FR3146334A1 - Lighting module - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Lighting module The invention relates to a lighting module comprising a primary lens (1), a projection lens (3) and at least one row (4) of light sources aligned in a direction (d). The primary lens has an optical axis (5) and comprises a primary input diopter (1a) and a primary output diopter (1b). The projection lens comprises a projection input diopter (3a) and a convex projection output diopter (3b). Light rays from the at least one row of light sources are configured to form a beam intercepting first the primary lens and second the projection lens. The projection output diopter has, in a plane (p) comprising the optical axis and the direction, a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm. The projection lens is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number greater than 50. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Lighting module

The present invention relates to the field of lighting, which includes signaling, and that of the organs, in particular optical organs, which participate therein. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of motor vehicles. In particular, it relates to a lighting module.

STATE OF THE ART

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

These modules must comply with current regulations by emitting light in the desired locations while limiting the brightness in certain areas. One of the constraints that manufacturers also face is reducing the size of the module in order to achieve a module that is as easy to use as possible.

In order to best achieve these different objectives, a technical solution implementing a device comprising light guides associated with light sources was proposed in document EP3511608. In order to limit or even reduce the brightness in areas that should remain dark, the technical solution implements a specific configuration of the light guides.

However, this type of technical solution has drawbacks, particularly the fact that it does not allow sufficient compactness.

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a lighting module making it possible to overcome the aforementioned drawback.

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

• une lentille primaire présentant un axe optique et comprenant un dioptre d’entrée primaire et un dioptre de sortie primaire,
• une lentille de projection comprenant un dioptre d’entrée de projection et un dioptre de sortie de projection convexe,
• au moins une rangée de sources lumineuses alignées selon une direction, des rayons lumineux issus de l’au moins une rangée de sources lumineuses étant configurés pour former un faisceau interceptant en premier la lentille primaire puis la lentille de projection et
• un plan comprenant l’axe optique et la direction,

caractérisé en ce que le dioptre de sortie de projection présente, dans le plan, un rayon de courbure supérieur ou égal à 100 mm et en ce que la lentille de projection est en un matériau transparent pour le spectre visible ayant un nombre d’Abbe supérieur à 50.To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a lighting module is provided comprising:

• a primary lens having an optical axis and comprising a primary input diopter and a primary output diopter,
• a projection lens comprising a projection input diopter and a convex projection output diopter,
• at least one row of light sources aligned in a direction, light rays from the at least one row of light sources being configured to form a beam first intercepting the primary lens then the projection lens and
• a plane including the optical axis and the direction,

characterized in that the projection exit diopter has, in the plane, a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm and in that the projection lens is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number greater than 50.

The configuration of the projection exit diopter and in particular the low value of its curvature makes it possible to reduce, in general, the occupation length of the lighting module 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, in the case of positioning several lighting modules next to each other, the configuration of the value of the radius of curvature makes it possible to obtain an assembly forming a single output diopter that can be defined by a single curvature (i.e. forming a smooth surface with no protruding areas). The fixing of a relatively low curvature associated with the positioning of a projection lens made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number greater than 50 makes it possible to compensate for the loss of vergence due to the low curvature of the diopter by a material with high optical power. All of the characteristics of the lighting module make it possible to obtain the desired control of the distribution of brightness while having a compactness necessary for easy use of the lighting module, in particular in the case of positioning several lighting modules joined together to form a line.

Another aspect relates to a lighting module comprising an intermediate lens having an intermediate entrance diopter and an intermediate exit diopter, the light rays from the at least one row of light sources being configured to form a beam intercepting the intermediate lens after having intercepted the primary lens and before having intercepted the projection lens.

Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate lens is positioned between the primary lens and the projection lens. The objective of positioning this intermediate lens is to reduce or even limit geometric aberrations.

Another aspect concerns a lighting assembly comprising at least one lighting module.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the invention provides a lighting assembly composed of at least one lighting module and in particular two, three, four, etc. lighting modules. This embodiment thus makes it possible to produce lighting of the desired configuration and extent resulting from the possibility of placing each row of light sources on a separate lighting module, all of the lighting modules of the assembly being able to be arranged in a variety of positions. For example, the lighting modules of the lighting assembly can be positioned so as to form a straight line, a stepped profile or any various curvatures in which the light rays from the modules illuminate towards the same flat surface.

Another aspect relates to a lighting assembly comprising at least two lighting modules positioned such that the planes of the at least two lighting modules are parallel, such that the projection output diopters of the at least two lighting modules are joined such as to form a line and such that, at each junction point between two adjacent lighting modules, the tangents of the two projection output diopters are superimposed, the projection output diopters having a radius of curvature having an identical value.

Thus, thanks to this embodiment and more precisely because of the significant value of the radius of curvature of the projection output diopters positioned along a straight line, the association of several lighting modules (illuminating towards the same flat surface) joined together makes it possible to obtain a single projection output diopter defined by a smooth curvature having no roughness. This configuration makes it possible to increase the compactness of the lighting assembly. Indeed, thanks to this embodiment, a single projection output diopter is common to all the lighting modules of the lighting assembly so as to form a uniform resulting illumination (unlike the illumination resulting from the combination of several lighting zones each being associated with a separate projection output diopter which have converged the light rays having passed through them).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of one embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

There represents a sectional view of the lighting module according to the invention where the path of the light rays can be observed.

There represents a top view of two lighting modules according to one embodiment of the invention.

There represents a top view of four lighting modules according to one embodiment of the invention.

There represents the primary entrance diopter according to one embodiment.

The drawings are given as examples 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

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

According to one example, the projection lens 3 is made of polymethylmethacrylate.

According to one example, the projection entrance diopter 3a is convex.

Thus, the positioning of a convex projection input diopter 3a makes it possible to obtain good imaging quality on the edges of the lens. Furthermore, the projection input diopter 3a participates with the entire imaging system in obtaining good imaging quality throughout the field and in compensating, due to its curvature, the orientation of the light rays due to the angular curve of the output diopter 3b of the projection lens 3.

In one example, the primary exit diopter 1b is convex.

Thus, in the same way as for the projection input diopter 3a, the primary output diopter 1b is convex so as to obtain good imaging quality on the edges.

According to one example, the primary entrance diopter 1a is convex and has a central zone 8 and two lateral zones 7 each positioned on a separate side of the central zone 8, the central zone 8 having, in the plane p, a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the two lateral zones 7.

This configuration makes it possible to obtain, at the level of the lateral zones of the primary entrance diopter 1a, a good imaging quality. Indeed, the light rays intercepting these lateral zones will thus converge more towards the optical axis (in comparison with the case where the lateral zones would not have a particularly small radius of curvature). The fact that the central zone has a relatively large radius of curvature makes it possible to obtain a large field in this central zone.

According to one example, the primary lens 1 is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an optical index less than 1.5, preferably the primary lens 1 is made of silicone.

Silicone is selected because it is a soft material. In the primary lens 1 configuration, the silicone portion is held by a more rigid polycarbonate surround (overmolded onto the silicone portion).

According to one example, the optical axis 5 is angularly offset relative to a secondary optical axis 6, the secondary optical axis 6 being the optical axis of the projection lens 3.

The angular offset between the optical axis 5 and the secondary optical axis 6 makes it possible to adapt to the curvature of the output diopter of the projection lens which can be asymmetrical while limiting the space occupied by the entire optical system. Indeed, in order for the output diopter of the projection lens to be correctly aligned with respect to the other lenses and with respect to the light sources, it is desirable for the optical axis 5 and the secondary optical axis 6 to be offset. Also, the shape of the intermediate lens and that of the input diopter of the projection lens can adapt accordingly to the angular offset between the optical axis 5 and the secondary optical axis 6 and the shape of the output diopter of the projection lens.

According to one example, the primary output diopter 1b and the projection input diopter 3a at the optical axis 5 are spaced apart by a distance dist, the intermediate output diopter 2b being located closer to the projection input diopter 3a than to the primary output diopter 1b, preferably the intermediate output diopter 2b being located at most one third of the distance dist from the projection input diopter 3a.

This configuration therefore makes it possible to reduce the volume occupied by the lighting module (which is linked to a low focal length) in order to obtain a more compact lighting module which is therefore easier to install.

According to one example, the intermediate lens 2 is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number less than 50, preferably the intermediate lens 2 is made of polycarbonate.

The intermediate lens 2 is made of polycarbonate because its properties are equivalent to those of “Flint” type glass (which has an Abbe number less than 50). The polycarbonate material of the intermediate lens compensates for the effects due to the polymethylmethacrylate material (which has an Abbe number greater than 50 like “Crown” type glass) of the projection lens 3. The combination of a material that has an Abbe number less than 50 with a material that has an Abbe number greater than 50 makes it possible to reduce chromatic aberrations.

According to one example, the intermediate entrance diopter 2a is concave and has in the plane p a curvature defined by a polynomial function.

This configuration allows for better compactness of the optical system and also allows for correction of field aberrations.

Thus, the fact that the curvature of the intermediate entrance diopter 2a is defined by a polynomial function makes it possible to obtain a greater compactness (in width and depth) of the lighting module. Furthermore, the selection of a polynomial function for the intermediate entrance diopter 2a makes it possible to set a large field for this diopter (thus making it possible to obtain a significant concentration of light towards the front of the lighting module and therefore to obtain good imaging quality) which is linked to obtaining a small focal length. Indeed, the selection of a polynomial function for the intermediate entrance diopter 2a makes it possible to produce an aspherical diopter, in order to reduce optical aberrations while having a large field and good optical performance.

In one example, the light assembly includes a lighting module configured to form a first near-field beam.

The fact that the first near-field beam is obtained with a lighting module comprising a primary lens and a projection lens (and not comprising an intermediate lens) is linked to the fact that a significant luminous flux and a significant beam width (which can be six times greater than that of the other beams of the lighting module) are sought for this beam and that pixelation is not sought for this beam at the level of the lighting resulting from this beam.

In one example, the light assembly includes a first lighting module, a second lighting module, and a third lighting module configured to form at least four light beams, the four light beams being a low beam cutoff beam, a first high beam supplement, a second near-field beam, and a second high beam supplement, in the p-plane, the first near-field beam being wider than the second near-field beam, the second high beam supplement having a complementary function to the first high beam supplement.

The second near-field beam (in comparison with the first near-field beam) is obtained by an illumination module comprising a primary lens, an intermediate lens and a projection lens. Thus, the resulting illumination (in comparison with the illumination from the first near-field beam) will exhibit pixelation.

The light assembly thus provides a complete lighting function so as to illuminate the front of the road optimally. The second additional high beam makes it possible to accentuate the lighting in certain areas that were not sufficiently illuminated by the first additional high beam.

In one example, the first lighting module and the second lighting module are configured to form the low beam cutoff beam and the first high beam supplement and the third lighting module is configured to form the second near beam and the second high beam supplement.

This configuration allows for the most complete lighting possible. In fact, it is possible to obtain lighting from separate modules, the location of the resulting lighting of which can be controlled individually.

In the features 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.

For the purposes of this description, the term "visible spectrum" means that part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceptible to humans is considered.

According to one embodiment, the lighting module comprises a primary lens 1, a projection lens 3 and at least one row 4 of light sources. The primary lens 1 has an optical axis 5. The primary lens 1 comprises a primary input diopter 1a and a primary output diopter 1b. The projection lens 3 comprises a projection input diopter 3a and a projection output diopter 3b. The projection output diopter 3b has a surface rounded towards the outside. The at least one row 4 comprises light sources arranged in a straight line in a direction d. Light rays from the at least one row 4 of light sources are configured to form a beam refracting first on the primary lens 1 and second on the projection lens 3. A plane p comprises the optical axis 5 and the direction d. Preferably, in an operational position of a module embedded in a vehicle, the plane p is horizontal.

The projection exit diopter 3b has, in the plane p (or in horizontal section), a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm.

The projection lens 3 is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number greater than 50.

The projection lens 3 may be made of polymethylmethacrylate. The exit diopter of the projection lens 3 may have a curvature along a vertical plane having a radius of a value between 25 mm and 60 mm, preferably of a value of 35 mm. The exit diopter of the projection lens 3 may have a curvature along a horizontal plane having a radius of a value greater than or equal to 100 mm and/or less than or equal to 300 mm, preferably of a value of 120 mm to plus or minus 10%.

Preferably, the optical module comprises a plurality of light guides. In this configuration, each light source is associated with a separate light guide. In order to ensure sufficient mechanical strength, the output faces of the light guides may be in contact with the primary input diopter 1a. In this way, the light guides and the primary lens 1 may form a single part. The light guides may have a length (taken in the direction of the optical axis) of between 4.5 mm and 12 mm (their length varying according to their transverse position relative to the optical axis). Indeed, given that the input diopter of the primary lens is curved, the light guides furthest from the optical axis will be the longest in comparison with the light guide (or two guides) located in contact with the optical axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the projection input diopter 3a forms in the plane p a curved line defined by a polynomial function.

The projection lens 3 can be toroidal or cylindrical.

Preferably, the projection entrance diopter 3a has a surface rounded towards the outside.

Advantageously, the primary output diopter 1b has a surface rounded towards the outside.

According to a preferred example, the primary entrance diopter 1a has a surface rounded towards the outside. Preferably, the primary entrance diopter 1a has a central zone 8 and two lateral zones 7 positioned on either side of the central zone 8. The central zone 8 forms, in the plane p, a curved line less re-entrant than that formed by the two lateral zones 7 in the same plane.

The entrance diopter and the exit diopter of the primary lens 1 can be defined in the plane p by a polynomial function. The central zone 8 of the entrance diopter of the primary lens 1 can have a radius of curvature having a value between 20 mm and 60 mm. The exit diopter of the primary lens 1 can have a radius of curvature having a value between 20 mm and 40 mm.

Advantageously, the primary lens 1 is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum, this material transparent to the visible spectrum having an optical index of less than 1.5. Preferably, the primary lens 1 is made of silicone.

The primary lens 1 may also be made of PMMA (whose optical index is 1.49) or of another plastic whose optical index is less than 1.5. According to an advantageous embodiment, the optical axis 5 and the direction d are orthogonal.

Advantageously, the optical axis 5 and the secondary optical axis 6 which is the optical axis of the projection lens 3 are directed in a different direction relative to each other.

The secondary optical axis 6 may be inclined relative to the optical axis 5 by a value between 0° and 5°, preferably this value may be 3.5°.

The primary lens 1 (and thus the optical axis 5) can be translated horizontally or vertically, so as to move the light sources in the field as desired.

According to a preferred example, the lighting module comprises an intermediate lens 2. The intermediate lens 2 has an intermediate input diopter 2a and an intermediate output diopter 2b. The light rays from the at least one row 4 of light sources are configured to form a beam refracting on the intermediate lens 2 after refracting on the primary lens 1 and before refracting on the projection lens 3.

Preferably, the primary output diopter 1b and the projection input diopter 3a at the optical axis 5 are separated by a distance dist. Preferably, the intermediate output diopter 2b is closer to the projection input diopter 3a than to the primary output diopter 1b. Preferably, the intermediate output diopter 2b is located at most one third of the distance dist from the projection input diopter 3a.

Preferably, the intermediate lens 2 is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum, this material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number of less than 50. Preferably, the intermediate lens 2 is made of polycarbonate.

The intermediate lens 2 can also be made of “Flint” type glass or plastic.

According to an advantageous example, the intermediate entrance diopter 2a has a curved hollow surface. Preferably, the intermediate entrance diopter 2a has in the plane p a curved line defined by a polynomial function.

The intermediate exit diopter 2b may be convex and have, in the plane p, a curvature defined by a polynomial function. The intermediate lens may be asymmetric.

The input diopter of the primary lens 1 is distant from the output diopter of the projection lens 3 by a distance of between 70 mm and 90 mm. The output diopter of the primary lens 1 is distant from the input diopter of the projection lens 3 by a distance of between 50 mm and 60 mm. These distances are taken into account at the level of the optical axis 5.

The intermediate lens and the projection lens may have a focal length of 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 rows 4 of the projection lens may be 35°.

Advantageously, the primary lens and the intermediate lens have a size of 30 by 60 mm (taking into account the fixing areas). In the case where the lighting modules 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 lighting modules 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.

Advantageously, the light sources of the at least one row 4 of light sources can be selectively switched on individually. Thus, thanks to this configuration, the LEDs of the lighting module can be selectively switched on or off so as to form the resulting lighting having 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.

In fact, selective activation of light sources makes it possible to obtain varied light beam configurations that can be adapted to various situations. Thus, the areas that need to be lit are lit and those whose brightness must be reduced due to regulatory constraints will also be lit.

This discretization of light is also called 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.

Thus, not all emissive elements are necessarily simultaneously active, i.e. emissive of light. This function allows the shape of the beam rendered 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 parasitic light from the optics.

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.

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.

Alternatively, the lighting module may also include the DBL function (for Dynamic Bending Light) which allows for a cut-off beam for dipped beam whose bent portion follows the curvature of the road.

According to a preferred example, the lighting assembly comprises at least one lighting module.

Preferably, the lighting assembly comprises a lighting module configured to produce a first near-field beam. In this lighting module, a row 4 of light sources is at the origin of this beam.

According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the lighting assembly comprises at least two lighting modules. The at least two lighting modules are positioned so that the directions d of the at least two lighting modules are parallel, so that the projection output diopters 3b of the at least two lighting modules are placed side by side one after the other and so that, at the contact between two adjacent lighting modules, the tangents of the two projection output diopters 3b are superimposed (this is so that at the junction between two adjacent projection output diopters 3b, the resulting curvature has a smooth zone and therefore does not have a projecting angular part). In this configuration, the optical axes 5 of the at least two lighting modules are directed towards the same flat surface. Preferably, the projection output diopters 3b have a radius of curvature having the same value.

Two adjacent 3b projection exit diopters may or may not be symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane, this vertical plane being parallel to the optical axis 5.

Advantageously, the lighting assembly comprises a first lighting module, a second lighting module and a third lighting module configured to produce at least four light beams. The four light beams are a cut-off beam for dipped beam, a first main beam supplement, a second near-field beam and a second main beam supplement. In the p-plane, the first near-field beam occupies a wider area than that occupied by the second near-field beam. The first main beam supplement has a main function relative to the second main beam supplement which has a secondary function, this so that the second main beam supplement makes it possible to illuminate the areas that were insufficiently illuminated by the first main beam supplement.

According to a preferred example, the first lighting module and the second lighting module are configured to produce the low beam cut-off beam and the first high beam supplement. Advantageously, the third lighting module is configured to produce the second near-field beam and the second high beam supplement.

A separate row 4 of light sources may be the origin of each formed light beam. Several rows 4 of light sources may participate together in forming the same light beam. Thus, in this manner, in the first lighting module, a row 4 of light sources and in the second lighting module, a row 4 of light sources may form the cut-off beam for low beam. In the same manner, in the first lighting module, another row 4 of light sources and in the second lighting module, another row 4 of light sources may form the first main supplementary beam. In the third lighting module, a row 4 of light sources may form the second near-field beam and another row 4 of light sources may form the second main supplementary beam.

The first near-field beam formed by the lighting module not including the intermediate lens may be six times wider than the other beams of the lighting module (i.e. the cut-off beam for low beam, the first supplementary main beam, the second near-field beam and the second supplementary main beam).

The low beam cut-off beam and the first high beam can be formed from 12 light sources. The second near-field beam can be formed from 8 light sources. The second high beam can be formed from 3 light sources. The first near-field beam can be formed from 6 to 8 light sources.

In the first lighting module and in the second lighting module, the row 4 of light sources forming the cut-off beam for low beam and that forming the first main beam can be positioned one below the other (being in contact) and can be parallel. Similarly, in the third lighting module, the row 4 of light sources forming the second near-field beam and that forming the second main beam can also be positioned one below the other (being in contact) and can be parallel.

For the third lighting module, the center of a light source of row 4 of light sources forming the second near-field beam and the center of a light source of row 4 of light sources forming the second main beam may be spaced 3 mm apart.

For the third lighting module, the centers of two adjacent light sources (in the same row) can be at a distance of 4 mm. For the first and second lighting modules, the centers of two adjacent light sources (in the same row) can be at a distance of 2 mm. The spacing between two light sources (in the same row) on the first and second lighting modules is less than the spacing between two adjacent light sources (in the same row) on the third lighting module because on the third lighting module, the light sources are larger (in comparison to those of the first and second lighting modules) and therefore the light guides are also larger.

The first and second near-field beams can also be called flat beams. They are projected broadly below the cutoff and are used to illuminate the near-field in front of the vehicle.

The low beam cut-off beam is used to define a cut-off zone. Thus, the combination of the near-field beams and the low beam cut-off beam makes it possible to at least partially define a low beam beam.

The dipped beam cut-off beam is therefore configured to produce, in dipped beam mode, a portion of dipped beam with cut-off. 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.

A near-field beam from a dipped beam 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.

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 high beam complement can therefore be a main part of the overall “high beam” beam and be associated with another beam participating in the dipped beam.

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

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

Advantageously, the LEDs have an emissive surface of 0.5 mm ² (for the first lighting module and for the second lighting module) and 1 mm ² (for the third lighting module and for the lighting module forming the first near-field beam). 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.

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

List of references
1. primary lens
1a. primary entrance diopter
1b. primary exit diopter
2. intermediate lens
2a. intermediate entrance diopter
2b. intermediate exit diopter
3. projection lens
3a. projection entrance diopter
3b. projection output diopter
4. at least one row of light sources
5. optical axis
6. secondary optical axis
7. side areas
8. central zone
d. direction
dist. distance
p. plan

Claims (16)

Lighting module including:

• a primary lens (1) having an optical axis (5) and comprising a primary input diopter (1a) and a primary output diopter (1b),
• a projection lens (3) comprising a projection entrance diopter (3a) and a convex projection exit diopter (3b),
• at least one row (4) of light sources aligned in a direction (d), light rays from the at least one row (4) of light sources being configured to form a beam intercepting first the primary lens (1) then the projection lens (3) and
• a plane (p) comprising the optical axis (5) and the direction (d)

characterized in that the projection exit diopter (3b) has, in the plane (p), a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 100 mm and in that the projection lens (3) is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number greater than 50. Lighting module according to the preceding claim in which the projection lens (3) is made of polymethylmethacrylate. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims in which the projection entrance diopter (3a) is convex. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims in which the primary output diopter (1b) is convex. Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the primary input diopter (1a) is convex and has a central zone (8) and two lateral zones (7) each positioned on a separate side of the central zone (8), the central zone (8) having, in the plane (p), a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the two lateral zones (7). Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims in which the primary lens (1) is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an optical index of less than 1.5, preferably the primary lens (1) is made of silicone. A lighting module according to any preceding claim wherein the optical axis (5) is angularly offset relative to a secondary optical axis (6), the secondary optical axis (6) being the optical axis of the projection lens (3). Lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an intermediate lens (2) having an intermediate entry diopter (2a) and an intermediate exit diopter (2b), the light rays coming from the at least one row (4) of light sources being configured to form a beam intercepting the intermediate lens (2) after having intercepted the primary lens (1) and before having intercepted the projection lens (3). Lighting module according to the preceding claim in which the primary output diopter (1b) and the projection input diopter (3a) at the optical axis (5) are spaced apart by a distance (dist), the intermediate output diopter (2b) being located closer to the projection input diopter (3a) than to the primary output diopter (1b), preferably the intermediate output diopter (2b) being located at most one third of the distance (dist) from the projection input diopter (3a). Lighting module according to any one of the two preceding claims in which the intermediate lens (2) is made of a material transparent to the visible spectrum having an Abbe number of less than 50, preferably the intermediate lens (2) is made of polycarbonate. Lighting module according to any one of claims 8 to 10 in which the intermediate input diopter (2a) is concave and has in the plane (p) a curvature defined by a polynomial function. Lighting assembly comprising at least one lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims. Lighting assembly according to the preceding claim comprising a lighting module according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and configured to form a first near-field beam. Lighting assembly according to either of the two preceding claims comprising at least two lighting modules positioned so that the planes (p) of the at least two lighting modules are parallel, so that the projection output diopters (3b) of the at least two lighting modules are joined so as to form a line and so that, at each junction point between two adjacent lighting modules, the tangents of the two projection output diopters (3b) are superimposed, the projection output diopters (3b) having a radius of curvature having an identical value. A lighting assembly according to claim 13 alone or in combination with claim 14 comprising a first lighting module, a second lighting module and a third lighting module according to any one of claims 8 to 11 configured to form at least four light beams, the four light beams being a cut-off beam for dipped beam, a first main beam, a second near-field beam and a second main beam, in the plane (p), the first near-field beam being wider than the second near-field beam, the second main beam having a complementary function to the first main beam. Lighting assembly according to the preceding claim, in which the first lighting module and the second lighting module are configured to form the cut-off beam for dipped beam and the first main beam and in which the third lighting module is configured to form the second near-field beam and the second main beam.