Lighting device for an automobile

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor-vehicle lighting module (2), comprising a first lighting sub-module (5) comprising a light source (6.3) able to form a first light beam; a second lighting sub-module (10) able to form a second light beam; a second projection lens (12) for projecting the second light beam, contiguous to a first projection lens (8); and an optical device (18) configured to redirect to the second projection lens (12) light rays that originate directly from the light source (6.3) of the first lighting sub-module (5) and that pass in front of the reflective surface (6.2) of the first lighting module (5), so as to make said second projection lens (12) appear illuminated even when the second lighting sub-module (10) is turned off.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting, in particular lighting for motor vehicles. The invention relates in particular to a lighting module intended to be assembled in a motor vehicle headlight. Prior art

[0002] It is generally known to produce a cut-off lighting beam using one or more folding light modules. Such a light module conventionally comprises a collector with a reflective surface of revolution with an elliptical profile, in the form of a cap in a half-space delimited by a horizontal plane. An essentially point light source, of the light-emitting diode type, is located at a first focus of the reflective surface and illuminates in the half-space in the direction of said surface. The rays are thus reflected in a convergent manner towards a second focus of the reflective surface. Another reflective surface, generally planar, with a cut-off edge at the second focus ensures an upward reflection of the rays which do not pass precisely through the second focus, these rays then being refracted by a thick lens towards the bottom of the lighting beam.This reflective surface is commonly referred to as a "folder" because it "folds" the rays that would otherwise form an upper part of the lighting beam towards the top of the projection lens. Such a light module has the disadvantage of requiring significant precision in the positioning of the folder and the cut-off edge. Also, the projection lens must be a thick lens due to its short focal length, which increases its weight and complicates its production, such as shrinkage defects. In addition, the collector has a certain height and, therefore, a certain height requirement.

[0003] The published patent document WO 2020 / 025171 A1 discloses a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a collector with a reflective surface collecting and reflecting the light rays emitted by a light source into a light beam, similar to a folding light module. The light module also comprises a projection optical system, such as a lens, specifically configured to project the light beam in question by forming an image of the reflective surface of the collector. For this purpose, the projection optical system has a focus located on the reflective surface, for example at a rear edge thereof, so as to correctly image said edge and form a sharp cut-off in the projected light beam. This type of light module has advantages of compactness, in particular in height, and simplicity of production. They can be combined to form different light beams that add up.

[0004] The published patent document FR 3 093 789 A1 discloses a motor vehicle headlight lighting module incorporating the technology of the previous document by combining a first lighting sub-module with cut-off providing a low-beam lighting function with a second lighting sub-module without cut-off supplementing the light beam with cut-off to provide a high-beam lighting function. This module, called dual-function, has the disadvantage that the projection lens or lens portion associated with the second lighting sub-module, without cut-off, is not illuminated during the low-beam lighting function. This lack of lighting can pose a problem for the general appearance of the lighting module. Document US 2015 / 338047 A1 discloses another motor vehicle headlight lighting module. Statement of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to solve the problem of the unlit appearance of a part of the projection lens of a dual-function lighting module.

[0006] The subject of the invention is a lighting module for a motor vehicle, comprising a first lighting sub-module configured to produce a first light beam and comprising: a subassembly with a primary light source and a primary collector with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by said primary light source into a first primary reflected light beam; a first projection lens configured to project at least the majority of said primary reflected light beam into a primary projected light beam at least partially forming said first light beam.

[0007] The lighting module further comprises a second lighting sub-module configured to produce a second light beam and comprising a second projection lens of the second light beam, adjoining the first projection lens.

[0008] According to the invention, the lighting module further comprises an optical device configured to return to the second projection lens light rays coming directly from the primary light source of the first lighting sub-module and passing in front of the reflective surface of the primary collector of the first lighting sub-module so as to give said second projection lens an illuminated appearance while the second lighting sub-module is off.

[0009] For example, the optical device is disposed between the subassembly and the first projection lens.

[0010] According to the invention, the first beam may be a beam with an upper cut-off with a horizontal portion, in particular a code beam.

[0011] According to the invention, the second beam may be a lower cut-off beam with a horizontal portion, in particular a complementary high beam. The characteristics of this paragraph may be combined with those of the previous one and in this case, the second beam forms a high beam with the dipped beam, the lower cut-off coinciding with the upper cut-off. The lighting module is thus a dual-function dipped / high beam module.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second lighting sub-module may comprise a light source, a collector with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by said light source into a second reflected light beam. The second projection lens is configured to project at least the majority of said second reflected light beam into a second projected light beam forming the second light beam. In this case, the optical device is arranged between, on the one hand, the light source and the collector and, on the other hand, the second projection lens.

[0013] In another embodiment, the second sub-module may comprise a light source; an optical element capable of deflecting at least the majority of the rays emitted by the light source of the second lighting sub-module towards the second projection lens. Said optical element may comprise one or more lenses, one or more reflectors, one or more light guides or a combination of these possibilities. In this case, the optical device is arranged between the optical element and the second projection lens.

[0014] According to the invention, the light source(s) may be light-emitting diodes, also called LEDs.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lighting sub-module and the second lighting sub-module can be arranged on either side of a dividing plane, the rays returned by the optical device passing through said dividing plane.

[0016] Here, the dividing plane divides the space in the lighting module into a first space dedicated to the first lighting sub-module and a second space dedicated to the second lighting sub-module.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical device may comprise a first reflection surface configured to reflect light rays coming directly from the primary light source of the first lighting sub-module into reflected light rays, and a second reflection surface configured to reflect said reflected light rays towards the second projection lens.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first reflection surface may have a parabolic or elliptical profile so that the light rays reflected by said first reflection surface converge. The parabolic or elliptical profile may be in a longitudinal plane, comprising the optical axis of the lighting module, and / or in a transverse plane, perpendicular to said optical axis. The convergence of the rays reflected by the first reflection surface also makes it possible to concentrate the rays as they pass through the dividing plane, thus limiting the space required for their passage.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first reflection surface may have a planar surface or other shapes adapted to reflect light rays coming directly from the primary light source of the first lighting sub-module towards the second reflection surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting module comprises a support for the first lighting sub-module and / or the second lighting sub-module, extending along the dividing plane and comprising an orifice capable of being passed through by the rays reflected by the first reflection surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second reflection surface may have a rough surface structure. In other words, the second reflection surface has reliefs on its surface.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second reflection surface has regular reliefs.

[0023] The second reflecting surface may be configured to diffusely reflect light rays reflected from the first reflecting surface and direct them toward the second projection lens.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first reflection surface is arranged on the same side of the dividing plane as the first lighting sub-module, and the second reflection surface is arranged on the same side of the dividing plane as the second lighting sub-module.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting module may further comprise a housing housing the first lighting sub-module, the second lighting sub-module, the first reflection surface and / or the second reflection surface being formed on or supported by said housing.

[0026] Advantageously, the second reflection surface can be formed directly on the housing and advantageously is raised on average by at least 1 mm, more advantageously at least 2 mm, even more advantageously at least 3 mm.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first projection lens may have a focal zone located on the reflective surface of the primary collector, at the rear of the primary light source of said first lighting sub-module. The projection lens is configured to image a portion of said reflective surface located, along a general direction of propagation of the light rays reflected in the first lighting sub-module, at the rear of the primary light source.

[0028] Advantageously, the focal zone may be located at a rear edge of said reflective surface.

[0029] Generally speaking, this focal area can be a focal point, also called a focus, or can be a focal line, also called a line of foci.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the subassembly is a first subassembly, the first lighting sub-module further comprising a second subassembly with: a secondary light source; a secondary collector with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by said secondary light source into a secondary reflected light beam.

[0031] Furthermore, the second subassembly may be set back towards the rear, following a general direction of propagation of the rays, relative to the first subassembly. In other words, the second subassembly is placed upstream of the first subassembly following the general direction of propagation of the rays.

[0032] Furthermore, the first projection lens may be configured to project at least a majority of said secondary reflected light beam into a secondary projected light beam. In this case, the primary projected light beam and the secondary projected light beam together form the first light beam.

[0033] Here, the first subset is still called the first-category subset, while the second subset, set back from the first subset, is still called the second-category subset.

[0034] Here, "the rays" in "the general direction of propagation of the rays" are rays which participate in the formation of the first light beam and the second light beam. Here, unless otherwise indicated, the general direction of propagation of the rays in the first lighting sub-module is parallel to an optical axis of said first lighting sub-module. Similarly, the general direction of propagation of the rays in the second lighting sub-module is parallel to an optical axis of said second lighting sub-module. Advantageously, the optical axis of the first lighting sub-module may be parallel to the optical axis of the second lighting sub-module.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical device can be configured to return to the second projection lens also light rays coming directly from the secondary light source and passing in front of the reflective surface of said secondary collector.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical device may comprise a third reflection surface configured to reflect light rays coming directly from the secondary light source of the second subassembly towards the second reflection surface, said second reflection surface being configured to also reflect the rays reflected by the third reflection surface towards the second projection lens.

[0037] The third reflection surface is associated with the second subassembly of the first lighting submodule.

[0038] Advantageously, the third reflection surface associated with the second subassembly may be set back towards the rear, following the general direction of propagation of the rays, relative to the first reflection surface.

[0039] The third reflection surface may be integrated into the secondary collector. In this case, the third reflection surface is arranged after the reflective surface of the secondary collector, but oriented differently from said reflective surface. The third reflection surface may also have a different profile from the reflective surface.

[0040] Advantageously, the third reflection surface can be arranged on the same side of the dividing plane as the first lighting sub-module.

[0041] Advantageously, the lighting module comprises a common support for the first and second sub-assemblies of the first lighting sub-module, extending along the dividing plane and comprising a first orifice capable of being passed through by the rays reflected by the first reflection surface and a second orifice capable of being passed through by the rays reflected by the third reflection surface, set back towards the rear, in the general direction of propagation of the rays, relative to the first orifice.

[0042] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to ensure illumination of the second projection lens when the second lighting sub-module is switched off, without an additional or auxiliary light source. The illumination of the second projection lens is ensured with light rays otherwise lost from the first lighting sub-module. The optical device is also of simple construction because it involves a small number of reflection surfaces, in this case two or three reflection surfaces.

[0043] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlight comprising a lighting module according to the invention.

[0044] In particular, according to the invention, the lighting module is a unitary device, the components of which, in particular the lighting sub-modules and the lens, are assembled together. In other words, these components are assembled together independently of the fixings of the lighting module intended to fix the latter in a projector.

[0045] The first and second lenses can be formed as a single piece. The module has a more unitary appearance.

[0046] The first and second lenses may each have a different focal length. The invention is particularly advantageous in such a case. Brief description of the drawings

[0047] [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic representation in longitudinal and functional section of a lighting module according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2] is a perspective view of the cut-off lighting sub-module and the first reflection surface of the light-returning optical device of the lighting module of the figure 1 ; [ Fig. 3 ] is a perspective view of the second reflection surface of the light-returning optical device of the lighting module of the figure 1 ; [ Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a second embodiment of the invention. [ Fig. 5 ] is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a third embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0048] In the following description, the concepts “front” and “rear” are understood in relation to a main direction of propagation of the light along the optical axis of the first lighting sub-module and the optical axis of the second lighting sub-module.

[0049] There figure 1is a longitudinal, schematic and functional sectional view of a lighting module for a motor vehicle, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0050] The lighting module 2 comprises a housing 4 shown schematically, it being understood that it can have significantly more complex shapes and be made up of several parts assembled together.

[0051] The lighting module 2 comprises a first lighting sub-module 5 capable of forming a first light beam with horizontal cutoff. The first lighting sub-module 5 comprises a sub-assembly 6 comprising a primary collector 6.1 provided with a reflective surface 6.2 capable of collecting and reflecting the light rays emitted by a primary light source 6.3. The latter is advantageously of the semiconductor type, in this case a light-emitting diode. It illuminates essentially in a space delimited by a plane thereof, in a main direction perpendicular to said plane and directed towards the primary collector 6.1. The primary collector 6.1 and more particularly the reflective surface 6.2 have a hollow shape, similar to that of a half-shell. The reflective surface 6.2 is configured to collect a major portion of the light rays emitted by the primary light source 6.3 and form at least partially a first cut-off light beam or all of said first beam in the direction of a first projection lens 8 forming part of the first lighting sub-module 5.

[0052] The first light beam, emitted by the first projection lens 8, provides a regulatory automotive lighting function of the code type, also called “low beam” in English. This function includes a horizontal cut-off.

[0053] The lighting module 2 further comprises a second lighting sub-module 10 capable of forming a second light beam.

[0054] Similar to the first lighting sub-module 5, the second lighting sub-module 10 comprises a collector 10.1 provided with a reflective surface 10.2 and a light source 10.3. Still similar to the first lighting sub-module 5, the reflective surface 10.2 is configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light source 10.3 and form the second light beam in the direction of a second projection lens 12 forming part of the second lighting sub-module 10. The collector 10.1 and more particularly the reflective surface 10.2 have a hollow shape, similar to that of a half-shell, and the light source 10.3 illuminates essentially in a space delimited by a plane thereof, in a main direction perpendicular to said plane and directed towards the collector 10.1.

[0055] Of course, the second lighting sub-module 10 may have a structure different from that of the first lighting sub-module 5. For example, the second lighting sub-module may comprise a plurality of light sources, a plurality of light guides, each guide being associated with a light source so as to propagate the rays emitted by said source towards the second projection lens. In this example, the second lighting sub-module may further comprise one or more additional lenses arranged between the guides and the projection lens. The additional lens(es) may be configured to correct optical aberrations, such as field aberration.

[0056] The second light beam, emitted by the second projection lens 12, complements the first light beam, emitted by the first projection lens 8 to provide a regulatory automotive lighting function of the road type, also referred to as “high beam” in English. In another example, the second light beam alone can perform the regulatory automotive lighting function of the road type.

[0057] It should be noted that the first and second lighting sub-modules 5 and 10 are opposite with respect to a dividing plane. In other words, the first and second lighting sub-modules 5 and 10 are arranged on either side of the dividing plane and oriented in opposite manner, namely that the main lighting directions of their light sources 6.3 and 10.3 are opposite. Advantageously, the light sources 6.3 and 10.3 in question can be arranged on a common support 16. The latter extends in the dividing plane and advantageously forms a plate. figure 1 , the common support 16 is represented schematically by a line, it being understood, however, that it has a non-zero thickness.

[0058] Of course, the support 16 can serve as a support only for the first lighting sub-module 5. In this case, another support distinct from the support 16 is allocated to the second lighting sub-module 10.

[0059] The reflecting surfaces 6.2 and 10.2 advantageously have a profile of the elliptical or parabolic type. One or each of them is advantageously a surface of revolution about an axis parallel to the optical axis of the corresponding lighting module. Alternatively, it may be a free-form surface or a swept surface or an asymmetrical surface. It may also comprise several sectors. The expression "parabolic type" generally applies to reflecting surfaces with a single focus, that is to say a zone of convergence of the light rays such that the light rays emitted by a light source placed at this convergence zone are projected at a great distance after reflection on the surface. Projected at a great distance means that these light rays do not converge towards an area located at least 10 times the dimensions of the reflecting surface.In other words, the reflected rays do not converge towards a convergence zone or, if they converge, this convergence zone is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the dimensions of the reflecting surface. A parabolic surface may therefore have parabolic portions or not. A collector with such a surface is generally used alone to create a light beam. Alternatively, it can be used as a projection surface associated with an elliptical collector. In this case, the light source of the parabolic collector is the convergence zone of the rays reflected by the elliptical collector.

[0060] Each of the light sources 6.3 and 10.3 is arranged at a focus of the corresponding reflecting surface 6.2 and 10.2 so that its rays are collected and reflected along the optical axis of the corresponding lighting module. At least a portion of these reflected rays has inclination angles α, in a vertical plane, relative to said axis which are less than or equal to 25°, preferably less than or equal to 10°, so as to be in the so-called Gaussian conditions, making it possible to obtain stigmatism, that is to say sharpness of the projected image. These are advantageously the rays reflected by the rear portion of the reflecting surface 6.2 and 10.2.

[0061] The first projection lens 8 comprises a focus 8.1 located on a portion of the reflective surface 6.2 located between the light source 6.3 and the rear edge 6.2.1 of said reflective surface 6.2. In this case, the focus 8.1 is located at the rear edge 6.2.1 of the reflective surface 6.2. Such positioning of the focus makes it possible to image the rear portion of the illuminated reflective surface, in this case its rear edge 6.2.1, and thus to form a sharp cut-off corresponding to said edge. As illustrated by the path of the light rays, the projected image of the illuminated reflective surface is inverted, meaning that the rear edge forms an upper horizontal cut-off of the first light beam.

[0062] The second projection lens 12 comprises a focus 12.1 advantageously located on the reflective surface 10.2, at a position between the front 12.2.2 and rear 12.2.1 edges of said reflective surface 10.2. The focus 12.1 may be located on a portion of the reflective surface 10.2 located between the light source 10.3 and the rear edge 10.2.1 of said reflective surface 10.2.

[0063] The first and second projection lenses 8 and 12 are contiguous at a junction axis 14. They are advantageously made of a single piece, i.e. made of the same material without discontinuity between the two projection lenses. Alternatively, they may be attached to each other. They may also have an offset along a longitudinal axis, i.e. an axis parallel to the optical axis of each of the first and second lighting sub-modules.

[0064] Still referring to the figure 1, the lighting module 2 comprises an optical device 18 configured to return otherwise lost rays from the first lighting sub-module 5 to the second projection lens 12. These otherwise lost rays come directly from the light source 6.3 and pass in front of the front edge 6.2.2 of the reflecting surface 6.2 on the collector 6.1; they are therefore not reflected by the reflecting surface 6.2. The optical device 18 comprises a first reflection surface 18.1 arranged in front of the collector 6.1 so as to collect at least a portion of the rays coming directly from the light source 6.3 and passing by the collector 6.2. This first reflection surface 18.1 is thus located between the collector 6.1 and the first projection lens 8. It is configured to reflect the rays in question towards the opposite side of the dividing plane materialized by the figure 1by the junction axis 14 and the common support 16, towards a second reflection surface 18.2 of the optical device 18. This is then configured to reflect the rays in question towards the second projection lens 12.

[0065] The optical device 18 thus makes it possible to illuminate the second projection lens 12 with light produced by the sub-assembly 6 and otherwise lost. This means that when only the first lighting sub-module 5 is active, that is to say when the sub-assembly 6 is switched on, this otherwise lost light will illuminate the second projection lens 12 and thus ensure an illuminated appearance for all of the first and second projection lenses 8 and 12. It is understood that the light power of the illumination of the second projection lens 12 by the optical device 18 is lower than the illumination of said second projection lens 12 by the second lighting sub-module 10. This difference in lighting power is not directly perceptible by an observer located in front of the lighting module.Also, this illumination of the second projection lens 12 by the optical device 18 is sufficiently weak so as not to disturb the second light beam when the second lighting sub-module is active, at the same time as the first lighting sub-module.

[0066] The first reflection surface is advantageously of parabolic or elliptical profile, in a longitudinal plane as well as in a transverse plane (perpendicular to the optical axis), so that the reflected rays converge at the dividing plane and then diverge before meeting the second reflection surface 18.2. Such convergence is advantageous when the common support 16 extends longitudinally to the place where the reflected rays pass between the first and second reflection surfaces 18.1 and 18.2. The rays can then pass in front of a front edge of the common support 16 or through an orifice 16.1 made in said common support.

[0067] The first reflection surface 18.1 can be formed directly on the collector 6.1 by means of an extension thereof, directly on the housing 4 or even on a specific part fixed to the housing 4 and / or to the collector 6.1.

[0068] The second reflection surface 18.2 may have a rectilinear or almost rectilinear profile, in a longitudinal plane and / or in a transverse plane, so as to reflect the rays towards a major part of the entry face of the second projection lens 12, advantageously more than 80% of said entry face.

[0069] The second reflection surface 18.2 may be formed directly on the housing 4 or on a specific part fixed to the housing 4. The second reflection surface 18.2 may be formed directly on a wall of the housing 4 and covered with a reflective coating, in which case said surface is advantageously raised relative to said wall so as to facilitate the positioning of a protective mask when depositing the reflective coating. The elevation may be on average at least 1, 2 or 3 mm. An elevation of the second reflection surface also makes it possible to obtain an optimal orientation of said surface.

[0070] There figure 2 is a perspective view of the cut-off lighting module and the first reflection surface of the light-returning optical device of the lighting module of the figure 1 .

[0071] There figure 2materializes a non-zero thickness of the common support 16. It also illustrates the path of four extreme light rays emitted by the light source 6.3 passing in front of the front edge 6.2.2 of the reflective surface 6.2 of the subassembly 6 of the first lighting sub-module 5 and meeting the first reflection surface 18.1 of the optical device 18. The parabolic or elliptical profiles of the reflective surface 6.2 of the collector 6.1 and of the first reflection surface 18.1 of the optical device 18 are visible.

[0072] There figure 3 is a perspective view of an example of the second reflection surface of the light-returning optical device of the lighting module of the figure 1 .

[0073] The second reflection surface 18.2 may have a rough surface structure. Here, the second reflection surface 18.2 may comprise a series of reliefs 18.2.1 arranged in the form of a network 18.2.2. These reliefs 18.2.1 may in particular form steps or pads and the network 18.2.2 may in particular be in the form of lines or a grid, respectively. The reliefs 18.2.1 and their network 18.2.2 may be configured to reflect the received light, predominantly towards the second projection lens 12, and this in a homogeneous manner. For this purpose, the reliefs 18.2.1 and their network 18.2.2 may perform a function of diffusing the received light, however in a directed manner towards the second projection lens 12.

[0074] There figure 4is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a second embodiment of the invention. The reference signs of the first embodiment are used to designate identical or corresponding elements, these numbers being increased by 100. Reference is also made to the description of these elements in the context of the first embodiment.

[0075] The lighting module 102 according to the second embodiment of the invention differs from the lighting module of the first embodiment essentially in that the first lighting sub-module comprises several sub-assemblies arranged side by side. The first lighting sub-module 105 in fact comprises a first sub-assembly 106 similar to the sub-assembly 6 of the first lighting sub-module 5 of the first embodiment. The first lighting sub-module 105 further comprises a second sub-assembly 106' similar, or even identical, to the first sub-assembly 106, arranged next to said first sub-assembly 106. The first lighting sub-module may also comprise additional sub-assemblies, such as a third sub-assembly 106" and a fifth sub-assembly 106"', all arranged side by side on the same side of the dividing plane materialized by the common support 116.

[0076] The lighting module further comprises a second lighting sub-module 110, not visible, similar to the second lighting sub-module 10 of the first embodiment, located opposite the dividing plane materialized by the common support 116.

[0077] The reflective surfaces 106.2, 106'.2, 106".2 and 106"'.2 of said subassemblies 106, 106', 106" and 106"' are advantageously adjacent to each other so that the collectors (not shown) on which they are formed can be in one piece. Each of the lighting modules 106, 106', 106" and 106"' produces a cut-off light beam, these beams combining to form a regulatory lighting function of the code type. For this purpose, one of the lighting modules 106, 106', 106" and 106"' can form a wide beam with a straight cut-off, another a narrow beam with a kink cut-off, and another a narrow beam with a straight cut-off.

[0078] The optical device 118 comprises in this case, in addition to the first reflection surface 118.1, a third, fourth and fifth reflection surface 118'.1, 118".1 and 118"'.1, namely one per subassembly 106, 106', 106" and 106"'. Also, the common support 116 may comprise an orifice 116.1, 116.1', 116.1" and 116.1"' for each of the subassemblies 106, 106', 106" and 106"'. The second reflection surface 118.2 of the optical device 118 may be common to the lighting modules 106, 106', 106" and 106‴.

[0079] The first projection lens 108 is common to the subassemblies 106, 106', 106" and 106"'. The second projection lens 112 directly adjacent to the first projection lens 108 is then illuminated over its entire transverse extent when only the first, third, fourth and fifth subassemblies 106, 106', 106" and 106"' are active while the second lighting sub-module 110 is inactive.

[0080] It should be noted that the second lighting sub-module 110 may comprise several sub-assemblies arranged side by side, on the opposite side of the dividing plane materialized by the common support.

[0081] There Figure 5 is a perspective view of a lighting module according to a third embodiment of the invention. The reference signs of the second embodiment are used to designate identical or corresponding elements, these numbers being increased by 100. Reference is also made to the description of these elements in the context of the second embodiment.

[0082] The lighting module 202 according to the third embodiment of the invention differs from the lighting module of the first embodiment essentially in that the first lighting sub-module 205 comprises several sub-assemblies, similarly to the second embodiment. The first lighting sub-module 205 in fact comprises a first sub-assembly 206 similar to the sub-assembly 6 of the first embodiment. The first lighting sub-module 205 further comprises a second lighting sub-module 206' similar, or even identical, to the first sub-assembly 206, arranged next to said first sub-assembly 206, and a third sub-assembly 206" similar, or even identical, to the first sub-assembly 206, arranged next to the second sub-assembly 206' on the right of the Figure 5 .

[0083] The first lighting sub-module 205 further comprises a fourth and a fifth sub-assembly 206"' and 206"" arranged on either side, respectively, of the central block of the first, second and fourth sub-assemblies 206, 206" and 206', and set back along an optical axis of the first lighting sub-module relative to said central block. The first, second and third sub-assemblies 206, 206', 206" are also called the first category sub-assemblies. The fourth and fifth sub-assemblies 206"' and 206"" are also called the second category sub-assemblies.

[0084] Here, similarly to the first category subassemblies, each second category subassembly 206"' and 206"" comprises a secondary light source 206"'.3, 206"".3 and a secondary collector with a reflective surface 206"'.2, 206"".2 capable of reflecting light rays emitted by said secondary light source into a secondary reflected light beam. In this case, the first projection lens 208 is configured to project at least the majority of said secondary reflected light beam into a secondary projected light beam. Here, the secondary projected light beam is a narrow, kink-like light beam.

[0085] The reflective surfaces 206.2, 206'.2 and 206".2 of the subassemblies 206, 206' and 206" are advantageously adjacent to each other so that the collectors (not shown) on which they are formed can be integral. Each of the subassemblies 206, 206' and 206" of the central block produces a cut-off and spread light beam, while the recessed subassemblies 206"' and 206"" produce the cut-off, narrow and step-over light beams combining with each other. All of these beams combine to form a regulatory lighting function of the low beam type.

[0086] In a similar manner to the previous embodiment, the lighting module 202 comprises a second lighting sub-module 210, not visible, similar to the second lighting sub-module 10 of the first embodiment, located opposite the dividing plane materialized by the common support 216.

[0087] The optical device 218 comprises in this case, in addition to the first reflection surface 218.1, a third, fourth and fifth reflection surface 218".1, 218‴.1 and 218ʺʺ.1, namely one per subassembly 206, 206" and 206"' and 206"". Also, the common support 216 may comprise an orifice 216.1, 216.1", 216.1‴ and 216ʺʺ.1 for each of the subassemblies 206, 206", 206"' and 206"". The second reflection surface 218.2 of the optical device 218 may be common to the subassemblies 206, 206", 206"' and 206"".

[0088] It can be observed that among the central block of the subassemblies 206, 206' and 206", only the lateral subassemblies 206 and 206" are associated with a reflection surface 218.1, 218".1 of the optical device 218, meaning that the central lighting module 206' does not participate in the lighting of the second projection lens.

[0089] It can also be observed that the fourth and second sub-assemblies 206"' and 206"" are set back towards the rear, following a general direction of propagation of the light rays along the optical axis of the first lighting sub-module, relative to the central block of the sub-assemblies 206, 206' and 206". For this purpose, the reflection surfaces 218"'.1 and 218"".1 of the optical device 218, associated with these subassemblies 206"' and 206"", are also set back relative to the reflection surfaces 218.1 and 218".1 associated with the central block. This set back of the reflection surfaces 218"'.1 and 218"".1 allows the rays otherwise lost and reflected downwards to be reflected by the second reflection surface 218.2 at more favorable angles for illuminating the second projection lens 212. This set back brings the reflection surfaces 218"'.1 and 218"". closer together.1 of the 206"' and 206"" subassemblies in order to collect more rays coming directly from the light source of these subassemblies. Thus, the illuminated appearance of the second projection lens is further improved.

[0090] Finally, such an arrangement also makes it possible to maintain a certain compactness of the lighting module depending on its height. Indeed, the fact of providing a withdrawal of the reflection surfaces 218"'.1 and 218"".1 makes it possible to position them at a reduced height, close to the corresponding sub-assemblies 206"' and 206"".

Claims

1. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205), which is configured to produce a first light beam and comprises: ▪ a subassembly (6; 106; 206) with a primary light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) and a primary collector (6.1) with a reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) that is able to reflect light rays emitted by said primary light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) in a primary reflected light beam; and ▪ a first projecting lens (8; 108; 208) configured to project at least the majority of said primary reflected light beam in a primary projected light beam at least partially forming said first light beam; - a second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210), which is configured to produce a second light beam and comprises a second projecting lens (12; 112; 212) for projecting the second light beam, adjoining the first projecting lens (8; 108; 208); characterized in that said module (2; 102) further comprises an optical device (18; 118; 218) configured to return, towards the second projecting lens (12; 112; 212), light rays coming directly from the primary light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) of the first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205) and passing in front of the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the first lighting submodule (6; 106; 206) so as to give said second projecting lens (12; 112; 212) an illuminated appearance while the second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210) is off.

2. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to Claim 1, wherein the first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205) and the second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210) are disposed on either side of a dividing plane, the rays returned by the optical device (18; 118; 218) passing through said dividing plane.

3. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the optical device (18; 118; 218) comprises a first reflecting surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1) configured to reflect the light rays coming directly from the primary light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3) of the first lighting submodule (6; 106; 206) in reflected light rays, and a second reflecting surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) configured to reflect said light rays reflected towards the second projecting lens (12; 112; 212).

4. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to Claims 2 and 3, comprising a support (16; 116; 216) for the first lighting submodule and / or the second lighting submodule (5, 10; 105, 110; 205, 210), extending along the dividing plane and having an orifice (16.1; 116.1; 216.1) that is suitable for being traversed by the rays reflected by the first reflecting surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1).

5. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, wherein the second reflecting surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) has a rough surface structure.

6. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the second reflecting surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) has regular reliefs (18.2.1; 18.2.2).

7. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to Claim 2 and according to one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the first reflecting surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1) is disposed on the same side of the dividing plane as the first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205), and the second reflecting surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) is disposed on the same side of the dividing plane as the second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210).

8. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to one of Claims 3 to 7, further comprising a housing (4) accommodating the first lighting submodule (5; 105; 205), the second lighting submodule (10; 110; 210), the first reflecting surface (18.1; 118.1; 218.1) and / or the second reflecting surface (18.2; 118.2; 218.2) being formed on or supported by said housing (4).

9. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the first projecting lens (8; 108; 208) has a focal region located on the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the primary collector (6.1), behind the primary light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3), said first projecting lens being configured to image a portion of the reflective surface (6.2; 106.2; 206.2) of the primary collector (6.1) that is located, along an overall direction of propagation of the reflected light rays in said first lighting submodule, behind the primary light source (6.3; 106.3; 206.3).

10. Lighting module (202) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the subassembly (206) is a first subassembly (206), the first lighting submodule (205) further comprising a second subassembly (206‴, 206ʺʺ) having: - a secondary light source (206‴.3, 206ʺʺ.3); - a secondary collector with a reflective surface (206‴.2, 206ʺʺ.2) that is able to reflect light rays emitted by said secondary light source in a secondary reflected light beam; wherein said second subassembly (206‴, 206ʺʺ) is recessed in the rearward direction, along an overall direction of propagation of the rays, in relation to the first subassembly (206); wherein the first projecting lens (8; 108; 208) is configured to project at least the majority of said secondary reflected light beam in a secondary projected light beam; and wherein said primary projected light beam and said secondary projected light beam together form said first light beam.

11. Lighting module (202) according to Claim 10, wherein the optical device (218) is configured to also return, towards the second projecting lens (212), light rays coming directly from the secondary light source (206‴.3, 206ʺʺ.3) and passing in front of the reflective surface (206‴.2, 206ʺʺ.2) of said secondary collector.

12. Lighting module (202) according to either of Claims 10 and 11, wherein the optical device (218) comprises a third reflecting surface (218‴.1, 218ʺʺ.1) configured to reflect the light rays coming directly from the secondary light source (206‴.3, 206ʺʺ.3) towards the second reflecting surface (218.2), said second reflecting surface being configured to also reflect the rays reflected by the third reflecting surface towards the second projecting lens (212).

13. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second projecting lenses are formed in one piece.

14. Lighting module (2; 102; 202) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second projecting lenses each have different focal lengths.

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