Lighting module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle, comprising a first row (1) of light sources, a first optical system (2), a second optical system (3) and a screen (4). The first row of light sources emits a first light ray (1a) and comprises light sources that can be activated individually. After passing through the first optical system, the first light forms a first light beam (6). After passing through the second optical system, the first light forms a second light beam (7). In a first configuration (5a), the screen does not create a cutoff line in the first beam such that the second beam is a complementary high beam. In a second configuration (5b), the screen is configured to generate a cutoff line in the first beam such that the second beam is a low beam far field beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting, including signal transmission, and specifically to the field of components involved therein, particularly optical components. The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to the field of motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a motor vehicle lighting module. Background Technology

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

[0003] These modules must allow light to be specifically emitted into certain areas to distinguish areas that must be kept dark from areas that must be illuminated, thus ensuring compatibility with various existing regulations (which vary by country) and, in particular, with various traffic conditions (right-hand and left-hand traffic), and also providing greater comfort for road users, especially by improving nighttime driving conditions by allowing the driver to illuminate as much of the road as possible without dazzling other users. For this purpose, it is known that modules can implement adaptive functions, particularly adaptive driving beams (ADB) formed by multiple juxtaposed segments that can be selectively and individually activated. Thus, if the module detects a user, it only turns off the segments that are likely to cause glare that may cause discomfort to the user (while keeping the other segments on), thereby allowing for optimized road lighting.

[0004] One of the constraints that manufacturers must also address is reducing the size of the module in order to obtain the easiest-to-use and most versatile module possible, which can generate a variety of adaptive beams and thus adapt to various situations, and also meet the requirements of various national regulations, and selectively handle various traffic conditions (right-hand drive and left-hand drive) using the same lighting module.

[0005] To achieve these various objectives as successfully as possible, it is known that the module comprises two rows of individually activatable light sources, stacked one above the other, allowing the formation of adaptive complementary high beams and segmented low beams in the far field. The adaptive complementary high beam is generated by a light source placed in the upper row, while the low beam in the far field is generated by a light source placed in the lower row. When both rows of light sources are activated, the adaptive complementary high beam and the low beam in the far field are superimposed. Therefore, this technical solution allows for the generation of two superimposed segmented beams when both rows of light sources are activated. Consequently, the beam generated by the module is highly adaptable to traffic conditions.

[0006] However, this type of solution has drawbacks, especially in that it does not allow for sufficient compactness and has high costs.

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a module that can overcome all or some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other advantages can be combined. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a motor vehicle lighting module is provided, the module comprising: - A first row of light sources emitting a first ray, the first row of light sources comprising directionally aligned light sources, wherein each light source in the first row is individually activatable. - A first optical system having an optical axis, the first optical system being configured such that a first ray, after passing through the first optical system, forms a first beam, and - A second optical system through which the light rays of the first beam pass to form a second beam.

[0010] The lighting module notably includes a screen that can switch between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that: In the first configuration, the screen does not produce a cutoff line in the first beam, making the second beam a complementary high beam, and In the second configuration, the screen is configured to generate a cutoff line in the first beam, such that the second beam is a near-field far-field beam.

[0011] Therefore, this configuration allows the use of a single row of light sources (and thus a small number of light sources) to form a segmented complementary high beam and a segmented low beam far field beam by repositioning the switchable screen between the two configurations. Specifically, in the first configuration, the screen does not interrupt the large amount of light generated by the first row of light sources (so that the screen does not create a cutoff line in the second beam), and therefore the second beam is a complementary high beam formed almost entirely by the light emitted by the first row of light sources. In the second configuration, the screen interrupts the large amount of light generated by the first row of light sources, and therefore the second beam is a low beam far field beam with a greater or lesser height (depending on how the screen is positioned relative to the beam propagation). Furthermore, in the second configuration of the screen, in the case of a given lighting module, a low beam far field beam with a cutoff line, which can be on the right or left, can be obtained by individually controlling which light sources are turned on. Therefore, the developed lighting module is highly compact and very simple because it can meet US or ECE standards by using a two-screen configuration. Moreover, the lighting module according to the invention allows for cost reduction (compared to lighting modules that require positioning multiple rows of light sources) because it uses a single row of light sources.

[0012] According to another aspect, the illumination module includes a second row of light sources emitting a second light ray, and the first optical system includes a refractive portion including a first reflector, a second reflector, an incident surface, and an exit surface. The second row of light sources, the first reflector, and the second reflector are configured such that after the second light ray is transmitted through the incident surface, it is reflected by the first reflector and then reflected by the second reflector, and then transmitted through the exit surface, such that the second row of light sources forms a near-field beam.

[0013] The integration of the low beam into the lighting module enables a dual-function lighting module that can form an illumination range, namely, a complementary high beam, a low beam far field beam, and a low beam near field beam.

[0014] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting module in which: The exit surface has a lower portion, an upper portion, and a central portion. This direction and the optical axis form a first plane. A second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and passes through the optical axis. The lower portion has a downward curvature in the second plane, the upper portion has an upward curvature in the second plane, and the central portion has a central curvature in the second plane. Furthermore, the lower curvature differs from the central curvature and is configured to generate a greater light diffusion in the second plane than that generated by the central curvature, and the lower curvature is preferably more convex than the central curvature.

[0015] Therefore, with this configuration, the illumination produced by the first beam, due to the first light passing through the lower portion, will have greater diffusion than when the lower curvature equals the central curvature. This configuration allows for increased diffusion at the bottom portion of the first beam, resulting in diffusion at the top portion of the second beam obtained after the first beam is transmitted through the second optical system. Thus, in the first configuration of the screen, the value of the lower curvature relative to the central curvature will allow for sufficiently diffused complementary high beams.

[0016] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a lighting module in which a screen is positioned relative to a lower portion in a second configuration to intercept first and second light rays transmitted through the lower portion.

[0017] Therefore, this configuration allows the screen to interrupt the propagation of light transmitted through the lower portion. Thus, given that the lower curvature configuration only affects the propagation of light that has already passed through the lower portion, in the second configuration, the screen's position will allow the light to be blocked, thereby forming a near-beam far-field beam. Specifically, if the screen is not repositioned, especially due to the lower curvature configuration (and therefore the resulting vertical diffusion of the beam), it will be impossible to obtain a near-beam far-field beam.

[0018] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an illumination module in which, in a first configuration and a second configuration, a second row of light sources, a first reflector, a second reflector, an incident surface, and an exit surface are configured such that at least 80% of the second light rays illuminating the exit surface are transmitted through the upper portion and the central portion.

[0019] This configuration ensures that, in the second configuration of the screen, the propagation of the near-beam beam is almost unaffected by the repositioned screen, thus making the lighting module a complete solution and allowing for a variety of lighting functions (due to the repositioned screen 4, only the near-beam beam experiences a slight loss of intensity).

[0020] On the other hand, it relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one such lighting device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer through a detailed description of one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the following figures:

[0022] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view (through the optical axis) of the lighting module according to the invention is shown, in which the path of the light can be seen.

[0023] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an illumination module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the near-field beam of the low beam can be seen.

[0024] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an illumination module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which four reflectors are visible that enable the orientation of complementary high beams (or low beam far field beams) and low beam near field beams.

[0025] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 The projection of the near-field beam generated by the second row of light sources and the projection of the complementary high beam generated by the first row of light sources are shown in the first configuration.

[0026] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the projection of the near-field beam from the second row of light sources and the projection of the far-field beam from the first row of light sources in a second configuration and with right-hand traffic (the unlit projection segments from the first row of light sources are shown in shaded areas, while the lit segments are not). This allows the projection ratio of the segments produced by the first row of light sources to be observed. Figure 4 The projection range shown is smaller because Figure 5In this configuration, the screen has interrupted the propagation of some of the light emitted by the first row of light sources.

[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided by way of example and do not limit the invention. The drawings are intended to illustrate schematic concepts for easier understanding of the invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale for actual application. In particular, the orientation of light is schematic and does not represent actual conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Before proceeding with a detailed discussion of embodiments of the present invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively will be described below:

[0029] According to one example, in the second configuration 5b, the screen 4 is configured to block at least 80%, preferably at least 96%, of the first light 1a illuminating the screen 4.

[0030] This configuration allows screen 4 to avoid interfering with the formation of complementary beams.

[0031] According to one example, screen 4 is opaque and can be mechanically switched between a first configuration 5a and a second configuration 5b, such that: In the first configuration 5a, the screen 4 is placed at a certain distance from the first beam 6. - In the second configuration 5b, screen 4 is placed on the path of the first beam 6.

[0032] Therefore, in the first configuration 5a, screen 4 will not interfere with the formation of complementary high beam. In the second configuration 5b, screen 4 will allow the formation of the low beam far field beam.

[0033] According to one example, screen 4 is transformed from a first configuration 5a to a second configuration 5b via translation along the vertical axis 8.

[0034] Therefore, by means of translation, in the first configuration 5a, the screen 4 is placed at a certain distance from the first beam 6, and in the second configuration 5b, the screen 4 is placed on the path of the first beam 6.

[0035] According to one example, screen 4 can be electronically switched between a first configuration 5a and a second configuration 5b, and screen 4 in the first configuration 5a is configured to allow at least 40% of the first light ray 1a illuminating screen 4 to pass through.

[0036] According to one example, screen 4 includes liquid crystal encapsulated in a polymer.

[0037] According to one example, in the first configuration 5a, the second beam 7 has an angular height between 5° and 6°, and in the second configuration 5b, the second beam 7 has an angular height between 0.5° and 1.5°.

[0038] This configuration reflects the fact that in the first configuration, the second beam is a complementary high beam, and in the second configuration, the second beam is a low beam far-field beam. Specifically, the low beam far-field beam has a smaller angular height than the complementary high beam.

[0039] According to one example, the first optical system 2 includes at least one of the following: a reflector, a light guide, a lens, and a refractive portion.

[0040] Therefore, lighting modules can have many configurations, especially such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration shown. Therefore, the reflector allows modification of the paths of the light rays generated by the first row of 1 light sources and also by the second row of 9 light sources, so that the light rays in question are oriented in the desired direction. The function of the light guide is to guide the beam to the desired location by reflection of the light within the waveguide. In this type of configuration, each light source can be associated with a separate light guide. Moreover, in this type of configuration, the light guide can be integrated with the main lens (and especially with the incident surface of the main lens), and thus form a single part with the main lens. The function of the lens and the refractive section is to guide the beam in the desired direction and also project the beam.

[0041] According to one example, screen 4 has a horizontal top edge 4a.

[0042] Therefore, given that the upper portion of screen 4 has an edge 4a (which can be a horizontal plane or a ridge), in the second configuration 5b, the brightness boundary of the second beam will also be horizontal. This configuration is necessary to meet the requirements of standards, especially European and American standards.

[0043] According to one example, the upper curvature 19a is different from the central curvature 20a and is configured to produce a greater light diffusion in the second plane p2 than the diffusion produced by the central curvature 20a, wherein the upper curvature 19a is preferably more convex than the central curvature 20a.

[0044] Therefore, compared to the case where the upper curvature 19a equals the central curvature 20a, this configuration allows for greater light diffusion. Consequently, this configuration enables better cohesion and uniformity between the beams generated by the first row of 1 light sources and the beams generated by the second row of 9 light sources.

[0045] According to one example, the light sources in the second row of 9 light sources can be activated individually.

[0046] Therefore, with the help of these configurations, the light source of the lighting module can be selectively turned on or off to provide the desired lighting configuration. This configuration thus allows for control of the brightness in the area under discussion. The acronym ADB is used for this type of function.

[0047] Regarding the features described herein, terms related to verticality, horizontality, or laterality (or even lateral direction) or their equivalents should be understood relative to the intended location of the lighting system within the vehicle. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in this specification; "vertical" refers to a direction having an orientation perpendicular to the view plane (corresponding to the height of the system), and "horizontal" refers to a direction having an orientation parallel to the view plane. These orientations are considered in the context of the module's operation within the vehicle. The use of these terms does not imply that slight variations in vertical and horizontal orientations are excluded from the invention. For example, an inclination of approximately + or -10° relative to these orientations is considered herein as a minor variation with respect to the two preferred orientations. The inclination is generally between -5° and +4° relative to the horizontal plane, and between -6° and +7.5° in the lateral direction.

[0048] In the context of this specification, the adjectives “under” and “up” and their equivalents (below, below, above, above) should be interpreted relative to the vertical direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to direction d and optical axis 21). In the given context, in the vertical direction, the upper element will be located above (but not necessarily in contact with or directly perpendicular to) the lower element.

[0049] It should be noted that, in the context of this invention, the term "upper edge of the screen" refers to the area of ​​the screen that defines the upper portion of the screen from the rest of the lighting module (therefore, the function of the upper portion of the screen is to block the first beam and thus distinguish the lower portion of the first beam from the unlit area). Thus, "upper edge" can correspond to the "upper surface" of the screen (in the case of a parallelepiped) or the "upper ridge" (in the case of a parallelepiped structure with a prism whose base is rectangular mounted on top).

[0050] The "upper part" refers to the area that is located at a higher level compared to the "lower part". In this configuration, the "central part" refers to the part located between the "upper part" and the "lower part".

[0051] In the context of “interruption on the first side of the screen”, the term “interruption” means that on the second side of the screen, all the light that has been interrupted (on the first side of the screen) is no longer present; that is, all of these light rays have been specifically reflected or absorbed and are not transmitted.

[0052] The term "interception" refers to the contact between elements intercepted by a structure and that structure, because their direction of movement is oriented towards that structure. Therefore, in the case where screen 4 intercepts light in the second configuration 5b, it means that screen 4 interrupts at least 90% of the propagation of these light rays.

[0053] In the context of this invention, "angle height" refers to the angle between the direction of interest and the horizontal direction. In this example, the direction of interest relates to the upper end of the light projection at the measured angle height, the horizontal direction relates to the lower end of the light projection at the measured angle height, and the direction of interest and the horizontal direction intersect at the LED at the measured angle height. Since the light projection (on the screen) generated by the LED in question forms pixels with a square or rectangular shape, the upper end of the light projection is the top edge of the square or rectangle, and the lower end of the light projection is the bottom edge of the square or rectangle.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle lighting module includes a first row of 1 light sources, a first optical system 2, a second optical system 3, and a screen 4. The first row of 1 light sources emits a first ray 1a. The first row of 1 light sources includes light sources arranged in a straight line in direction d. Each light source in the first row of 1 light sources can be individually turned on. The first optical system 2 has an optical axis 21. After passing through the first optical system 2, the first ray 1a forms a first beam 6. The first ray 1a is first transmitted by the first optical system 2 and then by the second optical system 3. The second optical system 3 is configured to form a second beam 7 by projecting the first beam 6 (at a distance).

[0055] Screen 4 can be switched between a first configuration 5a and a second configuration 5b. Screen 4 is positioned along optical axis 21 between the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3. In the first configuration 5a, screen 4 is configured such that it does not produce a cutoff line in the first beam 6, such that the second beam 7 is a complementary high-field beam 28. In the second configuration, screen 4 is configured such that it produces a cutoff line in the first beam 6, such that the second beam 7 is a near-field far-field beam 29.

[0056] The screen is preferably a monolithic element forming a continuous surface for blocking light when in motion. However, the screen can be composed of multiple sheets (especially juxtaposed sheets). Generally, however, it is desirable that the light-blocking surface formed by the screen is continuous. Where the surface itself is insufficient to achieve a sufficient level of light blocking, multiple successive surfaces can be associated within the article referred to as the screen, in the direction of light propagation through the module, to reduce the overall optical transmittance of the screen. This is particularly true in embodiments where the screen employs LCD technology: two LCD surfaces can be placed in series.

[0057] The first row of light sources includes only light sources that are aligned in direction d.

[0058] The light sources in the first row of 1 light source (or the second row of 9 light sources) can be activated in groups, so that only some of the light sources in the first row of 1 light source (or the second row of 9 light sources) are activated at a given time.

[0059] Figure 1 The screen in the second configuration 5b is shown. Therefore, the screen is drawn with solid lines in the figure. Figure 1 In the case where the screen can be mechanically switched, the screen is also schematically shown as being in the first configuration 5a, but this time it is drawn with dashed lines.

[0060] Screen 4 can be positioned perpendicular to the optical axis 21.

[0061] Screen 4 can have a rectangular shape. Screen 4 can be positioned at a distance between 0.5 mm and 3 mm below the optical axis 21, preferably at a distance of 1.5 mm below the optical axis 21.

[0062] The first optical system 2 enables the light generated by the first row of light sources to be shaped into a beam. The second optical system 3 allows the projection of light shaped by the first optical system 2.

[0063] When screen 4 is in the second configuration 5b, the second beam 7 is a near-beam far-field beam 29. This beam is generated by the first row of light sources 1. This type of beam crosses the horizon. The lower edge of this type of beam can be juxtaposed with the horizontal line located at -0.57°. Alternatively, the lower edge of this type of beam can slightly overlap with the horizontal line at -0.57° to achieve good uniformity with the near-beam near-field beam in the final beam, and thus avoid the formation of dark areas in the final beam.

[0064] In the example shown, the second beam 7 specifically forms a shoulder on the cutoff line of the near beam. The resulting shoulder is also referred to as a kink in the "low" beam. The shoulder is particularly noticeable in... Figure 5 As seen in the image, the shoulder is located at the boundary between the unshaded segment (already lit) and the shaded segment (not lit).

[0065] Low beam types typically have a first lateral zone (usually on one side of the road edge) that is projected at a slightly greater height than a second lateral zone (usually on one side of the road center), and these two zones are laterally successive and have a bend or twist between them.

[0066] More precisely, especially Figure 4 and Figure 5 The near-field beam 27 shown corresponds to a beam that can be considered as forming the substrate of the low beam. Typically, the far-field beam 29 and the near-field beam 27 are combined (by placing them above each other, optionally overlapping) to form the low beam. The combination of these two beams can... Figure 5 As seen in the image, the near-field beam 27 is a wide beam, the highest portion of which forms a horizontal upper cutoff line located at or below 0°, and for example, at -0.57° below the horizon. The near-field beam 27 is a wider beam than the far-field beam 29.

[0067] Furthermore, when the near-beam far-field beam 29 is superimposed on the near-beam near-field beam 27, the lower edge of the segment forming the near-beam far-field beam 29 can be juxtaposed with the horizontal upper cutoff line of the near-beam near-field beam 27. This juxtaposition of the lower edge of the segment forming the near-beam far-field beam 29 with the horizontal upper cutoff line of the near-beam near-field beam 27 does not mean that there will be no slight overlap between the segment forming the near-beam far-field beam 29 and the segment forming the near-beam near-field beam 27.

[0068] The function of complementary high beam 28 is to illuminate most of the scene in front of the vehicle, and also to provide illumination at a considerable distance (typically around two hundred meters). This beam of light is primarily positioned above the horizon due to its illumination function. It can, for example, have an illumination beam axis that is slightly tilted upwards. In particular, it can be used to produce a “complementary” illumination function that forms a segment of high beam complementary to the segment produced by the near-field beam, the complementary high beam seeking to illuminate only or at least primarily above the horizon, while the near-field beam (which may have the specific characteristics of low beam) seeks to illuminate only or at least primarily below the horizon. Thus, the complementary high beam can be a major part of the overall “high” beam and associated with another beam that participates in the low-light illumination.

[0069] In this invention, the complementary high beam 28 and the near-field low beam 27 are combined to form a high beam, such as... Figure 4 As shown schematically. In fact, in the context of the present invention, since a portion of the complementary high beam forms the low beam far field beam in the context of the second configuration, the high beam is formed only by a combination of the complementary high beam and the low beam near field beam.

[0070] Preferably, in the second configuration 5b, the screen 4 is configured to stop at least 80%, preferably at least 96%, of the travel of the first light 1a in contact with the screen 4.

[0071] Preferably, screen 4 blocks the passage of light. Preferably, screen 4 can be mechanically switched between a first configuration 5a and a second configuration 5b, such that: - In the first configuration 5a, screen 4 is positioned away from the path of the first beam 6. - In the second configuration 5b, screen 4 is placed on the path of the first beam 6.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, screen 4 is transformed from a first configuration 5a to a second configuration 5b by modifying its position along the vertical axis 8. For this purpose, screen 4 can be translated along the vertical axis 8. Screen 4 can also be transformed from the first configuration 5a to the second configuration 5b due to the lateral tilt of screen 4.

[0073] Therefore, in the case where screen 4 can be mechanically switched, in the first configuration, screen 4 is located at a certain distance from the light generated by the light source of the first row 1, while in the second configuration, screen 4 is located on the path of the light generated by the light source of the first row 1, so as to stop the propagation of some of these light rays.

[0074] According to an advantageous example, screen 4 can be electronically switched between a first configuration 5a and a second configuration 5b. In the first configuration 5a, screen 4 can then be configured to stop at most 60% of the travel of the first light ray 1a illuminating screen 4.

[0075] When screen 4 is electronically switchable, screen 4 includes liquid crystal encapsulated in a polymer. When screen 4 includes liquid crystal encapsulated in a polymer, screen 4 has an opaque surface when not in use. The liquid crystal encapsulated in the polymer is then arranged in a disordered manner, preventing light from passing through the screen. When screen 4 includes liquid crystal encapsulated in a polymer, screen 4 has a transparent surface when in use. The liquid crystal encapsulated in the polymer is then arranged in an ordered manner, allowing light to pass through the screen.

[0076] Preferably, in the first configuration 5a, the second beam 7 has an angular height between 5° and 6°. Preferably, in the second configuration 5b, the second beam 7 has an angular height between 0.5° and 1.5°.

[0077] According to a preferred example, the first optical system 2 includes at least one of the following: a reflector, a light guide, a lens, and a refractive portion.

[0078] The first optical system 2 may include a main lens. The second optical system 3 may include a projection lens. The first optical system 2 may include a plano-convex spherical lens, a convex-concave spherical lens, or a biconvex spherical lens. The second optical system 3 may include a plano-convex spherical lens, a convex-concave spherical lens, or a biconvex spherical lens.

[0079] Advantageously, screen 4 has a horizontal edge 4a in its upper portion.

[0080] Preferably, the direction d can be perpendicular to the optical axis 21.

[0081] When screen 4 includes liquid crystal encapsulated in a polymer, the light transmittance can be 45% when the screen is in the "on" position, and 4% when the screen is in the "off" position. A transmittance value of 45% (when the screen is in the "on" position) corresponds to an absorption coefficient of 0.4 mm per unit length of the screen. -1 The value is 4%. A transmittance value of 4% (when the screen is in the "off" position) corresponds to an absorption coefficient of 1.6 mm per unit length of the screen. -1 The value of .

[0082] In cases where the screen can be mechanically switched, a mechanism equipped with a return spring and an electromagnet can be used. The screen can be supplied with current in the first configuration 5a, while in the second configuration, the screen is not supplied with current.

[0083] Preferably, the illumination module includes a second row of nine light sources emitting a second ray 9a. Advantageously, the first optical system 2 includes a refractive portion 14. The refractive portion 14 includes a first reflector 11, a second reflector 12, an incident surface 10, and an exit surface 16. The second row of nine light sources, the first reflector 11, and the second reflector 12 can be configured such that the second row of nine light sources forms a near-field beam 17. For this purpose, the light emitted by the second row of nine light sources can be first guided to the first reflector 11 after passing through the incident surface 10, then guided to the second reflector 12, and finally passed through the exit surface 16. In this embodiment, the incident surface 10 and the exit surface 16 form a single portion with the first reflector 11 and the second reflector 12. The first reflector 11 and the second reflector 12 are total internal reflection surfaces.

[0084] This embodiment can be Figure 2 As seen in the diagram, a first reflector 11 and a second reflector 12 are shown. In this embodiment, light generated by the first row 1 light source can pass through the incident surface of the first optical system 2, then through the exit surface, and finally reach the second optical system 3. In this embodiment, the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 can each be a refractive element (potentially a lens). In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, screen 4 is positioned between the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 along the optical axis 21.

[0085] In this embodiment, the incident surface of the first optical system 2 can be tilted such that the angle between the incident surface 10 and the optical axis 21 is between 85° and 95°. Preferably, the angle between the incident surface 10 and the optical axis 21 is 92°. This configuration allows for a trade-off between the desired brightness distribution and sufficient light intensity. This configuration also allows for various illumination configurations, wherein the obtained illumination is relatively high or relatively low at the exit refractive interface.

[0086] The first reflector 11 can be positioned at a distance of 18 mm to 22 mm below the second reflector 12, and preferably, this distance can be 20 mm.

[0087] Furthermore, in this configuration, the first row of 1 light sources can be positioned within the object focal plane of the first optical system 2. This configuration allows an image of the first row of 1 light sources to be formed at infinity. (Given according to...) Figure 2 The positions of the various elements of the lighting module in the illustrated embodiment allow the light generated by the first row of light sources and the light generated by the second row of light sources to share the same propagation area.

[0088] Each of the nine light sources in the second row can be associated with a collimator 22, which functions to receive light from the light source and direct it in a collimated manner toward the incident surface of the first optical system 2. Preferably, the collimator 22 is oriented such that the collimated light rays are guided toward the first reflector 11. More precisely, the exit surface of the collimator 22 can be oriented toward the second reflector 12. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the collimator forms an angle between 0° and 30° with the optical axis 21.

[0089] Due to this configuration, the light generated by the second row of 9 light sources will not come directly from the second row of 9 light sources when it reaches the second optical system 3 (in contrast, the light from the first row of 1 light sources does not undergo reflection from the reflector and thus forms a direct light source). Therefore, the light generated by the second row of 9 light sources is an indirect light source.

[0090] The lighting module according to the present invention can have Figure 2 The lighting module shown has unique features. However, it can also have... Figure 3 The special features of the lighting module on display. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment consists of two sets of two reflectors, allowing the first row of light sources to be reflected from one reflector 25 in the first set of reflectors, then from the other reflector 26 in the first set of reflectors, and then through the second optical system 3, and allowing the second row of light sources to be reflected from one reflector 23 in the second set of reflectors, then from the other reflector 24 in the second set of reflectors, and then through the second optical system 3.

[0091] The downstream reflector in the first group of reflectors can be positioned upstream of the object focal plane of the second optical system 3, with its region in contact with the object focal plane of the second optical system 3. Similarly, the downstream reflector in the second group of reflectors can be positioned downstream of the object focal plane of the second optical system 3, with its region in contact with the object focal plane of the second optical system 3. This configuration allows an image of the beam at infinity to be formed at the point of contact between the beam and the object focal plane.

[0092] Given the basis Figure 3 The positions of the various elements of the lighting module in the illustrated embodiment allow the light generated by the first row of light sources and the light generated by the second row of light sources to share the same propagation area. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, screen 4 can be positioned in front of the second optical system 3 along optical axis 21. In this embodiment, the four reflectors can have a horizontal dimension between 40mm and 60mm, and for example, equal to 50mm. In this embodiment, the four reflectors can have a vertical dimension between 40mm and 60mm, and for example, equal to 50mm.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the first row of light sources can be positioned on a horizontal carrier (and then guided in a direction parallel to the first plane p1). In this embodiment, the illumination module includes a reflector configured such that light generated by the first row of light sources is reflected from the reflector before reaching the first optical system 2 with a horizontal optical axis. According to this embodiment, the illumination module may include one reflector for each light source.

[0094] Generally, the lighting module according to the invention is applicable to any lighting module that allows for the formation of complementary high beams.

[0095] The low beam near field beam 17 is also referred to as a "flat" beam. The flat beam is projected entirely below the cutoff line and is used to illuminate the near field in front of the vehicle. In the second configuration 5b of the screen, the beam generated by the first row of 1 light sources allows for the definition of the cutoff area. Therefore, the association between the near field beam and the beam generated by the first row of 1 light sources allows for the definition of the low beam beam at least partially.

[0096] The low beam near field is typically a relatively dispersed projection in front of the vehicle, mainly or completely below the horizon, and usually seeks to achieve good illumination distribution throughout the illuminated area.

[0097] This module can also be used to create other lighting functions, either through the functions described above regarding adaptive beams or in addition. Therefore, a lighting matrix can be produced to selectively illuminate portions of the space in front of the vehicle.

[0098] The first row of light sources can be spaced between 0.25 mm and 1.2 mm from the first optical system 2. Preferably, the first row of light sources can be spaced between 0.7 mm from the first optical system 2.

[0099] The distance is selected based on the thermal resistance of the material of the first optical system 2, which is chosen to minimize the distance between the light source and the first optical system 2 as much as possible in order to collect the maximum amount of light and thus maximize efficiency.

[0100] The incident surface 10 can be positioned between 35 mm and 45 mm from the exit surface 16. Preferably, the incident surface 10 can be positioned between 40 mm from the exit surface 16. This distance is measured on the optical axis 21. The incident surface of the second optical system 3 can be positioned between 10 mm and 33 mm from the exit surface of the second optical system 3.

[0101] The incident surface of the first optical system 2 can be 72 mm away from the exit surface of the second optical system 3.

[0102] The second row of 9 light sources can be secured to a carrier, which can be in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). The first row of 1 light source can also be secured to a carrier, which can also be in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). These rows of light sources can be glued to the carrier or secured in some other way (e.g., using fasteners).

[0103] Advantageously, the exit surface 16 has a lower portion 18, an upper portion 19, and a central portion 20. The direction d and the optical axis 21 form a first plane p1. A second plane p2 is positioned perpendicular to the first plane p1 and passes through the optical axis 21.

[0104] Advantageously, the exit surface 16 is convex. Preferably, the incident surface 10 is convex.

[0105] The intersection line between the lower portion 18 and the second plane p2 forms a curve known as "lower curvature 18a". The intersection line between the upper portion 19 and the second plane p2 forms a curve known as "upper curvature 19a". The intersection line between the central portion 20 and the second plane p2 forms a curve known as "central curvature 20a".

[0106] The lower curvature 18a may differ from the central curvature 20a and is configured to fan out light rays in the second plane p2 such that the average distance between any two light rays is greater than the average distance between any two light rays generated by the central curvature 20a. Preferably, the lower curvature 18a is more concave than the central curvature 20a.

[0107] Therefore, if the lower curvature 18a did not have this configuration, the LEDs in the first row 1 would generate images, each forming a square. With this configuration, i.e., when the lower curvature 18a is more concave than the central curvature 20a, the LEDs in the first row 1 generate images, each forming a rectangle (making it possible to form complementary high beams). Thus, in the second configuration 2b of the screen 4, the screen 4 (which is positioned in front of the lower portion 18) allows for partial blocking of illumination, resulting in the final projection having an upper edge corresponding to the cutoff line (and thus allowing the formation of a near-beam far-field beam).

[0108] Preferably, the upper curvature 19a is different from the central curvature 20a and is configured to fan out light rays in the second plane p2 such that the average distance between any two light rays is greater than the average distance between any two light rays generated by the central curvature 20a.

[0109] Preferably, the upper curvature 19a is more concave than the central curvature 20a.

[0110] Preferably, in the second configuration 5b, the screen 4 is positioned relative to the lower portion 18 such that the first light ray 1a and the second light ray 9a transmitted through the lower portion 18 are guided to the screen 4.

[0111] Advantageously, in the first configuration 5a and the second configuration 5b, the second row of 9 light sources, the first reflector 11, the second reflector 12, the incident surface 10 and the exit surface 16 are configured such that at least 20% (and preferably at least 10%) of the second light ray 9a interacting with the exit surface 16 is transmitted through the lower portion.

[0112] According to a preferred example, the light sources in the second row of 9 light sources are selectively activated to produce pixelated light sources.

[0113] This configuration enables the generation of Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) lighting.

[0114] Specifically, the selective activation of the light source allows for the acquisition of beams with various configurations, thus enabling adaptation to various situations, and especially to obstacles on the road (such as another driver). Therefore, areas that must be illuminated will be illuminated, while areas that must be dimmed to avoid causing glare to other road users will also be dimmed.

[0115] This discretization of light is also referred to by the term "segmented beam". Therefore, a beam whose projection forms an image consisting of beam segments (generated by turning on a set of light sources) is called a segmented beam, each segment of which can be illuminated independently.

[0116] Therefore, more precisely, when the adaptive beam contains a large number of segments, the beam can be more accurately tailored to detected obstacles. Dark areas are then minimized, optimizing road lighting.

[0117] Therefore, not all emitting elements are necessarily activated simultaneously; that is, they do not all emit light at the same time. This feature allows for modulation of the shape of the generated beam. If the light source is not activated, its image will not be projected by the optical module. It then forms unlit areas in the total generated beam. Excluding the effects of coupling in the light source and stray light from the optics, the resulting gap is complete.

[0118] Moreover, the fact that the beams generated by the first row of 1 light sources and the second row of 9 light sources are segmented and therefore the segments of these beams can be selectively activated makes it possible to form dynamically curved light, that is, the position of the cutoff line of the near beam can be adapted to the situation regardless of whether the curvature is to the right or to the left.

[0119] The system according to the invention may include a unit for controlling the activation of each light source, the control unit being configured to generate at least one dark region forming a tunnel in the projected beam by deactivating a group of adjacent light sources, the control unit being configured to determine the number of light sources in the group corresponding to the dark region depending on the width dimension of the light source.

[0120] The control unit may include a computer program product, preferably stored in a non-transitory memory, which includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, determine a light source to be activated, particularly to obtain at least one dark area of ​​a defined area (in which the light source is not activated) taking into account the variable area of ​​the image of the element.

[0121] The light source in row 1 can consist of 24 light sources. The light source in row 9 can consist of 8 light sources.

[0122] The light sources in the second row of 9 light sources can be aligned in a direction parallel to direction d.

[0123] All light sources in the device can be light-emitting diodes, commonly referred to as LEDs.

[0124] Advantageously, all LEDs in the lighting module have a diameter of 0.5mm. 2 or 1mm 2 The launch area is 0.5mm. 2 LEDs with a certain emitting area can have a height and width of 0.76mm. LEDs with a 1mm emitting area... 2 An LED with a certain emission area can have a height and width of 1 mm. The size of the LED is directly related to the desired beam volume.

[0125] The distance between the centers of two consecutive light sources in the first row of 1 light source and the second row of 9 light sources can be 25μm.

[0126] The height difference between the first row of 1 light source and the second row of 9 light sources can be between 22mm and 26mm. Preferably, the height difference between the first row of 1 light source and the second row of 9 light sources can be 24mm.

[0127] Preferably, the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 are made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), silicone, glass or PC (polycarbonate).

[0128] The system, including the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3, can have a focal length of 42.5 mm. The field of view of the beam generated by the second light source and emitted from the projection lens 15 can be 35°.

[0129] Advantageously, the dimensions of the first optical system 2 and the second optical system 3 are 30 mm by 60 mm (height by width) (including the fastening area).

[0130] At least one of the incident surface and the exit surface of the second optical system 3 may have micrometer-sized undulations on its surface. "Micrometer-sized undulations" refers to surface finish, particularly at the refractive interface, including a group of protruding elements with a depth of less than 600 μm. More precisely, the microstructure may protrude to a depth of less than 50 μm in the case of the exit surface and less than 600 μm in the case of the incident surface. Such a microstructure may include concentric patterns. The patterns may be stripes or pits.

[0131] According to the invention, multiple lighting modules can be arranged in a housing enclosed by an outer lens to obtain one or more lighting and / or signaling beams as the output of a headlamp. The headlamp can also be complex and include multiple modules, which may further optionally share components.

[0132] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but extends to all embodiments covered by the present invention.

[0133] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. First row of light sources 1a. First ray 2. First optical system 3. Second optical system 4. Screen 4a. Edge 5a. First Configuration 5b. Second Configuration 6. First beam 7. Second beam 8. Vertical axis 9. Second row of light sources 9a. Second ray 10. Incident surface 11. First reflector 12. Second reflector 14. Refractive part 15. Projection lens 16.Ejection surface 17. Low beam near field beam 18. Lower part 18a. Lower curvature 19. Upper part 19a. Upper curvature 20. Central Part 20a. Central curvature 21. Optical axis 22. Collimator 23. One of the reflectors in the second group of reflectors 24. Another reflector in the second group of reflectors 25. One of the reflectors in the first group of reflectors 26. Another reflector in the first group of reflectors 27. Projection of the near-field beam generated by the second row of light sources 28. Projection of complementary high beams generated by the first row of light sources 29. Projection of the near-field and far-field beams generated by the first row of light sources p1. First plane p2. Second plane d. Direction.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle lighting module comprising: - a first row (1) of light sources emitting first light rays (1a), the first row (1) of light sources comprising light sources aligned in a direction (d), the light sources of the first row (1) of light sources being individually activatable, - a first optical system (2) having an optical axis (21), configured so that the first light rays (1a) form a first light beam (6) after passing through the first optical system (2), and - a second optical system (3) through which the light rays of the first light beam (6) pass to form a second light beam (7), characterized in that the motor vehicle lighting module comprises a screen (4) that can be switched between a first configuration (5a) and a second configuration (5b) so that: in the first configuration (5a), the screen (4) does not produce a cutoff line in the first light beam (6) so that the second light beam (7) is a complementary high beam (28), and in the second configuration (5b), the screen (4) is configured to produce a cutoff line in the first light beam (6) so that the second light beam (7) is a low beam far field beam (29).

2. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein, In the second configuration (5b), the screen (4) is configured to block at least 80% and preferably at least 96% of the first light rays (1a) that impinge on the screen (4).

3. The lighting module of either of claims 1 and 2, wherein: the screen (4) is opaque and can be mechanically switched between the first configuration (5a) and the second configuration (5b) so that: in the first configuration (5a), the screen (4) is placed at a distance from the first light beam (6), in the second configuration (5b), the screen (4) is placed in the path of the first light beam (6).

4. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein, the screen (4) is translated along a vertical axis (8) to pass from the first configuration (5a) to the second configuration (5b).

5. The lighting module of either of claims 1 and 2, wherein: the screen (4) can be electronically switched between the first configuration (5a) and the second configuration (5b), and in the first configuration (5a), the screen (4) is configured to pass at least 40% of the first light rays (1a) that impinge on the screen (4).

6. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein the screen (4) comprises liquid crystals encapsulated in a polymer.

7. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the first configuration (5a), the second light beam (7) has an angular height of between 5° and 6°, and in the second configuration (5b), the second light beam (7) has an angular height of between 0.5° and 1.5°.

8. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the first optical system (2) comprises at least one of the following: a reflector, a light guide, a lens, a dioptric portion.

9. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the screen (4) has a horizontal upper edge (4a).

10. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second row (9) of light sources, the second row of light sources emitting second light rays (9a), and wherein, the first optical system (2) comprises a dioptric portion (14), the dioptric portion comprises a first reflector (11), a second reflector (12), an entrance face (10) and an exit face (16), the second row (9) of light sources, The first reflector (11) and the second reflector (12) are configured so that the second light rays (9a), after transmitting through the entrance face (10), are reflected by the first reflector (11) and then by the second reflector (12), before transmitting through the exit face (16), so that the second row (9) of light sources forms a dipped-beam near-field light beam (17).

11. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein, The light sources in the second row (9) of light sources are individually activatable.

12. The lighting module of any one of the two preceding claims, wherein: - the exit face (16) has a lower portion (18), an upper portion (19) and a central portion (20), the direction (d) and the optical axis (21) forming a first plane (pi), a second plane (p2) being perpendicular to the first plane (pi) and passing through the optical axis (21), the lower portion (18) having a lower curvature (18a) in the second plane (p2), the upper portion (19) having an upper curvature (19a) in the second plane (p2), and the central portion (20) having a central curvature (20a) in the second plane (p2), and wherein the lower curvature (18a) is different from the central curvature (20a) and is configured to produce, in the second plane (p2), a more diffuse spread of light rays than the one produced by the central curvature (20a), the lower curvature (18a) being preferably more convex than the central curvature (20a).

13. The lighting module according to the preceding claim, wherein The upper curvature (19a) is different from the central curvature (20a) and is configured to produce, in the second plane (p2), a more diffuse spread of light rays than the one produced by the central curvature (20a), the upper curvature (19a) being preferably more convex than the central curvature (20a).

14. The lighting module of any one of the two preceding claims, wherein: in the second configuration (5b), the screen (4) is positioned with respect to the lower portion (18) so as to intercept the first light rays (la) and the second light rays (9a) that transmit through the lower portion (18).

15. The lighting module of any one of the three preceding claims, wherein: in the first configuration (5a) and in the second configuration (5b), the second row (9) of light sources, the first reflector (11), the second reflector (12), the entrance face (10) and the exit face (16) are configured so that at least 80% of the second light rays (9a) that impinge on the exit face (16) transmit through the upper portion (19) and the central portion (20).

Images