seeks to achieve a good lighting distribution over the entire illuminated area.

[0086] The first row 1 of first light sources can be spaced 0.7 mm from the main lens 5.

[0087] This distance is selected according to the thermal resistance of the material of the main lens 5, which is selected to minimize the distance between the light source and the main lens 5 as much as possible in order to collect the maximum amount of light and thus maximize the efficiency.

[0088] The first incident refractive interface 5a can be separated from the exit refractive interface 12 by a distance greater than 33 mm. This distance is taken with respect to the optical axis 13.

[0089] According to a preferred example, the lighting module includes a second row 2 of first light sources, the second row of first light sources including light sources arranged in a straight line in a second direction d2. The second direction d2 is parallel to the first direction d1. The second row 2 of first light sources is positioned below the first row 1 of first light sources.

[0090] Advantageously, the lighting module includes a third row 2a of first light sources, the third row of first light sources including light sources arranged in a straight line in a third direction d3. Advantageously, the lighting module includes a fourth row 2b of first light sources, the fourth row of first light sources including light sources arranged in a straight line in a fourth direction d4. The third direction d3 and the fourth direction d4 are parallel to the first direction d1. The third row 2a of first light sources is positioned below the second row 2 of first light sources. The fourth row 2b of first light sources is positioned below the third row 2a of first light sources.

[0091] The first row 1 of first light sources, the second row 2 of first light sources, the third row 2a of first light sources, and the fourth row 2b of first light sources can be fastened to a first support. The group 4 of second light sources can be fastened to a second support. These supports can be in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). These rows can be fastened to these supports by adhesive bonding or by another type of fastening (such as using fasteners).

[0092] Preferably, the second row 2 of first light sources, the third row 2a of first light sources, and the fourth row 2b of first light sources are configured to form or contribute to forming a complementary high beam. The light sources in rows 2, 2a, and 2b enter the main lens through a second part of the first incident refractive interface.

[0093] The present invention can contribute to a high beam function, the purpose of which is to illuminate a large area of the scene in front of the vehicle and also 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 slightly upwardly inclined illumination optical axis. In particular, it can be used to produce a "complementary beam" lighting function, which forms part of a high beam that is complementary to the beam produced by a 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 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 involved in the dipped beam.

[0094] Via the functions described above regarding the adaptive beam or in addition thereto, the module can also be used for other lighting functions. This makes it possible to produce an illumination matrix to selectively illuminate parts of the space in front of the vehicle.

[0095] Advantageously, all or only some of the light sources in the first row 1 of first light sources, the second row 2 of first light sources, the third row 2a of first light sources, and the fourth row 2b of first light sources are selectively activatable to produce a pixelated light source. This configuration makes it possible to control the brightness value according to the area in question. The acronym ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) is used for this type of function.

[0096] Specifically, the selective activation of the light sources enables a variable beam configuration to be obtained, thus allowing adaptation to various situations. Thus, this is the case for the areas to be illuminated, and also for those areas where the brightness should be reduced due to regulatory restrictions.

[0097] This discretization of the 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, with each segment being capable of being independently illuminated.

[0098] Thus, not all of the emitting elements need to be active, 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 module) 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 optics.

[0099] The system according to the invention may include a unit for driving the activation of each light source, which is configured to generate at least one dark area forming a tunnel in the projected beam by deactivating a group of adjacent light sources, and the driving unit is configured to determine the number of light sources in the group corresponding to the dark area depending on the width dimension of the light source.

[0100] The driving unit may include a computer program product (preferably stored in a non-transitory memory), which includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, determine the light sources to be activated, in particular to obtain at least one dark area (where the light sources are not activated) in a defined area taking into account the variable surface area of the images of the elements.

[0101] The light sources in the light source rows 1, 2, 2a, and 2b may each consist of 24 light sources. There may be 8 light sources in the second group 4 of light sources.

[0102] The light sources in the second group 4 of light sources may be aligned in a direction parallel to the direction d1.

[0103] The light sources of the entire device may be light-emitting diodes, commonly also referred to as LEDs.

[0104] Advantageously, the LEDs of the entire lighting module have an emission surface area of 0.5 mm 2 or 1 mm 2 The LEDs may have a height of 0.74 mm and a width of 1 mm. The size of the LEDs is directly related to the desired beam amount. Moreover, in order to have a large beam amount, rows of LEDs may also be added.

[0105] Two consecutive light sources in the first row 1 of first light sources, the second row 2 of first light sources, the third row 2a of first light sources, and the fourth row 2b of first light sources may be spaced 0.025 mm apart.

[0106] The light source rows 1, 2, 2a, and 2b can be spaced 1.025 mm apart from each other.

[0107] The light source rows 1, 2, 2a, and 2b can be spaced a distance between 10 mm and 30 mm from the group 4 of the second light sources.

[0108] The group 4 of the second light sources can be positioned at a distance of 81 mm from the first reflecting surface.

[0109] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting module includes a projection lens 11, which is positioned on the optical axis 13 and behind the main lens 5.

[0110] The distance between the incident refractive interface and the exit refractive interface of the projection lens 11 can be 32 mm.

[0111] The distance between the main lens 5 and the projection lens 11 can be 6.8 mm.

[0112] Preferably, the main lens 5 and the projection lens 11 are made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), silicone resin, glass, or PC (polycarbonate) that can achieve better heat resistance than PPMA. The system including the main lens 5 and the projection lens 11 can have a focal length of 42.5 mm. The field of view of the light beam exiting from the projection lens 11 and coming from the second light source can be 35°.

[0113] Advantageously, the main lens 5 and the projection lens 11 are sized 30 mm × 60 mm (taking into account the fastening area).

[0114] According to an advantageous embodiment, the optical axis 13 and the first direction d1 are orthogonal.

[0115] According to a preferred example, at least one of the incident refractive interface and the exit refractive interface of the projection lens 11 has a protruding microstructure on its surface. Such a microstructure can protrude less than 50 μm in depth for the exit refractive interface and less than 600 μm in depth for the incident refractive interface. Such a microstructure can have a concentric pattern. The pattern can be ridges or columns.

[0116] Several lighting modules according to the present invention can be arranged in a housing enclosed by an outer lens so as to obtain one or more illumination and / or signaling light beams at the exit of the headlight. The headlight can also be complex and include multiple modules, and these modules can further optionally share components.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but extends to all embodiments covered by the present invention.

[0118] List of reference numerals:

[0119] 1. First row of first light sources

[0120] 2. The first light source in the second row

[0121] 2a. The first light source in the third row

[0122] 2b. The first light source in the fourth row

[0123] 4. The group of the second light sources

[0124] 5. The main lens

[0125] 5a. The first incident refractive interface

[0126] 5aa. The first part

[0127] 5ab. The second part

[0128] 5b. The second incident refractive interface

[0129] 6. The upper part

[0130] 6a. The upper curved surface

[0131] 7. The lower part

[0132] 7a. The lower curved surface

[0133] 8. The first reflecting surface

[0134] 9. The second reflecting surface

[0135] 10. The collimator

[0136] 11. The projection lens

[0137] 12. The exit refractive interface

[0138] 13. The optical axis

[0139] 14. The third reflecting surface

[0140] 15. The connecting line

[0141] d1. The first direction

[0142] d2. The second direction

[0143] d3. The third direction

[0144] d4. The fourth direction

[0145] p1. The first plane

Claims

1. A lighting module, comprising: - A first row (1) of first light sources, the first row of first light sources comprising light sources aligned in a first direction (d1), - A group (4) of second light sources, - An optical axis (13), a first plane (p1) being defined as containing the first direction (d1) and being perpendicular to the optical axis (13), - A main lens (5), the main lens comprising a first incident refractive interface (5a) and an exit refractive interface (12), the first incident refractive interface (5a) being configured to receive light from the first light sources in the first row (1), and the exit refractive interface (12) being configured to emit light from the first light sources in the first row (1) received by the first incident refractive interface (5a), The main lens (5) further comprises: - A second incident refractive interface (5b), a first reflecting surface (8) and a second reflecting surface (9), the second incident refractive interface (5b) being configured to receive light from the second light sources in the group (4) and transmit the light to the first reflecting surface (8), the first reflecting surface (8) being configured to reflect the light from the second light sources in the group (4) towards the second reflecting surface (9), characterized in that the second reflecting surface (9) is configured to reflect the light from the second light sources in the group (4) towards the exit refractive interface (12) after the light is reflected on the first reflecting surface (8), and the first incident refractive interface (5a) comprises a first part (5aa) and a second part (5ab) connected by a connecting line (15), the first part (5aa) and the second part (5ab) being inclined differently with respect to the optical axis (13).

2. The lighting module according to the previous claim, wherein, The first part (5aa) is located at the upper end of the first incident refractive interface (5a), and the first part (5aa) extends from the connecting line (15) towards the exit refractive interface (12).

3. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first part (5aa) forms part of the second reflecting surface (9).

4. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second reflecting surface (9) forms an angle between 115° and 155° with the second part (5ab) of the first incident refractive interface (5a).

5. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first row (1) of first light sources is positioned in a direction transverse to the first direction (d1) such that 30% to 50% of the light from the first row (1) of first light sources is refracted by the first part (5aa).

6. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connecting line (15) is projected onto the first row (1) of first light sources in a direction parallel to the optical axis (13) so as to divide the first row (1) of first light sources into an upper part and a lower part, the lower part being 1% to 20% larger than the upper part.

7. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second part (5ab) of the first incident refractive interface (5a) is inclined at an angle between 0° and 10° with respect to the first plane (p1) such that the angle between the second part (5ab) and the first reflecting surface (8) is reduced.

8. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a collimator (10), each collimator (10) being associated with a separate second light source (4), each collimator (10) receiving light from the source and sending the light in a collimated manner towards the second incident refractive interface (5b).

9. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first row (1) of first light sources is configured to form a dipped beam with a cut-off line.

10. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The group (4) of second light sources is configured to form a near-field beam of dipped light.

11. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second row (2) of first light sources, the second row of first light sources comprising light sources aligned in a second direction (d2), the second direction (d2) being parallel to the first direction (d1), the second row (2) of first light sources being positioned below the first row (1) of first light sources.

12. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, comprising a third row (2a) of first light sources and a fourth row (2b) of first light sources, the third row of first light sources comprising light sources aligned in a third direction (d3), the fourth row of first light sources comprising light sources aligned in a fourth direction (d4), the third direction (d3) and the fourth direction (d4) being parallel to the first direction (d1), the third row (2a) of first light sources being positioned below the second row (2) of first light sources, the fourth row (2b) of first light sources being positioned below the third row (2a) of first light sources.

13. The lighting module according to the previous claim, wherein, The second row (2) of first light sources, the third row (2a) of first light sources and the fourth row (2b) of first light sources are configured to form or contribute to forming a complementary main beam.

14. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a projection lens (11), the projection lens being positioned on the optical axis (13), behind the main lens (5).

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