Lighting module

EP4673684A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-01-07VALEO VISION SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024705611
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-03-01
Filing Date
2024-02-13
Publication Date
2026-01-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current automotive lighting modules face limitations in safety and comfort due to non-homogeneous lighting, with existing solutions failing to effectively eliminate dark areas and reduce module size.

Method used

A lighting module configuration featuring a primary lens with a convex upper part and a convex lower part, connected by a portion that deflects light rays, ensuring homogeneous illumination by adjusting the connection portion's position to optimize light distribution between upper and lower rows of light sources.

Benefits of technology

This configuration provides increased safety and comfort by eliminating shadow zones and achieving more extended and homogeneous luminosity, allowing for customizable lighting to meet regulatory requirements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module comprising an upper row of light sources (1), an upper row of upper light guides (3), each of which is associated with an upper light source, a lower row of lower light sources (2), a lower row of lower light guides (4), each of which is associated with a lower light source, and a primary lens (5) that has an optical axis (6) and comprises an exit dioptric interface (5b). The exit dioptric interface comprises an upper portion (5ba) comprising a lower edge (11) and a lower portion (5bb) comprising an upper edge (12). The lower edge and the upper edge are connected by a connecting section (5bc). The upper edge is further forward with respect to the primary lens than the lower edge in the direction of the optical axis.
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Description

Lighting module

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting, which includes signaling, and that of 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 module. STATE OF THE ART

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

[0003] These modules must comply with current regulations, in particular to ensure sufficient safety and comfort, by emitting light specifically in certain areas so as to exclude areas that should remain dark and in a uniform manner so as not to leave dark areas in the area that should be lit. One of the constraints that manufacturers are also faced with is reducing the size of the module in order to achieve a module that is as easy to use as possible.

[0004] In order to best achieve these different objectives and in particular to obtain a device providing a beam that comfortably illuminates the road, a technical solution implementing a device comprising a particular configuration of the output diopter of the primary lens has been proposed in document EP3301347 A1.

[0005] However, this type of technical solution has drawbacks, notably the fact that it is limited in terms of safety and comfort.

[0006] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a lighting module making it possible to overcome all or part of the drawbacks 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 module is provided comprising:an upper row of upper light sources, light rays from the upper row being intended to produce a first beam, the upper light sources being aligned in a direction,an upper row of upper light guides each comprising an upper entry face and an upper exit face, the upper light guides each being distinctly associated with an upper light source, each upper light guide conducting light rays from the associated upper light source from the upper entry face to the upper exit face of the upper light guide,a lower row of lower light sources, light rays from the lower row being intended to produce a second beam,the lower light sources being aligned along the direction,a lower row of lower light guides each comprising a lower input face and a lower output face, the lower light guides each being distinctly associated with a lower light source, each lower light guide conducting light rays from the associated lower light source from the lower input face to the lower output face of the lower light guide,a primary lens having an optical axis and configured to receive the light rays from the upper light sources and the lower light sources, the primary lens comprising an output diopter,a first plane comprising the optical axis and being parallel to the direction andsecond planes (p2) perpendicular to the direction (d),wherein one of the first beam and the second beam is a road supplement beam andcharacterized in that the output diopter comprises a convex upper part comprising a lower edge and a convex lower part comprising an upper edge, the upper part being at least mainly dedicated to the output of light rays from the upper row, the lower part being at least mainly dedicated to the output of light rays from the lower row, the lower edge and the upper edge being connected by a connecting portion, the upper edge being further in front of the primary lens than the lower edge in the direction of the optical axis.,

[0009] Thus, the connection portion makes it possible to obtain homogeneous resulting lighting, i.e. not having shadow zones, typically directed in a horizontal direction, included in the area to be illuminated (these horizontal shadow zones being due to the junction between the different rows of light sources). Indeed, due to its configuration, the connection zone associated with a portion of the lower part (this portion of the lower part being able to have a height between one time the height of the connection portion and three times the height of the connection portion) creates, on the primary exit diopter, a localized zone of deflection, in the vertical direction, of the light rays having crossed it.This deflection creates, as can be observed in relation to the (which represents the illumination resulting from a primary exit diopter not having a connecting portion), a more homogeneous and also more extended downward distribution of brightness. This configuration of the exit diopter of the primary lens and in particular the resulting homogeneous illumination thus makes it possible to obtain increased safety and comfort.Since the connecting portion is located between the upper part and the lower part, since the upper part is at least predominantly dedicated to the output of light rays from the upper row and since the lower part is at least predominantly dedicated to the output of light rays from the lower row, the connecting portion constitutes either an output for a greater proportion of light rays coming from the upper row (compared to the lower row), or an output for a greater proportion of light rays coming from the lower row (compared to the upper row), or an output for an equal proportion of rays coming from the upper row and rays coming from the lower row.Thus, depending on the position of the connecting portion relative to the light guides, the homogeneous illumination due to the passage of certain light rays through the connecting portion will be either for a greater proportion for the first beam (compared to the second beam), or for a greater proportion for the second beam (compared to the first beam), or for an equal proportion for the first beam and for the second beam. It will, therefore, be possible to configure the connecting portion so as to obtain the effect of homogeneity of the lighting at the desired location on the road. In particular, if it is necessary due to a regulation that the light rays of a particular beam have not passed through the connecting portion, it will be possible to position the connecting portion accordingly.

[0010] A vehicle equipped with at least one such module, and preferably at least one pair of such modules, each of the modules in the pair equipping one side of the front face of the vehicle is also presented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] 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:

[0012] The figure represents a bottom view of the lighting module according to the invention.

[0013] Lrepresents a sectional view at the plane (y0z) of the lighting module according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] La represents detail A of the output diopter of the primary lens in such a way as to diagram the configuration of the connection portion according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] The represents the lighting module on which the intermediate lens and the projection lens are represented.

[0016] It represents the isocandela curves of the luminous intensity from a beam obtained with a lighting module comprising a primary output diopter not comprising a connection portion.

[0017] La represents the isocandela curves of the luminous intensity from a beam obtained with a lighting module comprising a primary output diopter comprising a connection portion according to the invention.

[0018] 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

[0019] Before commencing a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set out below:

[0020] According to one example, the upper part 5ba and the lower part 5bb are configured so that in all second planes p2, the upper edge 12 is further in front of the primary lens 5, by a first distance dist1 of between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, than the lower edge 11 in the direction of the optical axis 6, the first distance dist1 having the same value in all second planes p2, preferably, the first distance dist1 is equal to 0.12 mm.

[0021] The first distance dist1 was selected so as to obtain the spacing in the horizontal direction necessary between the lower edge 11 and the upper edge 12 to obtain the desired deflection of the rays passing in particular through the connecting portion 5bc and therefore the desired resulting homogeneity.

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

[0023] In the same way as for the first distance dist1, the second distance dist2 is determined so that the difference in level between the lower edge 11 and the upper edge 12 makes it possible to obtain a resulting lighting having the desired properties.

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

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

[0026] These two configurations make it possible to create more deflection and therefore more blurring effect at the level of the optical axis 6 than at the level of two ends 13, 14.

[0027] According to one example, the junction between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is located in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and passing at an equal distance from the upper outlet face 3b and the lower outlet face 4b.

[0028] Thus, due to this configuration, the connecting portion will be located so that a larger portion of light rays from the lower row than light rays from the upper row intercept it. More specifically, due to its position according to this configuration, the connecting portion will be intercepted at least 80% by light rays from the lower row and at most 20% by light rays from the upper row. In addition, given the position of the connecting portion, the homogeneous illumination will be located almost entirely at the level of the second beam and partly at the level of the first beam for the part of the first beam close to the second beam.

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

[0030] Thus, this configuration and in particular the curved shape of the upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 makes it possible to obtain a smooth exit diopter 5b, not having any protruding parts, which could cause undesired effects and in particular divergent orientations of the light rays.

[0031] In one example, the connecting portion 5bc is concave, with the upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 each having a change in inflection.

[0032] Thus, for the configuration of a concave 5bc connection portion, the presence of this inflection point makes it possible to ensure the absence of protruding parts at the junction between the 5bc connection portion and the rest of the diopter.

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

[0034] Thus, as for the configuration of the concave 5bc connecting portion, the configuration of the convex 5bc connecting portion makes it possible to obtain, at the junction between the 5bc connecting portion and the rest of the diopter, a smooth surface.

[0035] According to one example, the primary lens 5 comprises an input diopter 5a, the input diopter 5a being in contact with the upper output face 3b of the upper light guides 3 and the lower output face 4b of the lower light guides 4.

[0036] Thus, thanks to this configuration, the light rays exiting the light guides directly intercept the primary lens and therefore do not lose the direction that the light guide gave them.

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

[0038] Thus, selecting a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm for the upper part makes it possible to reduce, in general, the occupation length of the lighting module (at the upper part) and, in certain cases, the overall occupation volume of the lighting module, this having the consequence of increasing the resulting compactness of the lighting module. Furthermore, the selection of this low curvature makes it possible to maintain a concentration of light in the area comprising the lower edge, the upper edge and the connection portion.

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

[0040] Thus, in the same way as for the upper part, the radius of curvature at the lower part was selected so as to obtain a compactness of the lighting module and also so as to maintain a concentration of light in the area comprising the upper edge, the lower edge and the connecting portion.

[0041] According to one example, the first beam is a cut-off beam of a dipped beam and the second beam is a main beam supplement.

[0042] Thus, in the case where the junction between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is located in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and passing at an equal distance from the upper exit face 3b and the lower exit face 4b associated with the case where the first beam is a cut-off beam of a dipped beam and the second beam is a main beam supplement and in the case where the connecting portion is only crossed by rays coming from the lower row (that is to say in the case where the part of the diopter below the lower edge is only crossed by rays coming from the lower row), the connecting portion will have the effect of blurring only the rays forming the main beam supplement and not the cut-off beam of a dipped beam (which would have created a problem at the level of the regulations).

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

[0044] Combining a primary lens with a projection lens allows the desired light distribution to be achieved along a plane perpendicular to the optical axis while maintaining sufficient light output and imaging quality. The objective of positioning an intermediate lens between the primary lens and the projection lens is to reduce or even limit geometric aberrations.

[0045] In the characteristics set out herein, the terms relating to verticality, horizontality or transversality (or lateral direction or position), or their equivalents, are understood in relation 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, following an orientation perpendicular to the plane of the horizon for the term "vertical" (which corresponds to the height of the systems), and following an orientation parallel to the plane of the horizon for the term "horizontal". They are to be considered in the operating conditions of the module in a vehicle. The use of these words does not mean that slight variations around the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the invention.For example, an inclination relative to these directions of the order of + or – 10° is here considered as a minor variation around the two preferred directions. Relative to the horizontal plane, the inclination is in principle between -5° and +4° and it is between -6° and +7.5° laterally.

[0046] In the context of the present description, the adjectives "lower" and "upper" 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 6. In the same context, an upper element is located above (but not necessarily in contact, nor directly in line with) a lower element, in the vertical direction. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the lower part is positioned above the lower part.Similarly, the upper row of upper light sources, the upper row of upper light guides, the upper entrance face, the upper exit face, the upper area are respectively located above the lower row of lower light sources, the lower row of lower light guides, the lower entrance face, the lower exit face and the lower area.

[0047] It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term “at least predominantly” means that at least 50% of the element in question is taken into consideration.

[0048] The terms "lower edge" and "upper edge" mean the lower edge of the upper part and the upper edge of the lower part, respectively. The "lower edge" and the "upper edge" delimit the upper part of the connecting portion and the lower part of the connecting portion, respectively.

[0049] The expression "further forward" in the context of "the upper edge being further forward of the primary lens than the lower edge in the direction of the optical axis" means that the upper edge is located further away from the rows of sources than the lower edge. Thus, the front is located opposite the rear relative to the position of the rows of light sources. In another way, the front is to be taken into account by considering the direction of the light rays and more precisely that the light rays are directed from the rear to the front.

[0050] In the context of the present invention, the expressions "identical tangents" and "equal tangents" mean that, in a two-dimensional frame, the mathematical equations of identical (or equal) tangents are the same.

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

[0052] Light rays from the upper row 1 are intended to form a first beam. The upper light sources 1 are arranged in a straight line in a direction d. The upper light guides 3 each comprise an upper input face 3a and an upper output face 3b. The upper light guides 3 are each distinctly associated with an upper light source 1. Thus, each upper light guide 3 forms a pair with an upper light source 1. Each upper light guide 3 consists of a conduit for transmitting the light from the associated upper light source 1 from the upper input face 3a to the upper output face 3b of the upper light guide 3.

[0053] Light rays from the lower row 2 are intended to form a second beam. The lower light sources 2 are arranged in a straight line in the direction d. The lower light guides 4 each comprise a lower input face 4a and a lower output face 4b. The lower light guides 4 are each distinctly associated with a lower light source 2. Thus, each lower light guide 4 forms a pair with a lower light source 2. Each lower light guide 4 consists of a conduit for transmitting the light from the associated lower light source 2 from the lower input face 4a to the lower output face 4b of the lower light guide 4.

[0054] The primary lens 5 has an optical axis 6. The primary lens 5 is configured so that the light rays from the first row of sources and the second row of sources refract therein. The primary lens 5 comprises an exit diopter 5b. A first plane p1 comprising the optical axis 6 and being parallel to the direction d. Second planes p2 perpendicular to the direction d. One of the first beam and the second beam is a road complement beam.

[0055] The exit diopter 5b comprises an upper portion 5ba rounded outwards and a lower portion 5bb also rounded outwards. The upper portion 5ba comprises a lower edge 11. The lower portion 5bb comprises an upper edge 12. The upper portion 5ba is at least partly dedicated to the exit of the light rays coming from the upper row 1. At least 50% of the light rays coming from the upper row 1 are refracted on the upper portion 5ba. Preferably, 70%, or even 90%, or even 99%, or even 100% of the light rays coming from the upper row 1 are refracted on the upper portion 5ba. The lower portion 5bb is at least partly dedicated to the exit of the light rays coming from the lower row 2. At least 50% of the light rays coming from the lower row 2 are refracted on the lower portion 5bb.Preferably, 70%, or even 90%, or even 99%, or even 100% of the light rays coming from the lower row 4 are refracted on the lower part 5bb. The connecting portion 5bc is positioned between the lower edge 11 and the upper edge 12 so as to keep the lower edge 11 integral with the upper edge 12. The upper edge 12 is downstream of the primary lens 5 relative to the lower edge 11 in the direction of the optical axis 6.

[0056] The light sources in the top row 1 may be 12 in number. The light sources in the bottom row 2 may be 12 in number. The light sources in the top row 1 may also be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 10 in number. The light sources in the bottom row 2 may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 10 in number.

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

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

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

[0060] Advantageously, the connection between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is located in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and passing at an equal distance from the upper outlet face 3b and the lower outlet face 4b.

[0061] Preferably, the junction between the lower edge 11 and the connecting portion 5bc is included in the first plane p1.

[0062] According to a preferred example, the connecting portion 5bc comprises an upper zone 7 and a lower zone 8. The upper zone 7 is positioned so as to be adjacent to the upper part 5ba. The lower zone 8 is positioned so as to be adjacent to the lower part 5bb. The upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 describe a curve.

[0063] The upper zone 7 is configured so that at each point of the connection between the upper zone 7 and the lower edge 11, the tangents of the upper zone 7 and the lower edge 11 are equal (this is so that at the junction between the upper zone 7 and the lower edge 11 the resulting curvature has a smooth area and therefore does not have a protruding angular part). The lower zone 8 is configured so that at each point of the connection between the lower zone 8 and the upper edge 12, the tangents of the lower zone 8 and the upper edge 12 are equal (this is so that at the junction between the lower zone 8 and the upper edge 12 the resulting curvature has a smooth area and therefore does not have a protruding angular part).

[0064] Preferably, the connecting portion 5bc is rounded inwards. The upper zone 7 and the lower zone 8 each have a change in convexity.

[0065] According to an advantageous example, the connecting portion 5bc is rounded outwards. The upper zone 7 has a change in convexity.

[0066] Preferably, the primary lens 5 comprises an input diopter 5a. The input diopter 5a is linked to the upper output face 3b of the upper light guides 3 and to the lower output face 4b of the lower light guides 4.

[0067] Advantageously, the upper part 5ba has, in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and passing through the lower edge 11, a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm.

[0068] Advantageously, the lower part 5bb has, in a plane parallel to the first plane p1 and passing through the upper edge 12, a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm.

[0069] In the two areas of the primary lens that are symmetrical to each other about the optical axis (i.e., an upper and a lower end of the primary lens), the curvature of the primary lens is greater (compared to the curvature of the lens at the optical axis) so as to maintain good light coupling.

[0070] Preferably, the entrance diopter 5a also has, in the first plane p1, a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm, so as to increase the compactness of the lighting module.

[0071] Advantageously, the first beam is a cut-off beam of a dipped beam and the second beam is a main beam supplement.

[0072] The module can also be used to form other lighting functions (and in particular a near-field beam of a dipped beam) 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.

[0073] The near-field beam of a low beam can also be called a "flat" beam. It is projected generally below the cutoff and is used to illuminate the near field in front of the vehicle.

[0074] The low beam cut-off beam allows a cut-off zone to be defined. Thus, the combination of the near-field beams and the low beam cut-off beam allows a low beam beam to be defined at least partially.

[0075] The cut-off beam for dipped beam is therefore configured to produce, in dipped beam mode, a portion of cut-off dipped beam. The resulting angled portion is called the "kink" of the "dipped beam". Dipped beam type beams typically have a first lateral zone (normally on the edge of the roadway) projecting at a height slightly higher than in a second lateral zone (normally on the middle of the roadway), these two zones following each other laterally with the presence of a bend or elbow between them.

[0076] A near-field beam from a dipped headlight is typically a relatively spread projection laterally in front of the vehicle, mostly or completely below the horizon line, generally seeking a good distribution of illumination across the entire illuminated area.

[0077] 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.

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

[0079] Preferably, the lighting module comprises an intermediate lens 10 and a projection lens 9. The intermediate lens 10 and the projection lens 9 are positioned along the optical axis so that the light rays from the rows of light sources intercept first the primary lens, second the intermediate lens and third the projection lens.

[0080] The projection lens may be made of polymethylmethacrylate. The intermediate lens may be made of polycarbonate. The primary lens is preferably made of silicone.

[0081] The entrance diopter of the primary lens is separated from the exit diopter of the projection lens by a distance between 70 mm and 90 mm. The exit diopter of the primary lens is separated from the entrance diopter of the projection lens by a distance between 50 mm and 60 mm. These distances are taken into account at the optical axis 5.

[0082] The intermediate lens and the projection lens may have a focal length of between 55 and 60 mm, preferably this focal length may be 58 mm (this distance being a fictitious distance calculated from the overall image / object magnification of the system composed of the intermediate lens and the projection lens). The field of view of the beam from the rows of the projection lens may be 35°.

[0083] Advantageously, the primary lens and the intermediate lens have a size of 30 by 60 mm (taking into account the fixing zones). In the case where the invention provides several lighting modules and these are disjointed, the projection lens may have a width of 45 mm and a height of between 30 mm and 40 mm (i.e. in the vertical direction). In the case where the invention provides several lighting modules and these are joined, the overall projection lens of the system (i.e. the overall projection lens consists of the joining of several individual projection lenses) may have a height of 30 mm and a width of between 100 and 120 mm.

[0084] Preferably, the upper light sources 1 are selectively ignitable individually. Preferably, the lower light sources 4 are selectively ignitable individually.

[0085] Thus, thanks to this configuration, the LEDs of the lighting module can be selectively switched on or off in order to form the resulting lighting with the desired configuration. This configuration therefore makes it possible to control the brightness value according to the area considered. The acronym ADB (for Adaptive Driving Beam) is used for this type of function.

[0086] Indeed, selective activation of light sources allows for varied light beam configurations to be obtained, allowing adaptation to various situations. Thus, areas that need to be illuminated are illuminated, and those whose brightness must be reduced due to regulatory constraints will also be.

[0087] This discretization of 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 of which can be illuminated independently.

[0088] Thus, not all emissive elements are necessarily simultaneously active, i.e. emitting light. This function allows the shape of the rendered beam to be modulated. In the case where a light source is not activated, its image, as projected by the optical module, 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.

[0089] The system 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.

[0090] 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.

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

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

[0093] Advantageously, the LEDs of the entire lighting module have an emissive surface of 0.5 mm 2 or 1 mm 2 The size of the LEDs is directly related to the size of the light pixels obtained and also related to the desired beam volume. Furthermore, to have a large beam volume, it is also possible to add rows of LEDs.

[0094] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the invention.

[0095] Reference list: 1. upper row of upper light sources 2. lower row of lower light sources 3. upper row of upper light guides 3a. upper entrance face 3b. upper exit face 4. lower row of lower light guides 4a. lower entrance face 4b. lower exit face 5. primary lens 5a. entrance diopter 5b. exit diopter 5ba. upper part 5bb. lower part 5bc. connecting portion 6. optical axis 7. upper zone 8. lower zone 9. projection lens 10. intermediate lens 11. lower edge 12. upper edge 13, 14. two lateral ends d. direction p1. first plane p2. second planes dist1. first distance dist2. second distance

Claims

Lighting module comprising:an upper row of upper light sources (1), light rays from the upper row (1) being intended to produce a first beam, the upper light sources (1) being aligned in a direction (d),an upper row of upper light guides (3) each comprising an upper input face (3a) and an upper output face (3b), the upper light guides (3) each being distinctly associated with an upper light source (1), each upper light guide (3) conducting light rays from the associated upper light source (1) from the upper input face (3a) to the upper output face (3b) of the upper light guide (3),a lower row of lower light sources (2), light rays from the lower row (2) being intended to produce a second beam,the lower light sources (2) being aligned along the direction (d),a lower row of lower light guides (4) each comprising a lower input face (4a) and a lower output face (4b), the lower light guides (4) each being distinctly associated with a lower light source (2), each lower light guide (4) conducting light rays from the associated lower light source (2) from the lower input face (4a) to the lower output face (4b) of the lower light guide (4),a primary lens (5) having an optical axis (6) and configured to receive the light rays from the upper light sources (1) and the lower light sources (2), the primary lens (5) comprising an output diopter (5b),a first plane (p1) comprising the optical axis (6) and being parallel to the direction (d) andsecond planes (p2) perpendicular to the direction (d),wherein one of the first beam and the second beam is a road supplement beam andcharacterized in that the output diopter (5b) comprises a convex upper part (5ba) comprising a lower edge (11) and a convex lower part (5bb) comprising an upper edge (12), the upper part (5ba) being at least mainly dedicated to the output of light rays from the upper row (1), the lower part (5bb) being at least mainly dedicated to the output of light rays from the lower row (2), the lower edge (11) and the upper edge (12) being connected by a connecting portion (5bc), the upper edge (12) being further in front of the primary lens (5) than the lower edge (11) in the direction of the optical axis (6)., Lighting module according to the preceding claim in which the upper part (5ba) and the lower part (5bb) are configured so that in all second planes (p2), the upper edge (12) is further forward of the primary lens (5), by a first distance (dist1) of between 0.07 mm and 0.2 mm, than the lower edge (11) in the direction of the optical axis (6), the first distance (dist1) having the same value in all second planes (p2), preferably, the first distance (dist1) is equal to 0.12 mm. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in all second planes (p2), the lower edge (11) is positioned above the upper edge (12), by a second distance (dist2) of between 0.2 mm and 1.3 mm. Lighting module according to the preceding claim in which the second distance (dist2) at the two lateral ends (13, 14) is strictly less than the second distance (dist2) at the optical axis (6). Lighting module according to the preceding claim, in which the second distance (dist2) at the two lateral ends (13,14) is between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, the second distance (dist2) decreasing between the optical axis (6) and the lateral ends (13,14). Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims in which the junction between the lower edge (11) and the connecting portion (5bc) is located in a plane parallel to the first plane (p1) and passing at an equal distance from the upper exit face (3b) and the lower exit face (4b). Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connecting portion (5bc) comprises an upper zone (7) and a lower zone (8), the upper zone (7) being positioned in contact with the upper part (5ba), the lower zone (8) being positioned in contact with the lower part (5bb), the upper zone (7) and the lower zone (8) being configured so as to each describe a curvature, so that at each point of the junction between the upper zone (7) and the lower edge (11), the tangents of the upper zone (7) and the lower edge (11) are identical and that at each point of the junction between the lower zone (8) and the upper edge (12), the tangents of the lower zone (8) and the upper edge (12) are identical. Lighting module according to the preceding claim in which the connection portion (5bc) is concave, the upper zone (7) and the lower zone (8) each having a change in inflection. Lighting module according to claim 7 wherein the connecting portion (5bc) is convex, the upper zone (7) having a change in inflection. A lighting module according to any preceding claim wherein the primary lens (5) comprises an input diopter (5a), the input diopter (5a) being in contact with the upper output face (3b) of the upper light guides (3) and the lower output face (4b) of the lower light guides (4). Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims in which the upper part (5ba) has, in a plane parallel to the first plane (p1) and passing through the lower edge (11), a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims in which the lower part (5bb) has, in a plane parallel to the first plane (p1) and passing through the upper edge (12), a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm. Lighting module according to claim 6 alone or in combination with any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein the first beam is a cut-off beam of a dipped beam and wherein the second beam is a main beam supplement. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an intermediate lens (10) and a projection lens (9), the intermediate lens (10) being positioned along the optical axis (6) of the primary lens (5) after the primary lens (5), the projection lens (9) being positioned along the optical axis (6) of the primary lens (5) after the intermediate lens (10).