Lighting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (0) comprising first light sources (1) configured to form a near-field beam of a dipped headlight, a first reflector (6), a second reflector (11) and a first lens (7). The first light sources are configured to emit light rays that reflect off the second reflector and then off the first reflector before passing through the first lens. The lighting device comprises a row of second light sources (2) configured to emit light rays towards the first lens. The row of second light sources is configured to produce a cut-off beam of a dipped headlight. The lighting device comprises a row of third light sources (3) configured to emit light rays towards the first lens. The row of third light sources is located between the row of second light sources and the first reflector.

Description

Lighting device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting, which includes signaling, and the components, particularly optical components, which participate therein. It finds particularly advantageous application in the field of motor vehicles. In particular, it relates to a lighting device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] In the automotive sector, we know of devices capable of emitting light beams, also called lighting and / or signaling functions.

[0003] These devices must comply with current regulations, which vary depending on the country in question, by emitting light in the desired locations while limiting the brightness in certain areas. One of the constraints that manufacturers also face is reducing the size of the device while having the most versatile lighting device possible in order to meet the requirements of various national regulations selectively with the same lighting device.

[0004] In order to partially achieve these different objectives, a solution has been proposed, consisting of two sets of two reflectors allowing a first set of light sources to be reflected on one of the reflectors of the first set, then to be reflected on the other reflector of the first set before passing through a lens and allowing a second set of light sources to be reflected on one of the reflectors of the second set, then to be reflected on the other reflector of the second set before passing through the lens.The particularity of this solution lies in the fact that the reflector of the first set furthest downstream is positioned upstream of the object focal plane of the lens with an area of ​​this reflector in contact with the object focal plane of the lens while the reflector of the second set furthest downstream is positioned downstream of the object focal plane of the lens with an area of ​​this reflector in contact with the object focal plane of the lens. In this way, this solution allows the projection of two light beams respectively performing two distinct light functions with a single lens being symmetrical over its entire circumference, this in order to improve the simplicity and compactness of the lighting device.

[0005] However, this type of solution has disadvantages, notably the fact that it requires the use of a large number of optical components. Thus, although this solution makes it possible to simplify and reduce the overall volume occupied by the lighting device, it does not achieve a completely satisfactory result in terms of space requirements. Furthermore, this solution does not make it possible to achieve a universal lighting device so as to meet, with the same lighting device, the requirements of various national regulations selectively.

[0006] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device making it possible to overcome all or part of the disadvantages cited.

[0007] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0008] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a lighting device is provided comprising: first light sources configured to form a near-field beam of a dipped beam, a first reflector, a second reflector and a first lens comprising a focus and an optical axis in which the first light sources are configured to emit light rays which are reflected on the second reflector and then on the first reflector before passing through the first lens, characterized in that it comprises a row of second light sources comprising light sources aligned in a direction and configured to emit light rays towards the first lens,the row of second light sources being configured to produce a cut-off beam of a dipped beam and in that it comprises a row of third light sources comprising light sources aligned according to the direction configured to emit light rays towards the first lens, the row of third light sources being located between the row of second light sources and the first reflector in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and to the direction.,

[0009] Thus, since the row of third light sources is positioned below the first reflector and above the row of second light sources (which is itself advantageously positioned below the first reflector) and since the light rays from the first light sources will reflect off the first reflector before reaching the lens, the area illuminated by the row of third light sources is located between the area illuminated by the row of second light sources and the area illuminated by the first light sources.

[0010] We thus obtain a lighting device making it possible to form (at least in part) a cut-off beam of a dipped beam, a near-field beam of a dipped beam as well as a third beam which can either supplement the near-field beam of a dipped beam to obtain a near-field beam of a dipped beam occupying a greater height and having an accentuated brightness in the zone situated in the upper part of the lighting resulting from the near-field beam of a dipped beam obtained without the addition of the third beam, or supplement the cut-off beam of a dipped beam to obtain a cut-off beam of a dipped beam occupying a greater height with a cut-off which can be on the right or on the left.In this way, the developed lighting device achieves significant compactness and simplicity thanks to a universal lighting device that allows with the same lighting device, by only changing the settings, to comply with either American or ECE standards.

[0011] Another aspect is a vehicle equipped with at least one such lighting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] The figure represents a perspective view of the lighting device according to the invention.

[0014] The represents the first reflector and all the rows of light sources according to the invention.

[0015] Lrepresents a sectional view of a portion of the at the first reflector along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the light sources of the row of second light sources are aligned.

[0016] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Before commencing a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

[0018] According to one example, the first reflector 6 has a peripheral zone 6a of which a portion 6b is positioned facing the row of third light sources 3, said portion 6b comprising a recess 14 defining a zone for passage of the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 through the first reflector 6 to be directed towards the first lens 7.

[0019] Thus, the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 can easily reach the first lens 7 without being stopped by the first reflector 6 but also by being at least reflected on the first reflector 6. In this way, the row of third light sources 3 can be positioned at a height closer to the height of the lower part of the first reflector 6 without the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 being impacted by the positioning of the first reflector 6, this making it possible to further fulfill the universality function of the lighting device. Indeed, the area illuminated by the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 is, in this way, closer to the area illuminated by the first light sources 1.

[0020] According to one example, the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 have an average direction of emission, the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 being configured so that the light rays coming from the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 according to their average direction of emission pass through the recess 14 to go towards the first lens 7.

[0021] This condition makes it possible to specify that, although the light rays from the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 are oriented in various directions not all of which are included in the recess 14, the average of these light rays, and therefore a sufficient quantity for the desired lighting, is oriented so as to pass through the recess 14 without being impacted by the positioning of the first reflector 6.

[0022] According to one example, the lighting device 0 comprises a wall 10 extending from the portion 6b of the peripheral zone 6a in a direction opposite to the first lens 7.

[0023] In this way, the wall 10 defines an area forming substantially a right angle with the first reflector 6 and the orientation of which makes it possible to position light sources there in contact with it by fixing them, set back from the first reflector 6 in a direction opposite to the position of the first lens 7, thus making it possible to achieve a desired lighting function.

[0024] According to one example, the wall 10 comprises a first level 10a and a second level 10b, the first level 10a and the second level 10b are configured so that the row of third light sources 3 is positioned between the first level 10a and the second level 10b so that the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 pass through the first reflector 6 to go towards the first lens 7.

[0025] This configuration makes it possible to position the row of third light sources 3 at a greater height than when only the recess 14 was configured so that the area illuminated by the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 is closer to the area illuminated by the first light sources 1. This configuration thus makes it possible to achieve a universality function of the lighting device 0 in a more optimal manner.

[0026] According to one example, the wall 10 comprises a reflective surface 5 configured so that light rays from the row of third light sources 3 and light rays from the first light sources 1 are reflected on the reflective surface 5 before heading towards the first lens 7.

[0027] Thus, the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 and those from the first light sources 1, which are not oriented at the exit of the light sources so as to directly pass through the recess 14 (for the light rays from the row of third light sources 3) and which are not oriented at the exit of the light sources to be reflected directly on the material surfaces of the first reflector 6 (for the light rays from the first light sources 1), still participate in the lighting function and are not inoperative.

[0028] The reflective surface 5 thus makes it possible to increase the overlap between the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 and those coming from the first light sources 1. Indeed, at the level of the reflective surface 5, the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 and those coming from the first light sources 1 are substantially reflected in the same directions. The reflective surface 5 may be smooth or striated so as to improve the uniformity of the resulting beam. A screen may be positioned so that the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 are diffused, in particular to blur the beam, before reaching the reflective surface 5.

[0029] According to one example, the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 are selectively activatable.

[0030] By this condition, a selective activation of the light sources is possible and thus makes it possible to obtain varied configurations of light beams making it possible to adapt to various situations and in particular to situations allowing universality of the lighting device 0. Indeed, in this way, the area illuminated by the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 makes it possible to supplement the area illuminated by the row of second light sources 2 to have a cut-off zone on the right or on the left. Furthermore, by this configuration, the area illuminated by the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 makes it possible to supplement the area illuminated by the first light sources 1 while avoiding an excess of light in certain areas which may be prohibited by the regulations in force because these excesses could manage other road users.In fact, to avoid excess light in certain areas, certain light sources can be easily turned off.

[0031] According to one example, the light sources of the row of second light sources 2 are selectively activatable.

[0032] In the same way as for the light sources of the row of third light sources 3, selective activation of the light sources of the row of second light sources makes it possible to obtain varied light beam configurations making it possible to adapt to various situations and in particular to situations allowing universality of the lighting device 0. Indeed, the light sources of the row of second light sources 2, which can be switched on so as to form a cut-off on the left or on the right, can also be switched off or switched on selectively in order to avoid excessive or insufficient brightness in certain areas.

[0033] According to one example, the lighting device 0 comprises a row of fourth light sources 4a comprising light sources aligned in the direction d, the row of fourth light sources 4a is configured to produce a main supplementary beam.

[0034] In this way, the lighting device 0 can provide a complete lighting function.

[0035] According to one example, the lighting device 0 comprises a row of fourth additional light sources 4b comprising light sources aligned in the direction d, the row of fourth additional light sources 4b is configured to produce a main beam supplement.

[0036] In this way, the row of fourth light sources 4a and the row of fourth additional light sources 4b make it possible to achieve the most comprehensive lighting function possible.

[0037] According to one example, the lighting device 0 comprises a second lens 13, the second lens 13 is configured such that the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 form a doublet of lenses.

[0038] Thus, by this configuration, the two lenses 7 and 13 make it possible to limit geometric aberrations.

[0039] According to one example, the row of second light sources 2 and the row of third light sources 3 are arranged on a support 8 located on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12.

[0040] This arrangement makes it possible to ensure, if desired, that the dispersion of the light rays coming from the row of second light sources 2 and that coming from the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 are equivalent in order to have a distribution of light per unit area coming from the light rays coming from the row of second light sources 2 and coming from the rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 which is also equivalent.

[0041] According to one example, the first reflector 6 is crossed by the optical axis 12, the focus 9 being located at the level of the portion 6b.

[0042] Given that the row of second light sources 2, the row of third light sources 3, the row of fourth light sources 4a and the row of fourth additional light sources 4b are located at the portion 6b, the fact that the focus of the first lens 7 is also located at the portion 6b makes it possible to project the image of the rays coming from these rows substantially to infinity.

[0043] It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term "between" relating to the positioning of the row of third light sources relative to the positioning of the row of second light sources and that of the first reflector means that the row of third light sources is contained in a plane located between the plane containing the row of second light sources and the plane containing the portion of the first reflector, a portion which is positioned opposite the row of third light sources 3. Thus, in this way, the row of third light sources can be positioned between the row of second light sources and the first reflector without the row of third light sources, the row of second light sources and the first reflector being crossed by the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

[0044] The horizon plane can be represented by a median plane containing the optical axis and positioned parallel to the row of second light sources 2.

[0045] In the context of this description, the adjectives "lower" and "higher" and their equivalents (under, below, on, above) are to be taken in relation to the vertical direction, that is to say the direction perpendicular to the direction d and to the optical axis 12. In the same context, an upper element is located above (but not necessarily in contact, nor directly in line with) a lower element, following the vertical direction.

[0046] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in, the lighting device 0 comprises first light sources 1, a first reflector 6, a second reflector 11, a first lens 7 and an optical axis 12. The first lens 7 comprises a focus 9.

[0047] The first light sources 1 are configured to emit a near-field beam of a dipped beam. The first light sources 1 are configured to direct the light rays from the first light sources 1 towards the second reflector 11 and then towards the first reflector 6 before passing through the first lens 7.

[0048] The lighting device 0 comprises a row of second light sources 2 rows in a straight line in the direction d. The row of second light sources 2 is configured so as to direct the light rays coming from the row of second light sources 2 towards the first lens 7. The row of second light sources 2 is configured to emit a cut-off beam of a dipped beam.

[0049] The device comprises a row of third light sources 3 rows in a straight line in the direction d. The row of third light sources 3 is configured so that the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 are directed towards the first lens 7. The row of third light sources 3 is positioned at a dimension between the dimension of the row of second light sources 2 and the dimension of the part of the first reflector 6 closest to the row of second light sources 2. The dimensions in question are coordinates of the axis perpendicular to the optical axis 12 and to the direction d.

[0050] The first light sources 1 can be positioned almost in contact with the second reflector 11 (i.e. between 1 mm and 3 mm from the second reflector 11) and in the center of the cells of the second reflector 11. The concavity of the cells of the second reflector 11 is oriented towards the first reflector 6.

[0051] The first lens 7 can be positioned at a distance of between 16 cm and 20 cm from the row of second light sources 2. This distance can be taken at the level of the optical axis of the first lens 7.

[0052] The rows of light sources may be positioned perpendicular to the optical axis of the first lens 7. The rows of light sources may be positioned symmetrically with respect to the optical axis so that there are as many light sources on each side of the optical axis.

[0053] This distance is chosen in order to obtain a spread of the light rays sufficient to have a desired dimension of the illumination zone while having a suitable focusing of the light rays and limiting the light attenuation of the light rays.

[0054] The second reflector 11 may be closer to the first lens 7 than the first reflector 6. The second reflector 11 may be positioned at a distance of 8 cm from the first lens 7. The second reflector 11 may be positioned below the first reflector 6 and below the optical axis 12. The second reflector 11 may be positioned at a distance of between 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm below the first reflector 6.

[0055] The cut-off beam of a dipped headlight is used to define a cut-off zone. The cut-off beam of a dipped headlight is a light beam having a portion comprising two parts having an angle between 75° and 105°. This light beam is therefore configured to produce, in dipped beam mode, a cut-off dipped beam portion. The angled portion is called the "kink" of the "code" beam. The near-field beam of a dipped headlight is also called a "flat" beam. It is projected generally below the cut-off and is used to illuminate the near field in front of the vehicle. In another way, a near-field beam of a dipped headlight is typically a relatively spread projection laterally in front of the vehicle, mostly or totally below the horizon line, generally seeking a good distribution of illumination over the entire illuminated area.

[0056] Thus, the combination of these two beams makes it possible to define at least partially a dipped beam. Thanks to the near-field beam of a dipped beam, the luminous intensity of the dipped beam type beam obtained from this simultaneous projection is reinforced.

[0057] Dipped beam type beams typically have a first lateral zone (normally on the edge of the road) projecting at a height slightly higher than in a second lateral zone (normally on the middle of the road), these two zones following each other laterally with the presence of a bend or elbow between them.

[0058] The second reflector 11 may comprise one or more sectors with elliptical, parabolic or semi-elliptical surfaces. Each sector is associated with at least one light source, and in particular one source is present per sector, at a focus of the surface which defines it.

[0059] The first reflector 6 may have a substantially rounded surface with a concavity directed in the direction of the first lens 7. The first reflector 6 and the second reflector 11 may act as concave mirrors on the light rays coming from the light sources.

[0060] The first reflector 6 has the function of collecting and reflecting the light coming from the light sources of the row of third light sources 3. For the first light sources 1, the first reflector 6 has the function of reflecting the light coming indirectly from these sources and the second reflector 11 has the function of collecting and reflecting the light coming from the light sources.

[0061] Preferably, the first reflector 6 has a peripheral zone 6a. A portion 6b of the peripheral zone 6a is located facing the row of third light sources 3. The portion 6b comprises a recess 14 defining a zone allowing the light rays coming from the row of third light sources 3 to travel through the first reflector 6 in order to reach the first lens 7 to pass through it.

[0062] Advantageously, the light rays from the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 are oriented on average towards one direction, called the average emission direction. The average emission direction is defined so that on average the light rays from the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 are oriented to head towards the first lens 7 without being stopped with the first reflector 6.

[0063] The mean direction of emission is defined as the median direction in the portion of space in which the source emits; typically, it is perpendicular at its center to the source; it can be arranged so that it is parallel to the optical axis 12 and that it travels through the recess 14 without crossing the material part of the first reflector 6.

[0064] Preferably, the lighting device 0 comprises a wall 10 extending from the portion 6b of the peripheral zone 6a towards a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the first lens 7.

[0065] In an advantageous embodiment, the wall 10 comprises a first level 10a and a second level 10b. The first level 10a and the second level 10b are configured so that the row of third light sources 3 is located between the first level 10a and the second level 10b. In this way, the light rays from the row of third light sources 3 are emitted to head towards the first lens 7 by passing through the first reflector 6.

[0066] The first level 10a is located at the base of the first reflector 6 and the second level 10b is located midway between the base of the first reflector 6 and the top of the first reflector 6.

[0067] Thus, in this way, the lower edge of light sources of the row of third light sources 3 can be aligned with the first level 10a.

[0068] Preferably, the wall 10 comprises a reflective surface 5, for example a coating with a mirror function, configured so that light rays from the row of third light sources 3 and light rays from the first light sources 1 are returned by reflection upon contact with the reflective surface 5 before heading towards the first lens 7.

[0069] The reflective surface 5 can be positioned at the second level 10b.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 are individually ignitable.

[0071] Preferably, the light sources of the row of second light sources 2 are individually ignitable. By this configuration, the individual ignition of the sources can create a pixelated light source. The acronym ADB (for Adaptive Driving Beam) is used for this type of function. This discretization of the light is also referred to as a segmented beam. Thus, a segmented beam is a beam whose projection forms an image composed of beam segments, each segment being able to be lit independently.

[0072] The lighting device 0 may comprise control means for selectively activating the light sources of the row of third light sources 3 and of the row of second light sources 2. In this way, the resulting beams can be discretized into independent parts.

[0073] It should be noted that each light source can be controlled so as to activate them selectively. This means that not all emissive elements are necessarily simultaneously active, i.e. emitting light. This function makes it possible to modulate the shape of the rendered beam. In the case where a light source is not activated, its image, as projected by the optical device, will be zero. It then forms a lighting void in the resulting overall beam. This void is understood to include coupling phenomena at the source and the effects of stray light from the optics.

[0074] The sources are preferably part of a light generation system which preferably comprises a support, one face of which carries selectively activatable sources, based on semiconductor emissive element technology, including LED light-emitting diodes.

[0075] The device according to the invention may comprise a unit for controlling the activation of each of the sources, configured to produce at least one dark zone forming a tunnel in a projected beam by deactivating a group of adjacent sources, the control unit being configured to determine the number of sources in the group corresponding to the dark zone as a function of the width dimension of the sources.

[0076] The control unit may comprise a computer program product, preferably stored in a non-transitory memory, in which the computer program product comprises instructions which, when executed by a processor, make it possible to determine the sources to be activated, in particular to obtain at least one dark zone (in which the sources are not activated) of a determined surface taking into account the variable surface of the images of the elements.

[0077] Conventional sources currently used in the automotive field are light-emitting diodes, also commonly called LEDs, individually encapsulated in a housing; the light-emitting portion of the diode is covered by at least one light-transmitting layer, for example made of transparent polymer material. Depending on the shape given to the transmissive layer, it can serve as primary optics as soon as light is generated in the diode. Thus, such an LED forms a complex assembly combining an emissive part and an optical part. Furthermore, when these LEDs are arranged next to each other, the emissive parts of adjacent LEDs are relatively far from each other, which requires an optical projection designed not to image this spacing between the LEDs.

[0078] Advantageously, the lighting device 0 comprises a row of fourth light sources 4a. The row of fourth light sources 4a comprises light sources arranged in a straight line in the direction d. The row of fourth light sources 4a is configured to form a main supplementary beam.

[0079] Advantageously, the lighting device 0 comprises a row of fourth additional light sources 4b. The row of fourth additional light sources 4b comprises light sources arranged in a straight line in the direction d. The row of fourth additional light sources 4b is configured to form a main beam supplement.

[0080] The rows of light sources 3, 2, 4a and 4b may be positioned one below the other so as to be included in the same plane defined so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis 12. The rows of light sources 3, 2, 4a and 4b may also be positioned one below the other so as to be included in separate planes each being perpendicular to the optical axis 12. Other arrangements are possible, for example, so that the rows of light sources 3 and 2 are included in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12 while the rows of light sources 4a and 4b are included in another plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12. The rows of light sources 3, 2, 4a and 4b may be spaced apart from each other by a distance of between 900 µm and 1000 µm.

[0081] Thus, the invention can participate in a high beam function which has the function of illuminating the scene in front of the vehicle over a wide area, but also over a significant distance, typically around two hundred meters. This light beam, due to its lighting function, is located mainly above the horizon line. It can have a slightly ascending optical axis of illumination for example. In particular, it can be used to generate a lighting function of the "complementary" type which forms a portion of a high beam complementary to that produced by a near-field beam, the high beam complement seeking entirely or at least mainly to illuminate above the horizon line while the near-field beam (which can have the specificities of a dipped beam) seeks to illuminate entirely or at least mainly below the horizon line.The route complement can therefore be a main part of the overall “route” beam and be associated with another beam participating in the code.

[0082] The device can also be used to form other lighting functions via or outside those described above, in relation to the adaptive beams. It is thus possible to produce a lighting matrix to selectively illuminate parts of the space in front of the vehicle.

[0083] According to a preferred possibility, the light sources of the rows of light sources 2, 3, 4b and 4b and the first light sources 1 comprise at least one electroluminescent source with maximized emissive part. In this case, the emissive part is exposed to the end face of the source and occupies at least 90% of the surface of said end face, preferably 98% and even more preferably 100% of the surface. In the latter case, the emissive part then forms the light exit face of the source.

[0084] In particular, these sources may be equipped with at least one chip using semiconductor technology and capable of emitting light. Furthermore, the term light source here means a set of at least one elementary source capable of producing a flux leading to the generation of at least one light beam at the output of the device of the invention.

[0085] Thus, we take advantage of this type of light source so as to arrange these sources very close to each other (typically with a space of less than 50 microns, or even less than 25 microns). It is possible to image directly at the level of these sources; however, the efficiency of the optical device is maintained and we operate a shaping, in particular vertical, of the pixels, by means of the primary optical element which is an element common to the sources.

[0086] The source may be laterally delimited by several circumferential walls extending along the diode's growth axis and by an end face. The end face, in this case, includes an emissive portion through which light is emitted when the diode is biased.

[0087] The emissive part can be either a layer, which can be called an active layer, in which photons are generated by electron-hole recombinations, or, which is more common especially for white light, a conversion layer with charges, such as phosphorus particles, allowing photons produced in the active layer to be re-emitted in a wavelength band adapted to the application.

[0088] In an advantageous embodiment, the end face of the source has a rectangular cross-section, which is typical for LED chips. Thus, the emissive part also has a rectangular cross-section whose size is slightly smaller than that of the output face. In particular, the length of one of the sides of the emissive part is less than the length of one of the sides of the source end face by a value between 10 micrometers and 40 micrometers. In other words, the distance between an edge of the end face and an edge of the emissive part can be between 5 micrometers and 20 micrometers.

[0089] In the case of individually packaged light-emitting sources, also called LED chips, the maximized size of the emissive portion results in a reduction in the size of the package surrounding the light-emitting diode. Indeed, the package may include edges that cover the circumferential walls of the diode. By having the emissive portion occupying almost all, or even the entire, end face of the diode, these edges can be configured so that they have a very small thickness, for example of the order of a few micrometers. Thus, the package surrounding the light-emitting diode is almost the same size as this diode. The size of the package protrudes only a few micrometers from the end face of the diode.

[0090] In particular, such sources marketed under the Luxeon NEO Exact® brand by the Lumileds® company can be used.

[0091] Another example of light sources with maximized emissive part: the light sources comprise at least two rows of sources on a common substrate. This arrangement of elements may be the result of growth on the substrate from which they were respectively grown, or of any other method of realization, for example by transferring the elements by transfer techniques. Different arrangements of electroluminescent elements may meet this definition of monolithic matrix, as long as the electroluminescent elements have one of their main dimensions of elongation substantially perpendicular to a common substrate and the transverse spacing between the pixels, formed by one or more electroluminescent elements grouped together electrically, is small in comparison with the spacings imposed in known arrangements of generally flat square chips soldered on a printed circuit board.

[0092] In other words, the invention may be a monolithic electroluminescent source that is divided into several individual segments. The individual segments are separated by a thin wall, made for example of silicone. The thickness of this thin wall is between 10 micrometers and 25 micrometers. Such sources marketed under the brand name PixCell® by the company Samsung® may be used in particular.

[0093] Preferably, 24 light sources make up the row of second light sources 2. 24 light sources can make up the row of third light sources 3. 24 light sources can make up the row of fourth light sources 4a. 24 light sources can make up the row of additional fourth light sources 4b. The first light sources 1 can be five in number.

[0094] Advantageously, the LEDs have an emissive surface of 0.5 mm 2or 1 mm 2 . LEDs can be as high as 0.74 mm and as wide as 1 mm. The size of the LEDs is directly related to the desired beam volume. Furthermore, to have a large beam volume, it is also possible to add rows of LEDs.

[0095] According to one possibility, the lighting device 0 comprises a second lens 13. The second lens 13 is configured such that the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 form a doublet of lenses.

[0096] The first lens 7 and the second lens 13 may be made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PC (polycarbonate) or glass. The system comprising the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 may have a focal length of 42.5 mm. The geometric aperture of the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 may be 30 mm by 60 mm.

[0097] Preferably, the first lens 7 and the second lens 13 may have a thickness of between 5 mm and 30 mm. The first lens 7 and the second lens 13 may have a size of 30 by 60 mm.

[0098] The field of vision of the overall beam exiting the device is between ±25° and ±35° and in particular is ±30°.

[0099] Preferably, the row of second light sources 2 and the row of third light sources 3 are positioned on a support 8 parallel to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 12.

[0100] The support 8 may be made of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). The rows of light sources 2, 3, 4a and 4b may be fixed to the support 8 by gluing or by another type of fixing, for example by clip.

[0101] Preferably, the optical axis 12 passes through the first reflector 6. The focus 9 is positioned at the level of the portion 6b.

[0102] A lighting device 0 of the invention may equip a vehicle, and, preferably, the latter is also equipped with at least one other device for projecting at least one other beam. In this way, several lighting devices 0 may be arranged in a housing closed by a glass so as to obtain one or more lighting and / or signaling beams at the output of the projector. A projector may also be complex and combine several devices which may, in addition, possibly share components.

[0103] Advantageously, a lighting device 0 of the invention can equip headlights of a vehicle and in particular a front headlight of a vehicle or two front headlights of a vehicle in the case where one headlight is positioned on the right and another is positioned on the left.

[0104] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described.

[0105] List of References0. Lighting Device1. First Light Sources2. Row of Second Light Sources3. Row of Third Light Sources4a. Row of Fourth Light Sources4b. Row of Additional Fourth Light Sources5. Reflective Surface6. First Reflector6a. Peripheral Area6b. Portion7. First Lens8. Support9. Focus10. Wall10a. First Level10b. Second Level11. Second Reflector12. Optical Axis13. Second Lens14. Recessd. Direction

Claims

Lighting device (0) comprising:first light sources (1) configured to form a near-field beam of a dipped beam,a first reflector (6),a second reflector (11) anda first lens (7) comprising a focus (9) and an optical axis (12)in which the first light sources (1) are configured to emit light rays which are reflected on the second reflector (11) then on the first reflector (6) before passing through the first lens (7),the lighting device (0) being such that it comprises a row of second light sources (2) comprising light sources aligned in a direction (d) and configured to emit light rays towards the first lens (7),the row of second light sources (2) being configured to produce a cut-off beam of a dipped beam and in that it comprises a row of third light sources (3) comprising light sources aligned in the direction (d) configured to emit light rays towards the first lens (7), the row of third light sources (3) being located between the row of second light sources (2) and the first reflector (6) in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis (12) and to the direction (d)., Lighting device (0) according to the preceding claim in which the first reflector (6) has a peripheral zone (6a) of which a portion (6b) is positioned facing the row of third light sources (3), said portion (6b) comprising a recess (14) defining a zone for passage of the light rays coming from the row of third light sources (3) through the first reflector (6) to be directed towards the first lens (7). Lighting device (0) according to the preceding claim in which the light sources of the row of third light sources (3) have a mean direction of emission, the light sources of the row of third light sources (3) being configured so that the light rays coming from the light sources of the row of third light sources (3) according to their mean direction of emission pass through the recess (14) to go towards the first lens (7). Lighting device (0) according to any one of the two preceding claims comprising a wall (10) extending from the portion (6b) of the peripheral zone (6a) in a direction opposite to the first lens (7). Lighting device (0) according to the preceding claim wherein the wall (10) comprises a first level (10a) and a second level (10b), the first level (10a) and the second level (10b) are configured so that the row of third light sources (3) is positioned between the first level (10a) and the second level (10b) so that the light rays from the row of third light sources (3) pass through the first reflector (6) to go towards the first lens (7). Lighting device (0) according to either of the two preceding claims wherein the wall (10) comprises a reflective surface (5) configured so that light rays from the row of third light sources (3) and light rays from the first light sources (1) are reflected on the reflective surface (5) before heading towards the first lens (7). Lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the light sources of the row of third light sources (3) are selectively activatable. Lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the light sources of the row of second light sources (2) are selectively activatable. Lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a row of fourth light sources (4a) comprising light sources aligned in the direction (d), the row of fourth light sources (4a) is configured to produce a main beam complement. Lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a row of fourth additional light sources (4b) comprising light sources aligned in the direction (d), the row of fourth additional light sources (4b) is configured to produce a main beam supplement. A lighting device (0) according to any preceding claim comprising a second lens (13), the second lens (13) being configured such that the first lens (7) and the second lens (13) form a lens doublet. Lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the row of second light sources (2) and the row of third light sources (3) are arranged on a support (8) located on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis (12). Lighting device (0) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first reflector (6) is crossed by the optical axis (12), the focus (9) being located at the level of the portion (6b).

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