Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a set of light sources (1), a first row of light sources (2), a first reflective surface (6), a second reflective surface (7) and a primary lens (3). The first input diopter (4) and the second input diopter (5) are configured to receive light rays respectively from the set of light sources and the first row of light sources. The output diopter (12) is configured to transmit light rays from the first row of light sources after their transmission by the second input diopter. The first reflective surface is configured to reflect, towards the second reflective surface, light rays from the set of light sources after their transmission by the first input diopter. These rays are then reflected off the second reflective surface to be directed to the output diopter.

Description

Description Title of the invention: LIGHTING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting, including signaling, and to the components, particularly optical ones, involved therein. Its application is particularly advantageous in the field of motor vehicles. Specifically, it relates to a lighting device. STATE OF THE ART

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

[0003] These devices must comply with current regulations by emitting light where desired while limiting brightness in certain areas. Another constraint manufacturers face is reducing the device's size to ensure maximum usability.

[0004] To best achieve these various objectives, a technical solution was proposed in document FR3077362 A1. This solution is based on the development of a projector equipped with three beams, forming a low beam combined with a high beam to obtain the desired light distribution. The unique feature of this solution lies in the fact that the low beam passes through a waveguide where it undergoes several internal reflections, allowing the light beam to be directed to the desired positions.

[0005] However, this type of solution has drawbacks, notably the fact that it is penalized by the number of optics required and therefore by the bulk of the device.

[0006] One object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device which makes it possible to overcome at least partially the aforementioned drawback.

[0007] The other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from an examination of 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 system is planned comprising: - a set of light sources, - a first row of light sources including light sources aligned in a first direction, - a primary lens comprising a first entrance diopter, a second entrance diopter and an exit diopter, the first entrance diopter being configured to receive light rays from the set of light sources, the second entrance diopter being configured to receive light rays from the first row of light sources, the exit diopter being configured to transmit light rays from the first row of light sources after their transmission into the primary lens from the second entrance diopter, - an optical axis and a first plane, the first plane being defined so as to contain the first direction d and to be perpendicular to the optical axis, - a first reflection surface and a second reflection surface, the first reflection surface being configured to reflect, towards the second reflection surface, light rays from the set of light sources after their transmission into the primary lens from the first input diopter, characterized in that the second reflection surface is configured to reflect, towards the output diopter, the light rays from the set of light sources after their reflection on the first reflection surface.

[0009] Thus, given the positioning of reflective surfaces on the path of the light rays of the first beam, the first beam and the second beam produced share the same output diopter (for the primary lens), which has the effect of reducing the number of optics required for this device.

[0010] Furthermore, this configuration allows for a specific localization of the light output of the beams to be produced, creating in particular, in the primary lens, a common zone of passage of the rays for the cutoff beam and the complementary route beam.

[0011] Also, the fact that the lighting device requires the use of a single output diopter for the primary lens makes it possible to avoid the losses of brightness resulting from the difficulties of aligning the different optical elements of the device and coordinating the separate adjustment of two output diopters.

[0012] Another aspect concerns a vehicle equipped with at least one lighting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] The goals, objectives, characteristics, and advantages of the invention tion will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of one implementation method of the latter, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] [Fig.1] Figure 1 represents a cross-sectional view along the second plane p2 of the lighting device according to the invention.

[0015] [Fig.2] Figure 2 represents a particular embodiment of the invention in which the second inlet diopter is inclined.

[0016] [Fig.3] Figure 3 represents a configuration of the first reflection surface according to a particular embodiment as well as its arrangement with respect to the set of light sources and collimators in a plane perpendicular to the second plane p2 passing through the first reflection surface.

[0017] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0019] According to one example, the lighting device includes a third reflecting surface 8, the third reflecting surface 8 being configured so that light rays from the light source set 1 are reflected onto the third reflecting surface 8 after their reflection onto the first reflecting surface 6 and before their reflection onto the second reflecting surface 7.

[0020] The arrangement of this third reflective surface 8 allows, with a folding effect, to take into account in the final resulting lighting the maximum of the light rays coming from the set of light sources 1.

[0021] The positioning of this third reflective surface 8 makes it possible to obtain illumination (after the passage of the two lenses) in an area positioned higher than the illumination obtained by the light rays reflecting only on the second reflective surface 7.

[0022] According to one example, the third reflection surface 8 is at least partly formed by the second entrance diopter 5.

[0023] Thanks to this configuration, the third reflecting surface 8 and the second entrance diopter 5 are on the same plane, thus causing the light rays to be reflected onto the second reflecting surface 7 after being reflected onto the third reflecting surface 8. This The configuration also allows for a simplification of the lighting system.

[0024] According to one example, the second input diopter 5 is inclined with respect to the first plane p1.

[0025] This configuration allows for different distributions of light, particularly more or less directed upwards or downwards in the central illuminated area.

[0026] According to one example, the second input diopter 5 is inclined relative to the first plane p1 at an angle between 0 and 10° so that the angle between the first reflection surface 6 and the third reflection surface 8 is less than the angle between the first reflection surface 6 and the first plane p1.

[0027] This configuration provides a good compromise between the desired light distribution and sufficient luminance. Furthermore, the angle of inclination is determined to achieve the desired efficiency for the light rays emanating from the light sources in the light source array 1.

[0028] According to one example, the first reflection surface 6 comprises for each light source of the light source set 1 a reflection subsurface 6a having a concave profile so as to direct light rays from the light source set 1 towards the second reflection surface 7 and light rays from the light source set 1 towards the third reflection surface 8, the reflection subsurfaces 6a being juxtaposed and crossed by a first plane parallel to the plane p1.

[0029] With this configuration, the light rays from each light source in the light source set 1 will be directed towards a reflection subsurface 6a. Thus, a minimal number of light rays will not be intercepted by the first reflection surface 6 and therefore a minimal number of light rays will not be able to participate in the lighting function.

[0030] The concave profile of the reflecting subsurfaces 6a allows for a localized concentration of light rays on either the second reflecting surface 7 or the third reflecting surface 8 for each reflecting subsurface. The distribution of light rays intercepting the second reflecting surface 7 and the third reflecting surface 8 after being reflected from the first reflecting surface 6 is more uniform than if the first reflecting surface 6 were a single concave element. Compared to the case where the reflecting subsurfaces 6a were flat, the fact that the subsurfaces of Concave reflections help limit the number of light rays not contributing to the illumination function. The convergence of rays towards the top of lens 3 (and in particular towards the reflecting surface 7) is improved.

[0031] According to one example, the second reflecting surface 7 has a concave profile in a defined plane so as to direct the light rays from the set of light sources 1 towards the output diopter 12.

[0032] This configuration allows the light rays, after intercepting the second reflection surface 7, to converge towards the output diopter 12, so that these light rays participate in the lighting function as desired and are not excluded from it.

[0033] According to one example, the lighting device includes a second plane p2, the second plane p2 being defined so as to contain the optical axis 9 and to be perpendicular to the first direction d, the second reflecting surface 7 has a concave profile in the second plane p2.

[0034] The fact that the second reflection surface 7 has a concave profile in the p2 plane helps to limit geometric aberrations.

[0035] According to one example, the lighting device includes a second row of light sources 2a comprising light sources aligned along a second direction d1 and a third row of light sources 2b comprising light sources aligned along a third direction d2, the second direction d1 and the third direction d2 being parallel to the first direction d, the second row of light sources 2a being positioned in contact with the first row of light sources 2 and the third row of light sources 2b being positioned in contact with the second row of light sources 2a.

[0036] The positioning of the second row of light sources 2a and the third row of light sources 2b allows for greater illumination and in particular illumination extending more significantly upwards in the central area to be illuminated.

[0037] According to one example, the first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a and the third row of light sources 2b are configured to form or participate in forming a complementary road beam.

[0038] According to one example, the set of light sources 1 is configured to form a cutoff beam of a dipped headlight.

[0039] As an example, the lighting system includes collimators 10, each collimator 10 being associated with a light source distinct from the set of light sources 1, each collimator 10 receiving light from said source and sending it in a collimated manner to the first input diopter 4.

[0040] Positioning a collimator associated with each light source in the light source array 1 allows for the individual production of a collimated beam for each light source in the light source array 1, that is, a beam composed of parallel light rays. Due to their direction of intersection with the first input interface 4, this configuration allows for better control of the path of these light rays to the output of the lighting device.

[0041] According to one example, the collimators 10 are oriented towards the first reflection surface 6 with their exit face directed towards the second reflection surface 7, an axis perpendicular to their exit face forming with the optical axis 9 an angle between 0° and 30°.

[0042] This configuration allows for better orientation of the light rays from the set of light sources 1 so that these light rays (in particular those entering towards the bottom of the lens), after intercepting the first reflection surface 6, are directed towards an area located at the level of the third reflection surface 8 and the part of the second reflection surface 7 located towards the third reflection surface 8.

[0043] According to one example, the lighting device includes a flat support 11, the set of light sources 1 and the first row of light sources 2 being fixed to the support 11, the support 11 forming with the optical axis 9 an angle equal to 90° ± 25°.

[0044] Due to the inclination of the support 11 relative to the optical axis 9, this configuration allows for different illuminances to be more or less distributed upwards or downwards in the central area to be illuminated.

[0045] According to one example, the lighting device includes a first support 11a and a second support 11b, the first support 11a being perpendicular to the optical axis 9 and parallel to the second support 11b, the set of light sources 1 being fixed to the first support 11a and the first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a and the third row of light sources 2b being fixed to the second support 11b.

[0046] The supports 11, 11a, 11b, are typically printed circuit boards comprising the electrical and electronic controls of the sources.

[0047] Positioning a separate support for the light source assembly 1, and for the first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a, and the third row of light sources 2b, allows for a wide range of configurations for the tilt of these light sources. Indeed, the light source assembly 1, as well as the first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a, and the third row of light sources 2b, can be tilted at different angles relative to the optical axis 9.

[0048] According to one example, the lighting device includes a projection lens 13 positioned on the optical axis 9 after the primary lens 3.

[0049] Thus, the combination of a primary lens with a projection lens makes it possible to obtain the desired distribution of light along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis 9 while having sufficient light power and image quality.

[0050] This configuration allows control of the distribution of brightness at the output of the lighting device, in particular by having a symmetrical distribution of brightness with respect to the p2 plane.

[0051] In the features described herein, the terms relating to verticality, horizontality, or transverseity (or lateral direction), or their equivalents, are understood with respect to the position in which the lighting system is intended to be mounted in a vehicle. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in this description to designate directions, with "vertical" (corresponding to the height of the systems) being perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and "horizontal" being parallel to the horizontal plane. These directions are to be considered under the operating conditions of the device in a vehicle. The use of these terms does not imply that slight variations around the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the invention.For example, an inclination of + or - 10° relative to these directions is considered here as a minor variation around the two preferred directions. With respect to the horizontal plane, the inclination is generally between -5° and +4°, and laterally between -6° and +7.5°.

[0052] In the context of this description, the adjectives "inferior" and "superior" and their equivalents (under, below, on, above) are to be understood in relation to the vertical direction, that is, the direction perpendicular to the first direction d and to the optical axis 9. In the same context, a superior element is located above (but not necessarily in contact, nor directly to the right) of a lower element, following the vertical direction.

[0053] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the lighting device comprises a set of light sources 1, a first row of light sources 2, a primary lens 3, a first reflecting surface 6, and a second reflecting surface 7. The first row of light sources 2 comprises light sources arranged in a straight line along the first direction d. The primary lens 3 comprises a first entrance diopter 4, a second entrance diopter 5, and an exit diopter 12. The first entrance diopter 4 is configured to transmit light rays from the set of light sources 1. The second entrance diopter 5 is configured to transmit light rays from the first row of light sources 2. The exit diopter 12 is configured to allow light rays from the first row of light sources 2 to pass through it after their reception by the second entrance diopter 5 of the primary lens 3.The first plane p1 is defined so as to contain the first direction d and to be perpendicular to the optical axis 9.

[0055] The first reflecting surface 6 is configured to reflect, towards the second reflecting surface 7, light rays from the light source set 1 after their reception by the first entrance diopter 4 of the primary lens 3.

[0056] The second reflection surface 7 is configured to reflect, towards the output diopter 12, the light rays from the light source set 1 after their reflection on the first reflection surface 6.

[0057] The exit diopter 12 of the primary lens 3 can be distorted in its lower part (i.e., below the optical axis 9) so as to add volume to the beam from the first row of light sources 2, that is, to increase the width and height of the beam in question. The exit diopter 12 of the primary lens 3 can also be distorted in its upper part (i.e., above the optical axis 9) so as to improve the junction between the beam from the first row of light sources 2 and that from the set of light sources 1.

[0058] Preferably, the lighting device includes a third reflective surface 8. Preferably, the third reflective surface 8 is configured such that some of the light rays light from the set of light sources 1 is reflected on the third reflection surface 8 after its reflection by the first reflection surface 6 and before its reflection by the second reflection surface 7.

[0059] Advantageously, the third reflecting surface 8 and the second entrance diopter 5 are located on the same, preferably flat, surface. The third reflecting surface 8 is formed by a portion of the second entrance diopter 5.

[0060] According to one possibility, the first row of light sources 2 can have as its entrance diopter in the primary lens a region comprising a portion of the second entrance diopter 5 and a portion of the second reflecting surface 7 (for this purpose, the first row of light sources 2 can be translated in the vertical direction). Thus, this region can be intercepted by light rays from the set of light sources 1 and the first row of light sources 2. This will result in an advantageous combination between the beam from the set of light sources 1 and that from the first row of light sources 2, particularly after the exit diopter of the projection lens 13. Preferably, the second entrance diopter 5 and the second reflecting surface 7 can be joined by an edge.

[0061] Preferably, the second input diopter 5 is oriented with respect to the first plane p1 so as to form a non-zero angle with it.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the second entrance diopter 5 is oriented with respect to the first plane p1 so as to form with it an angle between 0 and 10° so as to decrease the value of the angle formed between the first reflection surface 6 and the second entrance diopter 5.

[0063] Preferably, the first reflecting surface 6 comprises a set of reflecting subsurfaces 6a. Each light source in the light source set 1 is associated with a reflecting subsurface 6a. Each reflecting subsurface 6a has a concave profile so as to direct light rays from the light source set 1 towards the second reflecting surface 7 and light rays from the light source set 1 towards the third reflecting surface 8. The reflecting subsurfaces 6a are positioned next to each other and partially contained by a plane parallel to plane p1.

[0064] The reflection subsurfaces 6a can be positioned so that the set of reflection subsurfaces 6a describes an overall concave shape in the plane parallel to the plane p1 in which They are partially contained.

[0065] The reflecting subsurfaces can therefore be staggered on either side of the centrally positioned reflecting subsurface. This positioning is advantageously symmetrical along a vertical plane passing through the optical axis of the lens.

[0066] Advantageously, the second reflecting surface 7 has a concave profile in a defined plane so as to direct the light rays from the set of light sources 1 towards the output diopter 12.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, the lighting device includes a second plane p2. The second plane p2 is defined so as to contain the optical axis 9 and to be perpendicular to the first direction d. The second reflecting surface 7 has a concave profile in the second plane p2 so as to limit geometric aberrations.

[0068] Preferably, the lighting device comprises a second row of light sources 2a and a third row of light sources 2b. The second row of light sources 2a comprises light sources arranged in a straight line along a second direction d1. The third row of light sources 2b comprises light sources arranged in a straight line along a third direction d2. The second direction d1 and the third direction d2 are parallel to the first direction d. The second row of light sources 2a is positioned in contact with the first row of light sources 2, and the third row of light sources 2b is positioned in contact with the second row of light sources 2a. The second row of light sources 2a and the third row of light sources 2b are positioned such that the light rays from these light sources are directed towards the second entrance interface 5.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a and the third row of light sources 2b are configured to form or participate in forming a complementary route beam.

[0070] The invention can contribute to a high beam function designed to illuminate a wide area in front of the vehicle, as well as a considerable distance, typically around two hundred meters. This light beam, by virtue of its illumination function, is primarily located above the horizon line. It may, for example, have a slightly upward optical axis of illumination. In particular, it can be used to generate a "complementary" type of lighting function that forms part of a high beam. Complementary to that produced by a near-field beam, the high beam aims to illuminate, in whole or at least primarily, above the horizon line, whereas the near-field beam (which may have the characteristics of a dipped beam) aims to illuminate, in whole or at least primarily, below the horizon line. The high beam can therefore be a main component of the overall "high beam" and be combined with another beam that contributes to the low beam system.

[0071] The device can also be used to create other lighting functions, either through or in addition to those described previously, in relation to adaptive beams. For example, a lighting matrix can be created to selectively illuminate parts of the space in front of the vehicle.

[0072] Advantageously, the light source assembly 1 is configured to form a cutoff beam of a dipped beam.

[0073] Preferably, the lighting device includes collimators 10. Each collimator 10 is associated with a light source distinct from the set of light sources 1. Each collimator 10 receives light from said source and sends it in a collimated manner to the first input diopter 4.

[0074] Preferably, the collimators 10 are oriented so as to direct the collimated light rays towards the first reflection surface 6. More precisely, the exit face of the collimators 10 is oriented towards the second reflection surface 7. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the collimators forms an angle between 0° and 30° with the optical axis 9.

[0075] Advantageously, the lighting device includes a flat support 11. The light source assembly 1 and the first row of light sources 2 are fixed to the support 11. The support 11 is inclined with respect to the optical axis 9 so as to create an angle with it equal to 90° ± 25°.

[0076] Preferably, the lighting device comprises a first support 11a and a second support 11b. The first support 11a is perpendicular to the optical axis 9 and parallel to the second support 11b. The set of light sources 1 is fixed to the first support 11a. The first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a, and the third row of light sources 2b are fixed to the second support 11b. The second row of light sources 2a can be positioned below the first row of light sources 2. The third row of light sources 2b can be positioned below the second row of light sources 2a.

[0077] The first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a and the third row of light sources 2b can be spaced 0.5 mm apart from the primary lens 3.

[0078] This distance is chosen based on the thermal resistance of the material of the primary lens 3, which is selected so as to minimize the distance between the light sources and the primary lens 3, in order to collect the maximum amount of light and thus maximize efficiency.

[0079] The support 11a can be spaced from the support 11b by a distance of between 10 and 30 mm.

[0080] The supports 11, 11a and 11b can be made of Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The light sources 1, 2, 2a and 2b can be attached to the supports by gluing or by another type of attachment, for example by clips.

[0081] Preferably, the second input diopter 5 is located at a distance greater than 30 mm from the output diopter 12. This distance is taken into account at the optical axis 9.

[0082] This configuration was selected to achieve a compromise between minimal bulk of the lighting device and an orientation of the light rays at the ends of the output diopter 12 allowing them to reach the projection lens 13.

[0083] The distance between the input diopter and the output diopter of the projection lens 13 can be 25 mm.

[0084] The distance between the primary lens 3 and the projection lens 13 can be 7.5 mm.

[0085] Advantageously, the lighting device includes a projection lens 13 positioned on the optical axis 9 after the primary lens 3.

[0086] Preferably, the primary lens 3 and the projection lens 13 are made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), silicone, glass, or PC (polycarbonate), which offers better thermal resistance than PMMA. The system comprising the primary lens 3 and the projection lens 13 can have a focal length of 44 mm. The geometric aperture of the primary lens 3 and that of the projection lens 13 can be 30 mm by 60 mm.

[0087] Advantageously, the primary lens 3 and the projection lens 13 have a size of 30 by 60 mm (excluding fixing areas).

[0088] According to an advantageous embodiment, the optical axis 9 and the first direction d are orthogonal.

[0089] Preferably, the light sources of the set of sources light sources 1, of the first row of light sources 2, of the second row of light sources 2a and of the third row of light sources 2b are, all or only some, selectively activated, thus creating a pixelated light source.

[0090] Thus, the positioning of the light sources within the set of individually switchable light sources (1) allows for control of the brightness level according to the area being considered. The acronym ADB (for Adaptive Driving Beam) is used for this type of function.

[0091] Indeed, selective activation of light sources allows for varied beam configurations, adapting to diverse situations. Thus, areas requiring illumination are lit, and those where brightness must be reduced due to regulatory constraints are also illuminated.

[0092] This discretization of light is also known 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 illuminated independently.

[0093] Thus, not all emitting elements are necessarily simultaneously active, that is, emitting light. This function allows the shape of the resulting beam to be modulated. If a light source is not activated, its image, as projected by the optical device, will be zero. It then forms a gap in the overall resulting beam. This gap is understood to be relative to coupling phenomena at the source and the effects of stray light from the optics.

[0094] The system according to the invention may include a control unit for the activation of each of the sources, configured to produce at least one dark area forming a tunnel in a beam projected 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 area as a function of the width dimension of the sources.

[0095] The control unit may include a computer program product, preferably stored in non-transient memory, in which the computer program product includes instructions which, when executed by a processor, determine which sources to activate, in particular to obtain at least one dark area (in which the sources are not activated) of a determined surface, taking into account the variable surface area of ​​the images of the elements.

[0096] Advantageously, the LEDs of the entire lighting device 1, 2, 2a and 2b have an emissive surface of 0.5 mm 2 or 1 mm 2 The LEDs can be 0.74 mm high and 1 mm wide. The size of the LEDs is directly related to the desired beam size. Furthermore, to achieve a larger beam size, it is also possible to add rows of LEDs.

[0097] Two consecutive light sources from the light source set 1, the first row of light sources 2, the second row of light sources 2a and the third row of light sources 2b can be at a distance of 0.025mm.

[0098] The rows of light sources 2, 2a and 2b can be spaced 1.025 mm apart.

[0099] The rows of light sources 2, 2a and 2b can be spaced from the set of light sources 1 by a distance of between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0100] The first row of light sources 2 can be positioned at a distance of 1 mm from the second reflective surface 7.

[0101] The light sources in rows 2, 2a, and 2b can each consist of 24 light sources. The light sources in set 1 can number 9.

[0102] The beam from row 2 of light sources can illuminate a 30° angle (30° outside and 12° inside). The beam from set 1 of light sources can illuminate a 35° angle. The entire system provides a resolution of 1.5°, which is primarily a consequence of the distance between the edges of two successive pixels (each with a luminous intensity of 1 lux).

[0103] Conventional light sources currently used in the automotive industry are light-emitting diodes, commonly known as LEDs, individually encapsulated in a package. The light-emitting portion of the diode is covered by at least one light-transmitting layer, for example, made of a transparent polymer material. Depending on the shape of the transmitting layer, it can act as the primary optics from the moment light is generated within the diode. Thus, such an LED forms a complex assembly combining an emitting and an optical part. Furthermore, when these LEDs are arranged side by side, the emitting portions of adjacent LEDs are relatively far apart, which necessitates an optical projection designed to avoid imaging this spacing between the LEDs.

[0104] Advantageously, the light sources of the entire lighting system 1, 2, 2a and 2b have maximized emissive part.

[0105] Thus, in this way, when multiple light sources are used, the spatial resolution between these different sources is improved. Indeed, there is no minimum space between the different light sources.

[0106] The emitting part can be exposed to the terminal face of the source and occupy at least 90% of the surface of said terminal face, preferably 98%, and even more preferably 100% of the surface. In the latter case, the emitting part then forms the light exit face of the source.

[0107] Specifically, these sources may be equipped with at least one chip using semiconductor technology and capable of emitting light. Furthermore, the term "light source" here refers to an assembly of at least one elementary source capable of producing a flux that generates at least one light beam at the output of the device of the invention.

[0108] Thus, this type of light source is used to its full potential by placing these sources very close together (typically with a gap of less than 50 microns, or even less than 25 microns). It is possible to image directly at these sources; however, the efficiency of the optical system is maintained, and pixel shaping, particularly vertical shaping, is performed using the primary optical element, which is common to all sources.

[0109] The source can be laterally delimited by several circumferential walls extending along the diode's growth axis and by an end face. In this case, the end face includes an emissive portion through which light is emitted when the diode is biased.

[0110] The emitting part can be either a layer, which can be called the active layer, in which photons are generated by electron-hole recombination, or, which is more common especially for white light, a conversion layer with charges, such as phosphorus particles, allowing the re-emission of photons produced in the active layer in a wavelength band suitable for the application.

[0111] In an advantageous configuration, the terminal face of the source has a rectangular cross-section, which is typical for LED chips. Thus, the emitting portion also has a rectangular cross-section, slightly smaller than that of the output face. Specifically, The length of one side of the emitting part is less than the length of one side of the terminal face of the source by a value between 10 micrometers and 40 micrometers. In other words, the distance between an edge of the terminal face and an edge of the emitting part can be between 5 micrometers and 20 micrometers.

[0112] In the case of individually packaged light-emitting diodes (LEDs), also known as LED chips, the maximized size of the emitting portion results in a reduction in the size of the package surrounding the LED. This is because the package can include edges that cover the circumferential walls of the diode. With the emitting portion occupying almost all, or even all, of the diode's terminal face, these edges can be configured to be very thin, for example, on the order of a few micrometers. Thus, the package surrounding the LED is almost the same size as the LED itself. The package size extends only a few micrometers beyond the diode's terminal face.

[0113] In particular, one can use such sources marketed under the brand name Luxeon NEO Exact® by the company Lumileds®.

[0114] 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 can result from growth on the substrate from which they respectively grew, or from any other embodiment method, for example, by transferring the elements using transfer techniques. Various arrangements of electroluminescent elements can meet this definition of a monolithic matrix, provided that the electroluminescent elements have one of their principal elongation dimensions substantially perpendicular to a common substrate and that the transverse spacing between the pixels, formed by one or more electroluminescent elements electrically grouped together, is small compared to the spacings imposed in known arrangements of generally flat, square chips soldered onto a printed circuit board.

[0115] In other words, the invention may involve a monolithic light-emitting source divided into several individual segments. These individual segments are separated by a thin wall, made, for example, of silicone. The thickness of this thin wall ranges from 10 micrometers to 25 micrometers. Such sources, marketed under the PixCell® brand by Samsung®, can be used.

[0116] Advantageously, light sources capable of forming a near-field beam can be integrated into the lighting system. This beam can also be called a "fiat" beam, for flat or spread beam. It is projected globally below the cutoff point and serves to illuminate the near field in front of the vehicle. The beam from the set of light sources 1 defines a cutoff zone. Thus, the combination of the near-field beam and the beam from the set of light sources 1 defines, at least partially, a low-beam headlight beam.

[0117] The beam from the light source set 1 can therefore be configured to produce, in dipped beam mode, a portion of the dipped beam with a cutoff. The resulting angled portion is called the "kink" of the "dipped beam".

[0118] The beams of the dipped headlight type typically have a first lateral zone (normally on the edge of the road) projecting at a slightly higher height 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.

[0119] A near-field beam of a dipped headlight is typically a relatively spread projection laterally to the front of the vehicle, mostly or totally below the horizon line, generally seeking good distribution of illumination over the entire illuminated area.

[0120] Several lighting devices according to the invention can be arranged in a housing closed by a glass panel so as to obtain one or more beams of light and / or signaling at the output of the projector. A projector can also be complex and combine several devices which may, moreover, possibly share components.

[0121] List of references 1. Set of light sources 2. First row of light sources 2a. Second row of light sources 2b. Third row of light sources 3. Primary lens 4. First entrance diopter 5. Second entrance diopter 6. First reflection surface 6a. Sub-reflection surfaces 7. Second reflective surface 8. Third reflective surface 9. Optical axis 10. collimators 11. support lla. first support llb. second support 12. Exit diopter 13. Projection lens p1. Foreground p2. Background d. First direction d1. Second direction d2. Third direction

Claims

Claims

1. Lighting device comprising: - a set of light sources (1), - a first row of light sources (2) comprising light sources aligned in a first direction (d), - a primary lens (3) comprising a first input diopter (4), a second input diopter (5) and an output diopter (12), the first input diopter (4) being configured to receive light rays from the set of light sources (1), the second input diopter (5) being configured to receive light rays from the first row of light sources (2), the output diopter (12) being configured to transmit light rays from the first row of light sources (2) after their transmission into the primary lens (3) from the second input diopter (5), - an optical axis (9) and a first plane (p1), the first plane (p1) being defined so as to contain the first direction (d) and be perpendicular to the optical axis (9), - a first reflection surface (6) and a second reflection surface (7), the first reflection surface (6) being configured to reflect, towards the second reflection surface (7), light rays from the set of light sources (1) after their transmission into the primary lens (3) from the first input diopter (4), characterized in that the second reflection surface (7) is configured to reflect, towards the output diopter (12), the light rays from the set of light sources (1) after their reflection on the first reflection surface (6).

2. Lighting device according to the preceding claim comprising a third reflection surface (8), the third reflection surface (8) being configured so that light rays from the set of light sources (1) are reflected on the third reflection surface (8) after their reflection on the first reflection surface (6) and before their reflection on the second reflection surface (7).

3. Lighting device according to the preceding claim in which the third reflection surface (8) is at least partly formed by the second entrance diopter (5).

4. Lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second input diopter (5) is inclined relative to the first plane (p1).

5. Lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second input diopter (5) is inclined relative to the first plane (p1) by an angle between 0 and 10° so that the angle between the first reflection surface (6) and the third reflection surface (8) is less than the angle between the first reflection surface (6) and the first plane (p1).

6. Lighting device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the first reflection surface (6) comprises for each light source of the set of light sources (1) a reflection sub-surface (6a) having a concave profile so as to direct light rays from the set of light sources (1) towards the second reflection surface (7) and light rays from the set of light sources (1) towards the third reflection surface (8), the reflection sub-surfaces (6a) being juxtaposed and crossed by a plane parallel to the first plane (p1).

7. Lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second reflection surface (7) has a concave profile in a plane defined so as to direct the light rays coming from the set of light sources (1) towards the exit diopter (12).

8. A lighting device according to any preceding claim comprising a second plane (p2), the second plane (p2) being defined so as to contain the optical axis (9) and be perpendicular to the first direction (d), the second reflection surface (7) has a concave profile in the second plane (p2).

9. A lighting device according to any preceding claim comprising a second row of light sources (2a) comprising light sources aligned in a second direction (d1) and a third row of light sources (2b) comprising light sources aligned in a third direction (d2), the second direction (d1) and the third direction (d2) being parallel to the first direction (d), the second row of light sources (2a) being positioned in contact with the first row of light sources (2) and the third row of light sources (2b) being positioned in contact with the second row of light sources (2a).

10. Lighting device according to the preceding claim in which the first row of light sources (2), the second row of light sources (2a) and the third row of light sources (2b) are configured to form or participate in forming a main beam complement.

11. Lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims in which the set of light sources (1) is configured to form a cut-off beam of a dipped beam.

12. Lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising collimators (10), each collimator (10) being associated with a light source distinct from the set of light sources (1), each collimator (10) receiving light from said source and sending it in a collimated manner towards the first input diopter (4).

13. Lighting device according to the preceding claim in which the collimators (10) are oriented towards the first reflection surface (6) with their exit face directed towards the second reflection surface (7), an axis perpendicular to their exit face forming with the optical axis (9) an angle between 0° and 30°.

14. Lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a planar support (11), the set of light sources (1) and the first row of light sources (2) being fixed to the support (11), the support (11) forming with the optical axis (9) an angle equal to 90° ± 25°.

15. A lighting device according to claim 9 alone or in combination with any one of claims 10 to 13 comprising a first support (11 a) and a second support (11 b), the first support (11 a) being perpendicular to the optical axis (9) and parallel to the second support (11 b), the set of light sources (1) being fixed to the first support (11 a) and the first row of light sources (2), the second row of light sources (2a) and the third row of light sources (2b) being fixed to the second support (11b).

16. A lighting device according to any preceding claim comprising a projection lens (13) positioned on the optical axis (9) after the primary lens (3).

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