Lighting module

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module comprising: an upper row of light sources (1); an upper row of upper light guides (3), each associated with an upper light source; a lower row of lower light sources (2); a lower row of lower light guides (4), each lower light guide being associated with a lower light source; and a main lens (5) having an optical axis (6) and comprising an exit refractive interface (5b). The exit refractive interface comprises an upper portion (5ba) comprising a lower edge (11) and a lower portion (5bb) comprising an upper edge (12). The lower edge and the upper edge are connected by a connecting portion (5bc). The upper edge is more forward relative to the main lens than the lower edge in the direction of the optical axis.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting, which comprises signaling, and to the field of units, notably optical units, which contribute to lighting. The present invention is particularly advantageously applicable in the field of motor vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a lighting module. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the automotive industry, modules capable of emitting a light beam, also called lighting and / or signaling function, are known.

[0003] These modules must meet the applicable regulations, in particular in order to allow sufficient safety and comfort, by emitting light in particular in certain zones, so that zones which should remain dark are excluded, and by emitting light uniformly, so that no dark zones are left in zones which should be lit. Manufacturers are also faced with the constraint of reducing the size of the module, in order to obtain the most easily usable module.

[0004] In order to implement these various objectives as best as possible, and in particular to obtain a device emitting a light beam which comfortably illuminates the road, a technical solution implementing a device having a specific configuration of exit dioptric interface with a main lens has been proposed in document EP3301347 A1.

[0005] However, this type of technical solution has drawbacks, in particular in terms of safety and comfort.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a lighting module which makes it possible to overcome all or some of the said drawbacks.

[0007] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description and on examining the attached drawings. It will be understood that other advantages can be combined. SUMMARY

[0008] In order to achieve this object, according to one embodiment, a lighting module is provided, comprising: - upper row upper light sources, the light rays originating from the upper row being intended to produce a first light beam, these upper light sources being aligned in a direction, - upper row upper light guides, each upper light guide comprising an upper entrance face and an upper exit face, these upper light guides each being respectively associated with an upper light source, each upper light guide conducting the light rays originating from the associated upper light source from the upper entrance face to the upper exit face of the upper light guide, - lower row lower light sources, the light rays originating from the lower row being intended to produce a second light beam, these lower light sources being aligned in the direction, - a lower row of lower light guides, each lower light guide comprising a lower entrance face and a lower exit face, the lower light guides each being respectively associated with a lower light source, each lower light guide conducting the light rays originating from the associated lower light source from the lower entrance face to the lower exit face of the lower light guide, - a main lens having an optical axis and configured to receive the light rays originating from the upper light sources and the lower light sources, the main lens comprising an exit dioptric interface, - a first plane comprising the optical axis and parallel to the direction, and - a second plane (p2) perpendicular to the direction (d), wherein one of the first light beam and the second light beam is complementary high beam, and characterized in that the exit dioptric interface comprises a convex upper portion comprising a lower edge and a convex lower portion comprising an upper edge, the upper portion being at least mainly intended for the exit of the light rays originating from the upper row, the lower portion being at least mainly intended for the exit of the light rays originating from the lower row, the lower edge and the upper edge being joined by a connecting portion, the upper edge being further in front of the main lens than the lower edge in the direction of the optical axis.

[0009] As a result, the connecting portion makes it possible to obtain a resulting illumination that is uniform, i.e. comprising an illumination that does not have dark zones typically directed in the horizontal direction in the zones that need to be lit (these horizontal dark zones are caused by the junction between the different rows of light sources). In particular, due to its configuration, the connecting zone associated with a part of the lower portion (this part of the lower portion can have a height between the height of the connecting portion and three times the height of the connecting portion) produces, on the main exit dioptric interface, a local zone of vertical deflection of the light rays that have already crossed. With Figure 5A ](which shows the illumination produced by a main exit dioptric interface that does not have a connecting portion) compared to Figure 5B], this deflection produces a more uniform light distribution, which also has a greater downward range. Therefore, this configuration of the exit dioptric interface of the main lens and in particular the resulting uniform illumination makes it possible to achieve increased safety and comfort. Given that the connecting portion is located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the upper portion being at least mainly intended for the exit of light rays originating from the upper row, and the lower portion being at least mainly intended for the exit of light rays originating from the lower row, the connecting portion constitutes an exit opening for a greater proportion of light rays originating from the upper row (relative to the lower row), or for a greater proportion of light rays originating from the lower row (relative to the upper row), or for equal proportions of light rays originating from the upper row and from the lower row. Therefore, depending on the position of the connecting portion relative to the light guide, for the uniform illumination resulting from some light rays passing through the connecting portion, the proportion of the first light beam (relative to the second light beam) is greater, or the proportion of the second light beam (relative to the first light beam) is greater, or the proportions of the first light beam and the second light beam are equal. Therefore, the connecting portion can be configured so that a uniform lighting effect is obtained at a desired area of ​​the road. In particular, if regulations require that light rays of the light beam in particular must not pass through the connecting portion, the connecting portion can be positioned accordingly.

[0010] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one such module, and preferably with at least one pair of such modules, each module of the pair being equipped on one side of the front end of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The objects, subjects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, which is illustrated by the following drawings, in which:

[0012] [ Figure 1 ][ Figure 1 ] shows a bottom view of the lighting module according to the present invention.

[0013] [ Figure 2 ][ Figure 2 ] shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention on a plane (y0z).

[0014] [ Figure 3 ][ Figure 3 ] shows [ Figure 2 ] is a detail A of the exit refractive interface of the main lens in FIG, so as to schematically illustrate the configuration of the connecting part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] [ Figure 4 ][ Figure 4 ] shows [ Figure 1 ], on which the intermediate lens and the projection lens are shown.

[0016] [ Figure 5A ][ Figure 5A ] shows iso-light intensity curves originating from the luminous intensity of a light beam obtained with an illumination module having a main exit dioptric interface without connecting portion.

[0017] [ Figure 5B ][ Figure 5B ] shows iso-light intensity curves originating from the luminous intensity of a light beam obtained with an illumination module having a main exit dioptric interface with connecting portion according to the application.

[0018] The drawings provide by way of example and do not limit the application. The drawings are schematic representations that are intended to aid in the understanding of the application and are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Before starting the detailed discussion of embodiments of the application, the optional features that can optionally be used in combination or alternatively will be described:

[0020] According to one example, the upper portion 5ba and the lower portion 5bb are configured so that in all second planes p2, the upper edge 12 is further than the lower edge 11 in front of the main lens 5 in the direction of the optical axis 6 by a first distance distl comprised between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, the first distance distl having the same value in all second planes p2, and preferably, the first distance distl is equal to 0.12 mm.

[0021] The first distance distl has been chosen so as to obtain the necessary spacing in the horizontal direction between the lower edge 11 and the upper edge 12 to achieve the desired deflection of the light rays, in particular across the connecting portion 5bc, and thus the desired resulting uniformity.

[0022] According to one example, in all second planes p2, the lower edge 11 is positioned above the upper edge 12 by a second distance dist2 comprised between 0.2 mm and 1.3 mm.

[0023] In the same way as for the first distance distl, the second distance dist2 is determined so that the fall between the lower edge 11 and the upper edge 12 makes it possible to achieve a resulting illumination with the desired properties.

[0024] According to one example, the second distance dist2 at the two lateral ends 13, 14 is strictly less than the second distance dist2 on the optical axis 6.

[0025] According to one example, the second distance dist2 at the two lateral ends 13, 14 is comprised between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, the second distance dist2 decreasing between the optical axis 6 and the lateral ends 13, 14.

[0026] These two configurations make it possible to generate a greater deflection on the optical axis 6 than at the two ends 13, 14 and thus a greater blurring effect.

[0027] According to one example, the junction between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is located in a plane parallel to the first plane pi and extending equidistantly from the upper exit face 3b and the lower exit face 4b.

[0028] As a result, thanks to this configuration, the connecting portion will be positioned so that it will intersect a greater proportion of the light rays originating from the lower row than from the upper row. More specifically, thanks to its position in this configuration, at least 80% of the connecting portion will intersect light rays originating from the lower row and at most 20% of the connecting portion will intersect light rays originating from the upper row. In addition, given the position of the connecting portion, the uniform illumination will be located almost entirely at the second light beam and, for the part of the first light beam close to the second light beam, the uniform illumination will be located partly at the first light beam.

[0029] According to one example, the connecting portion 5bc comprises an upper zone 7 positioned in contact with the upper portion 5ba and a lower zone 8 positioned in contact with the lower portion 5bb, the upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 being configured so that they each describe a curvature in such a way that, at each point of the junction between the upper zone 7 and the lower edge 11, the tangent to the upper zone 7 and to the lower edge 11 is identical and, at each point of the junction between the lower zone 8 and the upper edge 12, the tangent to the lower zone 8 and to the upper edge 12 is identical.

[0030] This configuration and in particular the curved shape of the upper zone 7 and of the lower zone 8 thus make it possible to obtain a smooth exit dioptric interface 5b which does not have a salient portion which can cause undesirable effects, in particular an orientation of the divergence of the light rays.

[0031] According to one example, the connecting portion 5bc is concave, the upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 each exhibiting a change of inflection point.

[0032] For example, for a configuration of a concave connecting portion 5bc, the presence of this inflection point makes it possible to ensure the absence of a salient portion at the junction between the connecting portion 5bc and the rest of the dioptric interface.

[0033] According to one example, the connecting portion 5bc is convex, the upper zone 7 exhibiting a change of inflection point.

[0034] For example, similar to the configuration of the concave connecting portion 5bc, the configuration of the convex connecting portion 5bc makes it possible to obtain a smooth surface at the junction between the connecting portion 5bc and the rest of the dioptric interface.

[0035] According to one example, the main lens 5 includes an incident dioptric interface 5 a that contacts the upper exit surface 3 b of the upper light guide 3 and the lower exit surface 4 b of the lower light guide 4 .

[0036] As a result, by virtue of this configuration, the light rays at the exit opening of the light guide meet the main lens directly and therefore do not lose the direction given to them by the light guide.

[0037] According to one example, the upper portion 5ba has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and passing through the lower edge 11 .

[0038] Thus, choosing a radius of curvature of the upper portion greater than or equal to 100 mm makes it possible to reduce the length occupied by the lighting module (at the upper portion) as a whole and, in some cases, the total volume occupied by the lighting module, which has the consequence of increasing the resulting compactness of the lighting module. Furthermore, choosing such a low curvature makes it possible to keep the light concentrated in the zone comprising the lower edge, the upper edge and the connecting portion.

[0039] According to one example, the lower portion 5bb has, in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and passing through the upper edge 12 , a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm.

[0040] Thus, in the same way as for the upper part, the radius of curvature at the lower part has been chosen such that compactness of the lighting module is achieved and also such that the light remains concentrated in the area comprising the upper edge, the lower edge and the connecting part.

[0041] According to one example, the first light beam is a cut-off beam of a low beam, and the second light beam is a complementary high beam.

[0042] For example, if the junction between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is located in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and extending equidistantly from the upper exit surface 3b and the lower exit surface 4b, this is associated with a situation where the first light beam is a cut-off beam for low beam and the second light beam is a complementary high beam, and is associated with a situation where the light rays originating from the lower row only cross the connecting portion (i.e., is associated with a situation where the light rays originating from the lower row only cross that part of the refractive interface which is located below the lower edge), the effect of the connecting portion will be to blur only the light rays forming the complementary high beam, without blurring the cut-off beam for low beam (which would create regulatory problems).

[0043] According to one example, the lighting module comprises an intermediate lens 10 positioned after the main lens 5 along the optical axis 6 of the main lens 5 and a projection lens 9 positioned after the intermediate lens 10 along the optical axis 6 of the main lens 5.

[0044] Combining the main lens with the projection lens makes it possible to obtain the desired light distribution in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, while still having sufficient luminous power and imaging quality. The purpose of positioning the intermediate lens between the main lens and the projection lens is so that it is possible to reduce or limit the geometrical aberrations.

[0045] With respect to the features set out here, the terms related to the verticality, the horizontality or the transversality (or even the lateral position or direction) or their equivalents are to be understood relative to the position in which the lighting system is intended to be installed in the vehicle. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in the present description to mean, with respect to the term "vertical", a direction having an orientation perpendicular to the horizon plane (which corresponds to the height of the system) and, with respect to the term "horizontal", a direction having an orientation parallel to the horizon plane. These directions are to be considered in the operating conditions of the module in the vehicle. The use of these words does not mean that slight variations with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the present invention. For example, a tilt of about + or - 10° with respect to these directions is considered here to be a slight variation with respect to the two preferred directions. The tilt is in principle between -5° and +4° with respect to the horizontal plane and the tilt is between -6° and +7.5° in the lateral direction.

[0046] In the context of the present description, the adjectives "lower" and "upper" and their equivalents (under, below, on, above) are to be considered relative to the vertical direction (that is to say, the direction perpendicular to the direction d and the optical axis 6). In the same context, in the vertical direction, the upper element is located above the lower element (but not necessarily in contact or directly in line with the lower element). Thus, in the context of the present invention, the lower portion is positioned above the lower portion. In the same way, the upper row of upper light sources, the upper row of upper light guides, the upper incident face, the upper exit face and the upper zone are respectively located above the lower row of lower light sources, the lower row of lower light guides, the lower incident face, the lower exit face and the lower zone.

[0047] It is specified that, in the context of the present invention, "at least mainly" means that at least 50% of the element in question is taken into account.

[0048] The "lower edge" and the "upper edge" are understood to be respectively the lower perimeter of the upper portion and the upper perimeter of the lower portion. The "lower edge" and the "upper edge" respectively delimit the upper portion of the connecting portion and the lower portion of the connecting portion.

[0049] In the context of the present invention, the expression "same tangent" and "equal tangent" means that in a two-dimensional coordinate system, the mathematical equations having the same (or equal) tangent are identical.

[0050] In the context of the present invention, the expression "same tangent" and "equal tangent" means that in a two-dimensional coordinate system, the mathematical equations having the same (or equal) tangent are identical.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting module comprises an upper row of upper light sources 1, an upper row of upper light guides 3, a lower row of lower light sources 2, a lower row of lower light guides 4 and a main lens 5.

[0052] The light rays originating from the upper row 1 are intended to form a first light beam. The upper light sources 1 are arranged in a row on a straight line in the direction d. The upper light guides 3 each comprise an upper entrance face 3a and an upper exit face 3b. The upper light guides 3 are each individually associated with an upper light source 1. As a result, each upper light guide 3 forms a pair with an upper light source 1. Each upper light guide 3 consists of a conductor for transporting light originating from the associated upper light source 1 from the upper entrance face 3a to the upper exit face 3b of the upper light guide 3.

[0053] The light rays originating from the lower row 2 are intended to form a second light beam. The lower light sources 2 are arranged in a row on a straight line in the direction d. The lower light guides 4 each comprise a lower entrance face 4a and a lower exit face 4b. The lower light guides 4 are each individually associated with a lower light source 2. As a result, each lower light guide 4 forms a pair with a lower light source 2. Each lower light guide 4 consists of a conductor for transporting light originating from the associated lower light source 2 from the lower entrance face 4a to the lower exit face 4b of the lower light guide 4.

[0054] The main lens 5 has an optical axis 6. The main lens 5 is configured such that the light rays originating from the first row of light sources and the second row of light sources are refracted there. The main lens 5 comprises an exit refractive interface 5b, a first plane pi comprising the optical axis 6 and being parallel to the direction d, and a second plane p2 being perpendicular to the direction d. One of the first light beam and the second light beam is a complementary high beam.

[0055] The exit dioptric interface 5b comprises an upper portion 5ba which is rounded outwards and a lower portion 5bb which is also rounded outwards. The upper portion 5ba comprises a lower edge 11. The lower portion 5bb comprises an upper edge 12. The upper portion 5ba is intended at least partly for the exit of the light rays originating from the upper row 1. At least 50% of the light rays originating from the upper row 1 are refracted on the upper portion 5ba. Preferably, 70%, even 90%, even 99%, even 100% of the light rays originating from the upper row 1 are refracted on the upper portion 5ba. The lower portion 5bb is intended at least partly for the exit of the light rays originating from the lower row 2. At least 50% of the light rays originating from the lower row 2 are refracted on the lower portion 5bb. Preferably, 70%, even 90%, even 99%, even 100% of the light rays originating from the lower row 4 are refracted on the lower portion 5bb. A connecting portion 5bc is positioned between the lower edge 11 and the upper edge 12, such that the lower edge 11 and the upper edge 12 remain integral. The upper edge 12 is downstream of the main lens 5 in the direction of the optical axis 6, relative to the lower edge 11.

[0056] There can be 12 light sources in the upper row 1. There can be 12 light sources in the lower row 2. There can also be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 10 light sources in the upper row 1. There can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 10 light sources in the lower row 2.

[0057] Preferably, the upper portion 5ba and the lower portion 5bb are configured such that, in all second planes p2, i.e. in all vertical planes (or planes perpendicular to the first plane p1), the upper edge 12 is further than the lower edge 11 in the direction of the optical axis 6, downstream of the main lens 5, by a first distance dist1 between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm. The first distance dist1 is constant along the lower edge and also along the upper edge. The first distance dist1 is measured in a direction parallel to the first plane p1 and typically in the direction of the optical axis. This distance allows the upper edge to be in front of the lower edge, i.e. more downstream in the direction of light propagation, or further away from the rows of light sources. The first distance dist1 is preferably equal to 0.12 mm.

[0058] Preferably, in all second planes p2, i.e. in all vertical planes (or planes perpendicular to the first plane p1), the lower edge 11 is positioned higher than the upper edge 12 by a second distance dist2 between 0.2 mm and 1.3 mm. The second distance dist2 is measured in a direction perpendicular to the first plane p1. Typically, this direction is the height dimension, preferably the vertical dimension, of the module.

[0059] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second distance dist2 at the two lateral ends 13, 14, i.e. at the two positions of the upper edge and of the lower edge that are the most distant from the optical axis (the two positions being opposite with respect to the optical axis) is strictly less than the second distance dist2 on the optical axis 6. The second distance dist2 at the two lateral ends 13, 14 is comprised between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm. The second distance dist2 decreases between the optical axis 6 (at the optical axis, the second distance can have a value of 1 mm) and the lateral ends 13, 14 (at the lateral ends, the second distance can have a value of 0.3 mm).

[0060] Advantageously, the junction between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is located in a plane parallel to the first plane pi and extending equidistantly from the upper exit face 3b and from the lower exit face 4b.

[0061] The junction between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is preferably comprised in the first plane pi.

[0062] According to a preferred example, the connecting portion 5bc comprises an upper zone 7 and a lower zone 8. The upper zone 7 is positioned so that it is close to the upper portion 5ba. The lower zone 8 is positioned so that it is close to the lower portion 5bb. The upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 depict a curve.

[0063] The upper zone 7 is configured so that at each point of the junction between the upper zone 7 and the lower edge 11, the tangent of the upper zone 7 to the lower edge 11 is equal (so that at the junction between the upper zone 7 and the lower edge 11, the resulting curvature has a smooth zone and thus does not have a salient angular portion). The lower zone 8 is configured so that at each point of the junction between the lower zone 8 and the upper edge 12, the tangent of the lower zone 8 to the upper edge 12 is equal (so that at the junction between the lower zone 8 and the upper edge 12, the resulting curvature has a smooth zone and thus does not have a salient angular portion).

[0064] The connecting portion 5bc is preferably inwardly rounded. The upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 each exhibit a variation of convexity.

[0065] According to an advantageous example, the connecting portion 5bc is outwardly rounded. The upper zone 7 exhibits a variation of convexity.

[0066] The main lens 5 preferably comprises an entrance dioptric interface 5a. The entrance dioptric interface 5a is connected to the upper exit face 3b of the upper light guide 3 and to the lower exit face 4b of the lower light guide 4.

[0067] Advantageously, the upper portion 5ba has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm in a plane parallel to the first plane pi and passing through the lower edge 11.

[0068] Advantageously, the lower portion 5bb has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm in a plane parallel to the first plane pi and passing through the upper edge 12.

[0069] In the two zones of the main lens that are mutually symmetrical with respect to the optical axis, i.e. the upper end and the lower end of the main lens, the curvature of the main lens is greater than the curvature of the lens on the optical axis, so that good light coupling is maintained.

[0070] Preferably, the incident dioptric interface 5a also has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm in the first plane pi, so that the compactness of the illumination module is increased.

[0071] Advantageously, the first light beam is a cut-off beam of low beam and the second light beam is a complementary high beam.

[0072] The module can also be used for other lighting functions, in particular a low beam near field, via or in addition to those functions described above with respect to the adaptive light beam. Thus, a lighting matrix can be produced to selectively illuminate portions of the space in front of the vehicle.

[0073] The low beam near field light beam can also be referred to as a "flat" light beam or a diffuse light beam. The flat light beam is widely projected below the cut-off line and is used to illuminate the near field in front of the vehicle.

[0074] The cut-off beam of low beam allows the cut-off zone to be defined. Thus, the combination of the near field light beam and the cut-off beam of low beam makes it possible to at least partially define the low beam.

[0075] Thus, the cut-off beam of low beam is configured to produce a cut-off segment of low beam in low beam mode. The angular portion produced is referred to as a kink of "low beam" or "low beam". The light beam of low beam type typically has a first lateral zone, usually at the edge of the road, the projection height of which is slightly higher than that of a second lateral zone, usually at the center of the road, the two zones being aligned front to back laterally, between them there is a bend or kink.

[0076] The near field light beam of low beam is typically a projection that is relatively scattered laterally in front of the vehicle, mainly or completely below the horizon, generally seeking to achieve a good lighting distribution within the entire illuminated zone.

[0077] The invention can contribute to a high beam function, the purpose of which is to illuminate the scene in front of the vehicle over a wide area, but also over a considerable distance, typically approximately two hundred meters. This beam is located mainly above the horizon due to its illumination function. It can for example have an illumination optical axis that is slightly tilted upwards. In particular, it can be used to produce a "complementary" illumination function that forms a part of the high beam that is complementary to the part produced by the near field beam, the purpose of the complementary high beam being simply or at least mainly to illuminate above the horizon, whereas the purpose of the near field beam, which can have the specific features of a low beam, is simply or at least mainly to illuminate below the horizon. The complementary high beam can thus be a major part of the overall "high beam" or "main beam" and be associated with another beam that contributes to a low beam or a dipped beam.

[0078] According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the optical axis 6 and the direction d are orthogonal.

[0079] The illumination module preferably comprises an intermediate lens 10 and a projection lens 9. The intermediate lens 10 and the projection lens 9 are positioned along the optical axis so that the light rays originating from the row of light sources first meet the main lens, then the intermediate lens and finally the projection lens.

[0080] The projection lens can be made of polymethyl methacrylate. The intermediate lens can be made of polycarbonate. The main lens is preferably made of silicone.

[0081] The entrance dioptric interface of the main lens is separated from the exit dioptric interface of the projection lens by a distance of between 70 mm and 90 mm. The exit dioptric interface of the main lens is separated from the entrance dioptric interface of the projection lens by a distance of between 50 mm and 60 mm. These distances are measured on the optical axis 5.

[0082] The focal length of the intermediate lens and of the projection lens can be between 55 mm and 60 mm and this focal length can preferably be 58 mm (this distance is a virtual length calculated according to the overall image / object magnification of the system constituted by the intermediate lens and the projection lens). The field of view of the light beam from the row of projection lenses can be 35°.

[0083] Advantageously, the main lens and the intermediate lens have a size of 30 mm x 60 mm (taking into account the fastening zones). If the invention provides several illumination modules and they are separate, the projection lens can have a width of 45 mm and a height of between 30 mm and 40 mm, i.e. in the vertical direction. If the invention provides several illumination modules and they are joined, the overall projection lens of the system, i.e. the overall projection lens composed of the combination of a plurality of individual projection lenses, can have a height of 30 mm and a width of between 100 mm and 120 mm.

[0084] The upper light sources 1 can preferably be selectively and individually switched on. Preferably, the lower light sources 4 can be selectively and individually switched on.

[0085] Thus, by virtue of this configuration, the LEDs of the lighting module can be selectively switched on or off in order to give the resulting illumination the desired configuration. This configuration thus makes it possible to control the luminance in the zone in question. The English acronym ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) is used for this type of function.

[0086] In particular, the selective activation of the light sources makes it possible to obtain varying beam configurations, thus making it possible to adapt to various situations. Thus, the zones that should be lit will be so, and so will those zones for which the luminance should be reduced due to regulatory constraints.

[0087] This discretization of the light is also known as segmented beam. Thus, a beam that projects an image composed of beam segments, each of which can be switched on independently, is known as a segmented beam.

[0088] Thus, not all of the emitting elements are necessarily active, i.e. simultaneously emitting light. This function allows the shape of the resulting beam to be modulated. If a light source is not activated, its image (projected, for example, by the optical module) will not exist. A lighting void is thus formed in the resulting total beam. This void is interrupted only by the effects of the coupling of the light sources and of the stray light from the optics.

[0089] The system according to the invention can comprise a unit for driving the activation of each light source, the unit being configured to produce at least one dark zone forming 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 as a function of the width dimension of the light sources.

[0090] The driving unit can comprise a computer program product (preferably stored in a non-transitory memory) comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, determine the light sources to be activated, in particular to obtain at least one dark zone (in which the light sources are not activated) defining a zone, taking into account the variable surface area of the image of the element.

[0091] The centres of two adjacent light sources (in the same row) can be at a distance of 3 mm. The centres of the light sources in the row of upper light sources and the centres of the light sources in the row of lower light sources can be separated by a distance of between 2 mm and 4 mm.

[0092] The light sources of the entire device can be light-emitting diodes, commonly also known as LEDs.

[0093] Advantageously, the LEDs of the entire lighting module have a pitch of 0.5 mm 2 or 1 mm2 The size of the LEDs is directly related to the size of the pixels of light obtained and also to the amount of light beam desired. Also, to obtain a large amount of light beam, rows of LEDs can also be added.

[0094] The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, but comprises any embodiment covered by the invention.

[0095] List of reference signs: 1: upper row upper light source 2: lower row lower light source 3: upper row upper light guide 3a: upper entrance face 3b: upper exit face 4: lower row lower light guide 4a: lower entrance face 4b: lower exit face 5: main lens 5a: entrance dioptric interface 5b: exit dioptric interface 5ba: upper part 5bb: lower part 5bc: connecting part 6: optical axis 7: upper zone 8: lower zone 9: projection lens 10: intermediate lens 11: lower edge 12: upper edge 13, 14: two lateral ends d: direction pi: first plane p2: second plane disti: first distance dist2: second distance

Claims

1. A lighting module, comprising: an upper row of upper light sources (1), the light rays originating from said upper row (1) being intended to generate a first light beam, said upper light sources (1) being aligned in direction (d), - an upper row of upper light guides (3), each upper light guide comprising an upper incident surface (3a) and an upper exit surface (3b), each of the upper light guides (3) being associated with an upper light source (1), each upper light guide (3) conducting light originating from the associated upper light source (1) from the upper incident surface (3a) of the upper light guide (3) to the upper exit surface (3b), - a lower row of lower light sources (2), the light rays originating from said lower row (2) being intended to generate the second light beam, said lower light sources (2) being aligned in said direction (d), - a lower row of lower light guides (4), each lower light guide comprising a lower incident surface (4a) and a lower exit surface (4b), said lower light guides (4) being respectively associated with a lower light source (2), each lower light guide (4) conducting light originating from the associated lower light source (2) from the lower incident surface (4a) of said lower light guide (4) to the lower exit surface (4b), a main lens (5) having an optical axis (6) and configured to receive light rays originating from the upper light source (1) and the lower light source (2), the main lens (5) comprising an exit diopter interface (5b), - a first plane (p1) comprising said optical axis (6) and parallel to said direction (d), and - a second plane (p2), the second plane being perpendicular to the direction (d), wherein one of the first light beam and the second light beam is a complementary high beam, and characterized in that the exit refractive interface (5b) comprises a convex upper portion (5ba) and a convex lower portion (5bb), the convex upper portion comprising a lower edge (11), the convex lower portion comprising an upper edge (12), the upper portion (5ba) being at least primarily intended for the exit of light rays originating from the upper row (1), the lower portion (5bb) being at least primarily intended for the exit of light rays originating from the lower row (2), the lower edge (11) and the upper edge (12) being joined by a connecting portion (5bc), the upper edge (12) being further in front of the main lens (5) in the direction of the optical axis (6) than the lower edge (11).

2. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein The upper part (5ba) and the lower part (5bb) are configured so that in all the second planes (p2), the upper edge (12) is farther in the direction of the optical axis (6) than the lower edge (11) in front of the main lens (5) by a first distance (dist1) between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, the first distance (dist1) having the same value in all the second planes (p2), and preferably, the first distance (dist1) is equal to 0.12 mm.

3. A lighting module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein In all of the second planes (p2), the lower edge (11) is positioned above the upper edge (12) by a second distance (dist2) between 0.2 mm and 1.3 mm.

4. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein The second distance (dist2) at the two lateral ends (13, 14) is strictly smaller than the second distance (dist2) on the optical axis (6).

5. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein The second distance (dist2) at the two lateral ends (13, 14) is between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, and the second distance (dist2) decreases between the optical axis (6) and the lateral ends (13, 14).

6. A lighting module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The joint between the lower edge (11) and the connecting portion (5bc) is located in a plane parallel to the first plane (p1) and extending equidistantly from the upper exit surface (3b) and the lower exit surface (4b).

7. A lighting module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The connecting portion (5bc) comprises an upper zone (7) and a lower zone (8), the upper zone (7) being positioned in contact with the upper portion (5ba), the lower zone (8) being positioned in contact with the lower portion (5bb), the upper zone (7) and the lower zone (8) being configured so that they each describe a curvature in such a way that at each point of the junction between the upper zone (7) and the lower edge (11), the tangents to the upper zone (7) and the lower edge (11) are the same, and at each point of the junction between the lower zone (8) and the upper edge (12), the tangents to the lower zone (8) and the upper edge (12) are the same.

8. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein The connecting portion (5bc) is concave, and the upper region (7) and the lower region (8) each exhibit an inflection point change.

9. The lighting module according to claim 7, wherein: The connecting portion (5bc) is convex and the upper region (7) exhibits an inflection point.

10. A lighting module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The main lens (5) includes an incident refractive interface (5a), and the incident refractive interface (5a) contacts the upper exit surface (3b) of the upper light guide (3) and the lower exit surface (4b) of the lower light guide (4).

11. A lighting module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The upper portion (5ba) has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm in a plane parallel to the first plane (p1) and passing through the lower edge (11).

12. A lighting module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The lower portion (5bb) has a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm in a plane parallel to the first plane (p1) and passing through the upper edge (12).

13. The lighting module according to claim 6, by itself or in combination with any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein The first light beam is a cut-off beam of a low beam, and wherein the second light beam is a complementary high beam.

14. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an intermediate lens (10) and a projection lens (9), wherein the intermediate lens (10) is positioned behind the main lens (5) along the optical axis (6) of the main lens (5), and the projection lens (9) is positioned behind the intermediate lens (10) along the optical axis (6) of the main lens (5).

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