Light module having anamorphic micro-lens array

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (2), comprising: an emitter (6) of at least one light beam along a main axis (8); an optical part (4) extending transversely to the main axis (8) and comprising entry faces (4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.n) which face the at least one light beam, and corresponding exit faces (4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.n), the corresponding entry faces and exit faces being arranged in an array, each entry face forming, together with the corresponding exit face, a projection lens; wherein the projection lenses comprise one or more first afocal projection lenses having a first geometry which is suitable for forming a first light image (10.1, 10.2, 10.3), and one or more second afocal projection lenses having a second geometry which is suitable for forming a second light image (10.1, 10.2, 10.3).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: LIGHT MODULE WITH ANAMORPHIC MICRO-LENS MATRIX

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to the field of lighting and light signaling, in particular in the field of motor vehicles.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] It is common to use light modules comprising an emitter of collimated light beams, an array of input lenses arranged in a matrix opposite the emitter of collimated light and an array of output lenses following said matrix. These two arrays are usually assembled to each other with a mask arranged between the two, said mask comprising an array of openings following the matrix and intended to form the edges of the light images thus produced. The production of such a mask, usually by lithography on glass, and its assembly with the two arrays of lenses can prove to be technically complex and expensive. Such a configuration is known in particular from patent document EP 3 608 586 A1.

[0007] Published patent document US 2020 / 0218077 A1 discloses a light device comprising an emitter of collimated light beams parallel to a main axis and arranged in a matrix, and an optical part extending transversely to the main axis and comprising corresponding input faces and output faces, said corresponding input faces and output faces being arranged in the matrix, each input face forming with the corresponding output face a projection lens. Some of the input and / or output faces are different, from a geometric point of view, from the other input and / or output faces, respectively. These differences between the input faces and / or the output faces have the effect that certain light beams emitted by the different output faces have different emergence angles and different light intensity distributions, depending on these angles.This variety of beams thus produced is obtained thanks to input faces and / or output faces of different sizes, resulting in generating constraints on the acceptance angles of the optical channels as well as on interference between the channels.

[0008] Statement of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to propose a light module with a microlens array which is more economical to produce while being able to provide at least one complex lighting and / or light function.

[0010] The invention relates to a light module comprising an emitter of at least one light beam along a main axis; an optical part extending transversely to the main axis and comprising entry faces facing the at least one light beam, and corresponding exit faces, said entry faces and corresponding exit faces being arranged in a matrix, each entry face forming with the corresponding exit face a projection lens; remarkable in that the projection lenses comprise one or more first afocal projection lenses having a first geometry capable of forming a first light image, and one or more second afocal projection lenses having a second geometry capable of forming a second light image.

[0011] It is understood that the optical part is not necessarily flat, it can be slightly curved or curved while extending generally transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the main axis. The curvature or curve makes it possible to adapt the shape of the optical part to the volume available for its integration, as well as to respond to original styles.

[0012] The light module may include one or more of the features mentioned below, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light image and the second light image are different from each other. By "different" is understood that said two images have different shapes from each other, in particular in size and / or proportions, and / or have different positions and / or orientations. This makes it possible to adapt the overall shape of the beam emitted by the light module to the desired shape for said beam. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first geometry and the second geometry has an intermediate focus in a horizontal direction and an intermediate focus in a vertical direction which is offset relative to the intermediate focus in the horizontal direction, when the light module is in the operational position, so as to distort the corresponding light image.

[0014] The intermediate focus corresponds to an image focus of the input face and to an object focus of the output face of the corresponding projection lens, which are thus merged.

[0015] The operational position of the light module means a mounting position, in particular on a motor vehicle, i.e. the mounting position of the light module under normal conditions of use.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one light beam projects a rectangular image to infinity or is rectangular. The rectangular shape of the beam or of the image is understood, within the scope of the invention, as being able to have a tolerance, taking into account the optical aberrations of the projection lens. The shape can for example be observed on a flat screen perpendicular to the main axis, and placed in front of the light module in the direction of projection of said image, at a large distance such as for example a distance of 25 m. Such a distance, large compared to the dimensions of the light module, can be assimilated to an infinite distance.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light image(s) and the second light image(s) form, at least in part, a lighting beam with an upper horizontal cut-off, when the light module is in the operational position.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the emitter of at least one light beam comprises at least one light source of the light-emitting diode type.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light-emitting diode is rectangular in shape.

[0020] It should be noted that the term rectangular also covers the case where the shape is square. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one collimator is arranged in front of the at least one light source or each of the light sources and is configured to project an image of the at least one light source to infinity towards several of the input faces. The emitter may comprise a single collimator illuminating all of the input faces. Alternatively, the emitter may comprise several collimators arranged side by side, each illuminating a different group of the input faces. Each collimator is then arranged in front of one or more light sources which is or which are specific to said collimator.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the emitter of at least one light beam comprises at least two light sources, in particular specific to a collimator, and at least some of these light sources are configured to be switched on and / or controlled selectively.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the emitter of at least one light beam comprises at least two light sources, in particular specific to a collimator, and all these light sources are configured to be switched on and / or controlled selectively.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two light sources, in particular specific to a collimator, are configured so that while a first of said two light sources is on, a second of said two light sources is off, and so that while said second of said two light sources is on, said first of said two light sources is off.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two light sources, in particular specific to a collimator, are such that a first of the at least two light sources is configured to be lit alone and controlled to emit a first luminous flux, and that the at least two light sources are configured to be lit at the same time, the first of the at least two light sources being configured to then be controlled to emit a second luminous flux lower than the first luminous flux.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two light sources, in particular specific to a collimator, are such that a first of the at least two light sources is configured to be lit alone and controlled to emit a first luminous flux, and that the at least two light sources are configured to be lit at the same time, the first of the at least two light sources being configured to then be controlled to emit a second luminous flux greater than the first luminous flux.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light sources are configured to be switched on and / or controlled globally.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the emitter of at least one light beam comprises at least three light sources, in particular specific to a collimator, and these light sources are configured to be switched on and / or controlled in several groups, at least one group comprising several light sources.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light image(s) are wider and / or lower than the second light image(s).

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the exit face(s) of at least one of the first geometry and the second geometry has a concave profile so as to have at least one intermediate focus closer to said exit face than to the corresponding entry face.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one intermediate focus closer to the exit face than to the corresponding entry face is located downstream, in a direction of propagation of light rays, of said exit face. In other words, said at least one intermediate focus is located after said exit face, in the direction of propagation of the light rays.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first geometry and the second geometry has an exit face generally inclined relative to an optical axis of the corresponding projection lens, so as to shift the corresponding light image into a plane perpendicular to said optical axis. More precisely, the exit face is not generally perpendicular to said optical axis. In other words, the corresponding light image is angularly off-centered relative to said optical axis. By generally inclined relative to an optical axis of the corresponding projection lens, it is meant that the exit face considered in its entirety is inclined, resulting in a prismatic shape. Locally, said exit face may have an inclination different from its overall inclination. The optical axis of the lens passes through the entry face and the exit face of said lens, in particular, passes through the center of each of said faces.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical axis of the projection lens is parallel to the main axis.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second geometries has a generally convergent entry face.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the projection lenses comprise one or more third projection lenses having a third geometry capable of forming a third light image.

[0035] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to produce a light module capable of producing a complex lighting beam, in this case composed of a combination of several light images of different shapes and light intensities, and this in a simpler and more economical manner than according to the state of the art. The optical part does not require a mask and can, moreover, be produced in a single piece, in particular by injection of plastic material into a mold. The optical part is in fact essentially characterized by the geometry of its entry faces and its exit faces, which can be easily demolded after injection of the optical part, in particular in a single piece. Also, the afocal nature of the projection lenses makes it possible to image the edges of the light source(s) and thus to produce a light beam with cutoff, in particular an upper horizontal cutoff.The distribution of the projection channels or lenses over the extent of the optical part ensures a uniform lighting appearance, particularly when several light sources, possibly of different powers, are used.

[0036] Brief description of the drawings

[0037] [Fig 1] is a schematic and perspective view of a light module according to the invention;

[0038] [Fig 2] is a schematic view of a channel of the light module of the invention, according to a first mode;

[0039] [Fig 3] is a schematic view of a channel of the light module of the invention, according to a second mode; [Fig 4] is a schematic view of a channel of the light module of the invention, according to a third mode;

[0040] [Fig 5] is a schematic view of a channel of the light module of the invention, according to a fourth mode;

[0041] [Fig 6] is a schematic view of a channel of the light module of the invention, according to a fifth mode;

[0042] [Fig 7] is a schematic side view of a variant of the light module according to the invention;

[0043] [Fig 8] is a schematic side view of another variant of the light module according to the invention.

[0044] Detailed description

[0045] In the description which follows and generally for the present invention, the notions of horizontal and vertical directions are to be understood when the light module is in the normal mounting and operating position, as illustrated in particular in figure 1.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a light module according to the invention.

[0047] The light module 2 comprises an optical part 4, made of transparent or translucent material, provided with a series of input faces 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.n and a series of corresponding output faces 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.n forming with said input faces projection lenses. Each of the projection lenses comprises a corresponding optical axis 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.n. These optical axes are preferably parallel to each other and to a main axis 8 of the light module 2. The main axis 8 in question is a main axis of light projection. The input faces 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.n and the output faces 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.n are curved, in particular according to concave and / or convex profiles, so as to form the projection lenses in question.

[0048] The light module 2 comprises light sources 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n arranged opposite the input faces 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.n of the optical part. These light sources are arranged to illuminate in main directions oriented along the optical axes 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.n and thus form a light beam emitter. These light beams can be collimated in particular by means of collimators (not shown in FIG. 1). The light sources 6.1,

[0049] 6.2.6.3, 6.n can be configured to be controlled globally, or in several groups, at least one group comprising several light sources, or selectively.

[0050] Each light beam emitted by the light beam emitter and the associated projection lens then forms a light channel of the light module 2. In Figure 1, the light images produced by three of these channels are illustrated. The light source 6.1 and the projection lens formed by the input 4.1.1 and output 4.2.1 faces form the light image 10.1. Similarly, the light source 6.2 and the projection lens formed by the input 4.1.2 and output 4.2.2 faces form the light image 10.2, and the light source 6.3 and the projection lens formed by the input 4.1.3 and output 4.2.3 faces form the light image

[0051] 10.3. It can be observed that these images 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 are different from each other. In particular, the light image 10.1 is very extended horizontally and has an upper horizontal cut-off. The light image 10.2 is less extended horizontally and vertically, while having a higher horizontal cut-off, and the light image 10.3 is located on the upper horizontal cut-off, to the right of the main axis 8 and with a projection on its left side adjacent to the main axis 8. It is understood that these light images are purely exemplary and may have other shapes and in particular be more numerous. It is also understood that several channels, each formed by a light beam from the emitter 6 and the corresponding projection lens, can form identical light images which are superimposed to achieve sufficient light intensity.

[0052] In order to form different light images, such as light images 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, the projection lenses have specific and distinct geometries. These specific geometries are essentially the geometries of the input and output faces, as well as the distance, along the optical axis, between the input and output faces. These geometric aspects will be detailed in relation to Figures 2 to 5.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a channel i of the light module 2 of Figure 1, i being included in 1 and n, n being the total number of channels of the light module. Channel i comprises the light source 6.I and the projection lens formed by the input 4.1.i and output 4.2.i faces. In the present case, channel i further comprises a collimator 12.i configured to collimate the light rays emitted by the light source 6.i, along the optical axis 8.i. The projection lens has a geometry i, capable of forming the light image 10.i. This light image is rectangular, since an optical image of the light source 6.i is itself rectangular. For this purpose, the projection lens 4.1.i-4.2.i is essentially afocal, so as to project the image of the light source 6.i to infinity at the output of the collimator 12.i. The object foci of the input faces 4.1.i and the image foci of the output faces 4.2.1 are then essentially merged.The image is therefore not or only slightly distorted in its proportions.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a channel j of the light module 2 of Figure 1, j being included in 1 and n, n being the total number of channels of the light module.

[0055] The channel j comprises the light source 6.j and the projection lens formed by the input 4.1 .j and output 4.2.j faces. In the present case, the channel j further comprises a collimator 12.j configured to collimate the light rays emitted by the light source 6.j, along the optical axis 8.j. The projection lens has a geometry j, capable of forming the light image 10.j. Similar to the projection lens of the channel i, the projection lens 4.1 .j-4.2.j is essentially afocal, with the particularity, however, that it is dimensioned to distort the image of the light source 6.j, in this case to widen it horizontally as is visible from the shape of the light image 10.j. For this purpose, the input face 4.1 .j has a horizontal image focus essentially coincident with the horizontal object focus of the output face 4.2.j, however located behind the respective vertical image and object foci of the input and output faces in question. In other words, the geometry j of the projection lens 4.1 .j-4.2.j is anamorphic in that the image of the light source 6.j is distorted in a specific direction, in this case horizontally dilated.

[0056] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a channel k of the light module 2 of Figure 1, k being comprised between 1 and n, n being the total number of channels of the light module.

[0057] The k channel comprises the light source 6.k and the projection lens is formed by the input 4.1 .k and output 4.2. k faces. In the present case, the k channel further comprises a collimator 12.k configured to collimate the light rays emitted by the light source 6.k, along the optical axis 8.k. The projection lens has a geometry k, capable of forming the light image 10.k. Similar to the projection lens of the j channel, the projection lens 4.1 .k-4.2.k is essentially afocal, with the particularity, however, that it is dimensioned to distort the image of the light source 6.k by expanding it vertically as is visible from the shape of the light image 10.k. For this purpose, the inlet faces 4.1.k and outlet faces 4.2.k have essentially merged vertical hearths located behind the horizontal and essentially merged hearths of the inlet and outlet faces in question.Said vertical and horizontal foci are the image foci of the input faces 4.1 .k and the object foci of the output faces 4.2.k, in the horizontal or vertical direction considered. In other words, the geometry k of the projection lens 4.1 .k-4.2.k is also anamorphic, in this case in that the image of the light source 6.k is dilated vertically.

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a channel I of the light module 2 of Figure 1, 1 being included in 1 and n, n being the total number of channels of the light module.

[0059] Channel I comprises the light source 6.I and the projection lens formed by the input 4.1.1 and output 4.2.1 faces. In the present case, channel I further comprises a collimator 12.1 configured to collimate the light rays emitted by the light source 6.1, along the optical axis 8.1. The projection lens has a geometry I, capable of forming the light image 10.1. Similar to the projection lens of channel i, the projection lens 4.1.1-4.2.1 is essentially afocal, with the particularity, however, that it is dimensioned to move the image of the light source 6.I, in this case to move it downwards as is visible at the position of the light image 10.1. For this purpose, the output face 4.2.1 is inclined relative to a perpendicular to the optical axis 8.1.

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a channel m of the light module 2 of Figure 1, m being included in 1 and n, n being the total number of channels of the light module.

[0061] The channel m comprises the light source 6.m and the projection lens formed by the input faces 4.1.m and the output faces 4.2.m. In the present case, the channel m further comprises a collimator 12.m configured to collimate the light rays emitted by the light source 6.m, along the optical axis 8.m. The projection lens has a geometry m, capable of forming the light image 10.m.

[0062] Similar to the projection lens of channel i, the projection lens 4.1 .m- 4.2.m is essentially afocal, with the particularity, however, that it has an intermediate focus, common to the input faces 4.1 .m and output faces 4.2.m, located downstream, in the direction of propagation of the light rays, of the output face 4.2.m. For this purpose, the output face 4.2.m has a concave profile. Said intermediate focus constitutes an image focus of the input face 4.1 .m and an object focus of the output face 4.2.m. As mentioned previously, depending on whether the geometry m is anamorphic or not, the projection lens 4.1 .m-4.2.m may have two distinct intermediate focuses in two transverse directions, in this case horizontal and vertical, both common to the input faces

[0063] 4.1 .m and exit 4.2.m. In this case, both are advantageously located downstream of the exit face 4.2.m. Said intermediate foci each constitute an image focus of the entry face 4.1 .m and an object focus of the exit face 4.2.m, respectively in one of said transverse directions.

[0064] This configuration is advantageous in that it reduces the size of the illuminated area of ​​the output face and thus significantly reduces interference phenomena between channels. It also makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the projection lens and therefore of the optical part 4 (figure 1). It should be noted that these advantages are also obtained when the intermediate focus(es) are upstream of the output face but closer to it than to the input face, as in channel k in figure 4, however to a lesser extent.

[0065] The five channels i, j, k, I and m described above illustrate in a somewhat simplified and schematic way how the projected light images 10.i, 10.j, 10.k,

[0066] 10.1 and 10.m of the light sources 6.i, 6.j, 6.k, 6.I and 6.m, in this case all identical, can be deformed or displaced to, in combination, form a potentially complex light beam. The afocal characteristic of the projection lenses is relative in that for certain channels, it is conceivable to provide an offset between the respective foci so as to defocus, to a certain degree, the projected light image, in particular horizontally. The geometries of the projector lenses can therefore have, in addition to offsets between their foci in the horizontal and vertical directions, an optical aberration in one direction, in particular horizontal, in order to blur the corresponding edges of the projected light image. For this purpose, it is understood that the input and output faces of the projection lenses can have complex shapes such as in particular biconical shapes or polynomial surfaces.These geometries can be determined and simulated by computer software, available on the specialized optical calculation software market.

[0067] The input faces 4.1 .1 , ..., 4.1 .n of the projection lenses are advantageously at least partially convex so as to be convergent and prevent light rays from exiting the corresponding channel. Indeed, light rays entering through an input face of a given channel, and exiting through an output face of another channel would be oriented in an uncontrolled direction, thus generating interference in the light beam produced by the light module.

[0068] In order to produce a light image with a sloping edge, such as light image 10.3 in Figure 1, it is possible to tilt the corresponding light source(s) relative to a natural orientation along the horizontal and vertical directions. Alternatively, such an image can be produced by discretization, i.e. a combination of light images forming the sloping edge along a stepped profile.

[0069] It is understood that many channel combinations are possible. In particular, several channels can be configured to produce several identical or essentially identical, overlapping light images. The channels forming a single light image can be distributed over the optical part so as to be mixed with other channels. Such an approach makes it possible, in particular, to ensure a relatively homogeneous lit appearance.

[0070] As mentioned above, the transmitter 6 does not necessarily comprise a specific light source for each channel, but may comprise a single light source, in this case more powerful, and a collimator capable of creating the image of this light source at infinity.

[0071] Figure 7 illustrates such a configuration, where it can be seen that the light module 2 comprises a single light source 6 of the light-emitting diode type, and a larger collimator 12 capable of creating an image of the light source in question 6 at infinity. The collimator 12 then comprises an input face 12.1 and an output face 12.2, said output face 12.2 covering the input faces 4.1.1, ..., 4.1.n of the optical part 4.

[0072] Alternatively, the emitter 6 may also comprise several collimators arranged side by side and one light source per collimator.

[0073] Generally speaking, the transmitter 6, when it comprises one or more collimators, can comprise two light sources arranged side by side, one above the other, opposite each collimator, and electrically powered selectively, so as to be able to provide two lighting and / or light signaling functions.

[0074] It should be noted that all the characteristics described in connection with figures 1 to 6 are compatible with figure 7, the global light source 6 then replacing the unitary light sources 6.i, 6.j, 6.k, 6.I and 6.m, and the global collimator 12 then replacing the unitary collimators 12.i, 12.j, 12.k, 12.1 and 12.m placed opposite the respective projection lenses. Thus, it is possible to associate a light source 6 and a global collimator 12 with several projection lenses of identical or different shapes, such as those described above.

[0075] Figure 8 illustrates a variant of the configuration illustrated in Figure 7. It differs from the latter by the addition of an additional light source 106 opposite the input face 12.1 of the collimator 12. The collimator 12 has a nominal axis 108, shown in phantom and also visible in Figure 7. The nominal axis 108 of the collimator 12 passes through a focus of said collimator and presents the direction of collimation for a point source placed on said focus. The nominal axis 108 is advantageously parallel or coincident with the main axis 8. In the variant of Figure 8, the light source 6 is positioned on the nominal axis 108 of the collimator and the additional light source 106 is offset relative to said nominal axis 108, in a plane perpendicular to the latter passing through the light source 6.In other non-limiting examples, the additional light source 106 may further be offset along the direction of the nominal axis 108 relative to the light source 6. Thus, the light rays R6 (represented in solid lines) emitted by the light source 6 are transmitted by the collimator in a general direction parallel to the nominal axis 108, and the light rays R106 (represented in dotted lines) emitted by the light source 106 are transmitted by the collimator in a general direction inclined relative to the nominal axis 108, due to the position of said additional light source 106 outside the nominal axis 108. It should be noted that, given the non-point dimension of the light source, tolerances are present, and the orientation of the light rays is included for each light source in a cone around said respective general direction.The angular opening of this cone depends in particular on the lateral dimensions of the respective light source 6, 106 and the focal length of the collimator 12. Thus, the property of parallelism or inclination normally corresponds to a ray emitted by the center of the light source, and this property is generalized to all the rays emitted by said light source, taking into account the tolerances mentioned above.

[0076] A light source placed on the nominal axis of the collimator is suitable for performing a light function with a cutoff.

[0077] The light sources 6, 106 are configured to be selectively controllable. Thus, it is possible to achieve two different lighting functions.

[0078] In a first example, the light source 6 is switched on alone to perform a first lighting function and the additional light source 106 is switched on alone to perform a second lighting function. In other words, while the light source 6 is switched on, the additional light source 106 is switched off, and while the additional light source 106 is switched on, the light source 6 is switched off.

[0079] In a second example, the light source 6 is switched on alone to perform a first lighting function and the additional light source 106 is switched on in addition to the light source 6 to perform a second lighting function. The light source 6 is controlled so as to emit a reduced luminous flux compared to that which it emits when it is switched on alone. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to perform a low beam function or a cut-off portion of a low beam type lighting function with only the light source 6 switched on, and a daytime running lamp (DRL) type lighting function when both sources 6, 106 are switched on. Alternatively, the light source 6 is controlled so as to emit an identical luminous flux or an increased luminous flux compared to that which it emits when it is switched on alone.This configuration is advantageous for achieving a road type light function instead of the daytime running light function of the previous configuration.

[0080] The number of light sources specific to said collimator is not limited to two. It may be higher. Advantageously, one of the light sources is positioned on the nominal axis 108, and the other light sources are distributed outside this axis, each being offset or not along the direction of the nominal axis 108 relative to the light source positioned on said optical axis, as explained above for the case of the additional light source. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to produce more than two light functions, or two light functions which could not be produced with only two light sources.Similar to what was described above for two light sources, they can be switched on alone, that is to say each for a specific lighting function, or in addition to each other, and in the latter case, either their luminous flux remains identical regardless of the lighting function in which they participate, or at least some of them are controlled so as to emit a different luminous flux according to said lighting function.

[0081] As in the example of Figure 7, the light module may also include multiple collimators. Each collimator is associated with two or more light sources, as described above. All light sources may be turned off, turned on, and / or controlled similarly to what is described above. Each light source, regardless of the collimator to which it is specific, may participate in the formation of one or more light functions.

[0082] In certain non-limiting examples, in connection with figures 7 and 8, no light source is located on the nominal axis 108 of the collimator 12. This configuration makes it possible to easily perform light functions without cutoff.

[0083] Generally speaking, the switching on and off of light sources and their control are ensured by control means not shown in the figures.

[0084] The light beam produced by the light module according to the invention is advantageously a beam following a regulatory automotive lighting function, commonly referred to as "low beam" (or "low-beam" in English), namely a lighting beam with a higher horizontal cut-off, with or without a step, depending on the various regulations in force on the date of filing of this application.

Claims

CLAIMS [Claim 1.] Light module (2) comprising: - an emitter (6, 12) of at least one light beam along a main axis (8); - an optical part (4) extending transversely to the main axis (8) and comprising input faces (4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.i, 4.1.j, 4.1.k, 4.1.1, 4.1.m, 4.1.n) facing the at least one light beam, and corresponding output faces (4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.i, 4.2.j, 4.2.k, 4.2.I, 4.2.m, 4.2.n), said input faces and corresponding output faces being arranged in a matrix, each input face forming with the corresponding output face a projection lens; characterized in that the projection lenses comprise one or more first afocal projection lenses having a first geometry (i, j, k, I, m) capable of forming a first light image (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.i, 10.j, 10.k, 10.1, 10.m), and one or more second afocal projection lenses having a second geometry (i, j, k, I, m) capable of forming a second light image (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.i, 10.j, 10.k, 10.1, 10.m). [Claim 2.] Light module (2) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first geometry (i, j, k, I, m) and the second geometry (i, j, k, I, m) has an intermediate focus in a horizontal direction and an intermediate focus in a vertical direction which is offset from the intermediate focus in the horizontal direction, when the light module (2) is in the operational position, so as to distort the corresponding light image. [Claim 3.] Light module (2) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the at least one light beam projects a rectangular image at infinity or is rectangular, and the first light image(s) (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) and the second light image(s) (10.1, 10.2, 10.3) form, at least in part, an illumination beam with an upper horizontal cut-off, when the light module is in the operational position. [Claim 4.] Light module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the emitter (6, 12) of at least one light beam comprises at least one light source (6) of the rectangular light-emitting diode type and at least one collimator (12) arranged in front of the at least one light source and configured to project to infinity an image of the at least one light source towards several of the input faces (4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.i, 4.1.j, 4.1.k, 4.1.1, 4.1.m, 4.1.n). [Claim 5.] Light module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the first light image(s) are wider and / or lower than the second light image(s). [Claim 6.] Light module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the exit face(s) of at least one (k, m) of the first geometry (i, j, k, I, m) and of the second geometry (i, j, k, I, m) has a concave profile so as to have at least one intermediate focus closer to said exit face than to the corresponding entry face. [Claim 7.] Light module (2) according to claim 6, in which the at least one intermediate focus closer to the exit face than to the corresponding entry face is located downstream, in a direction of propagation of light rays, of said exit face. [Claim 8.] Light module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which at least one (I) of the first geometry (i, j, k, I, m) and of the second geometry (i, j, k, I, m) has an exit face (4.2.1) generally inclined relative to an optical axis (8.I) of the corresponding projection lens, so as to shift the corresponding light image into a plane perpendicular to said optical axis. [Claim 9.] Light module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the first geometry (i, j, k, I, m) and the second geometry (i, j, k, I, m) has a generally convergent entry face. [Claim 10.] Light module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the projection lenses comprise one or more third projection lenses having a third geometry (i, j, k, I, m) capable of forming a third light image (10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.i, 10.j, 10.k, 10.1, 10.m). [Claim 11.] Light module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emitter (6, 12) of at least one light beam comprises at least two light sources (6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n, 106), in particular specific to a collimator (12), and at least some of these light sources (6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n, 106), in particular all of these light sources (6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n, 106), are configured to be switched on and / or controlled selectively. [Claim 12.] Light module (2) according to claim 11, wherein at least two light sources (6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n, 106), in particular specific to a collimator (12), are configured so that while a first of said two light sources is on, a second of said two light sources is off, and so that while said second of said two light sources is on, said first of said two light sources is off. [Claim 13.] Light module (2) according to claim 11, in which at least two light sources (6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n, 106), in particular specific to a collimator (12), are such that a first of the at least two light sources is configured to be lit alone and controlled to emit a first luminous flux, and that the at least two light sources are configured to be lit at the same time, the first of the at least two light sources being configured to then be controlled to emit a second luminous flux greater or less than the first luminous flux. [Claim 14.] Light module (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emitter (6, 12) of at least one light beam comprises at least three light sources (6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n, 106), in particular specific to a collimator (12), and these light sources (6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.n, 106) are configured to be lit and / or controlled in several groups, at least one group comprising several light sources.

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