Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed is a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising: a first light emitting module (MC) comprising a first light emitting unit; a second light emitting module (MD) including a second light emitting unit; and an isolation cover (28) comprising: a cover element (29) covering the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit; and a partition wall (32CD) extending parallel to the optical axis (XO) and configured to block light rays (R2) emitted by the first light generator and oriented towards the second optical device and / or configured to block light rays emitted by the second light generator and oriented towards the first optical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting and light - emitting signaling, and more particularly to the field of motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles are provided with headlamps that project light, intended to make the vehicle clearly visible and to illuminate the environment around the vehicle. The shape of the light beam produced by these headlamps must allow for effective illumination while conforming to various automotive regulations, in particular so as not to dazzle other road users.

[0003] Patent document WO 2020 / 025171 A1 discloses a light - emitting module, in particular for a motor vehicle, which includes a collector having a reflective surface that collects and reflects the light rays emitted as a light beam by a light source. The light - emitting module also includes an optical projection device (such as a lens) that is specifically configured to project the light beam in question by forming an image of the reflective surface of the collector. To this end, the optical projection device has a focal point located on the reflective surface, for example at the rear edge of the reflective surface. This type of light - emitting module has the advantages of compactness (especially in terms of height) and simplicity of production. In the said document, the light - emitting module is combined with other light - emitting modules to form a headlamp that, in addition to the lighting function with a cut - off line (commonly referred to as dipped beam), also particularly performs a lighting function without a cut - off line, commonly referred to as main beam. Different light - emitting modules can be separated by partitions.

[0004] These lighting devices are complex to manufacture, especially because they include a large number of components and the high precision required for their positioning. In addition, these lighting devices sometimes include light leakage. Light leakage corresponds to the emission of light in an undesired direction. They can cause dazzle and reduce the perceived quality of the lighting device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for a motor vehicle that at least partially overcomes the above - mentioned drawbacks and improves the lighting devices known in the prior art.

[0007] More specifically, the present invention relates to a lighting device that is easy to assemble and has no light leakage. Description of the Invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising:

[0009] - A first light-emitting module, the first light-emitting module comprising: a first light-emitting unit, the first light-emitting unit comprising a first light generator and a first light collector, the first light collector being provided with a reflecting surface capable of reflecting the light emitted by the first light generator into a first light beam; and a first optical device, the first optical device being capable of projecting the first light beam along the optical axis of the lighting device,

[0010] - A second light-emitting module, the second light-emitting module comprising: a second light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit comprising a second light generator and a second light collector, the second light collector being provided with a reflecting surface capable of reflecting the light emitted by the second light generator into a second light beam; and a second optical device, the second optical device being capable of projecting the second light beam along the optical axis of the lighting device, and

[0011] - An isolation cover, the isolation cover comprising: a cover element, the cover element covering the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit; and a partition wall, the partition wall extending parallel to the optical axis and being configured to block the light from the first light generator and directed towards the second optical device and / or being configured to block the light from the second light generator and directed towards the first optical device.

[0012] The lighting device may individually or combinatorially include one or more of the following features.

[0013] The first optical device may include a reflecting surface configured to reflect the light beam from the first light collector along the optical axis of the lighting device. The second optical device may include a reflecting surface configured to reflect the light beam from the second light collector along the optical axis of the lighting device.

[0014] The partition wall may include an edge that extends parallel to the reflecting surface of the optical device of the first light-emitting module or the second light-emitting module, at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the reflecting surface and / or substantially extends to the middle height of the reflecting surface.

[0015] The first optical device may be adjacent to the second optical device and offset along the optical axis with respect to the second optical device, and a connecting wall parallel to the optical axis connects the first optical device to the second optical device, and the partition wall is coplanar with the connecting wall.

[0016] The first light-emitting module may include a reflecting surface configured to reflect the light beam from the first light collector towards the first optical device, and the isolation cover may include an insertion wall configured to block the light from the first light generator and directly directed towards the first optical device.

[0017] The isolation cover may be an integral element obtained by plastic injection molding.

[0018] The lighting device may include a third light-emitting module, which includes: a third light-emitting unit, which includes a third light generator and a third light collector, and the third light collector is provided with a reflecting surface capable of reflecting the light emitted by the third light generator into a third light beam; and a third optical device, which can project the third light beam along the optical axis of the lighting device. The isolation cover includes a second partition wall, which extends parallel to the optical axis and is configured to block the light from the second light generator and directed towards the third optical device and / or is configured to block the light from the third light generator and directed towards the second optical device.

[0019] The first light-emitting module may be configured to perform a high-beam lighting function. The second light-emitting module may be configured to perform a low-beam lighting function.

[0020] The light-emitting module may be a lighting module, that is, configured to generate one or more light-emitting functions for vehicle lighting.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a headlamp for a motor vehicle, which includes a lighting device as defined herein.

[0022] The headlamp may include a housing enclosed by a transparent outer lens, the lighting device is accommodated in the housing, and a cover element covers the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit, so that the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are not visible through the outer lens. Description of the Drawings

[0023] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following non-limiting description of specific embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the lighting device, in which the isolation cover of the lighting device is not shown.

[0026] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the lighting device, in which the isolation cover and the integrated optical element of the lighting device are not shown.

[0027] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the lighting device, in which the isolation cover of the lighting device is not shown.

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the integrated optical element of the lighting device.

[0029] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the integrated optical element.

[0030] Figure 7 is a first cross-sectional side view of the lighting device along the Figure 1 plane P1 identified in

[0031] Figure 8 is a second cross-sectional side view of the lighting device along the Figure 1 plane P2 identified in

[0032] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional top view of the shielding cover of the lighting device.

[0033] Figure 10 is a three-dimensional bottom view of the shielding cover of the lighting device.

[0034] Figure 11 is a top view of the lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 Disclosed is a lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 1 is intended to be incorporated into the headlamp of a vehicle. The headlamp is in particular the left front headlamp, where left and right are defined from the perspective of the vehicle driver sitting in the driver's position. Of course, the present invention can be transferred to the right front headlamp or even any other headlamp of the vehicle. The lighting device 1 is housed in a housing of the headlamp, and the housing is intended to be fastened to the vehicle. The housing is closed at the front by a transparent protective outer lens.

[0036] In this document, the X-axis represents the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When moving forward in a straight line, the vehicle advances from the rear to the front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X-axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, that is, in the reverse direction. The Y-axis represents the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y-axis is oriented from left to right. The Z-axis represents an axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The vehicle is considered to be parked on a horizontal ground. The Z-axis is a vertical axis oriented from the bottom to the top. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis form an orthogonal coordinate system. This same reference system defined with respect to the vehicle will also be used to describe the lighting device 1 even when it is considered to be outside the vehicle, since the lighting device is intended to be installed in the vehicle in a specific orientation.

[0037] The lighting device 1 is configured to perform a low beam lighting function and a high beam lighting function. The low beam lighting function is obtained by projecting a beam having a cut-off line between light and dark, i.e., there is an asymmetry between the right part and the left part of the beam so as not to dazzle another vehicle driver traveling in the opposite direction. In countries where traffic keeps to the right, i.e., it is usually stipulated that vehicles travel on the right part of the road, the left part of such a beam may not be illuminated as high as the right part of the beam. The high beam lighting function is obtained by projecting a beam stronger than the low beam. The beam for performing the high beam function does not necessarily have a cut-off line between light and dark and is mainly intended to be used when there is no vehicle driver traveling in the opposite direction.

[0038] As a variant, the lighting device 1 can also be configured such that it only performs one of the lighting functions, namely the low beam function and the high beam function. The beam from the lighting device 1 can generally be centered on an optical axis XO that is substantially parallel to the X-axis.

[0039] To perform these different lighting functions, the lighting device 1 includes a plurality of light-emitting modules arranged side by side along the Y-axis. In this case, the lighting device 1 includes five adjacent light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME. As a variant, the number of light-emitting modules can be different, in particular at least two, three, four, six, or even more light-emitting modules. This number can preferably be less than or equal to ten. Each light-emitting module can be intended to generate a beam that forms all or part of the low beam and / or high beam lighting function. Some light-emitting modules can, for example, contribute to both the low beam function and the high beam function.

[0040] According to the illustrated embodiment, the three light-emitting modules MA, MB, and MC positioned closer to the longitudinal central plane of the vehicle are particularly intended to each generate a component of the high beam. For example, the projection of the high beam in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis XO can be decomposed into three adjacent vertical zones, each vertical zone being illuminated by a separate light-emitting module MA, MB, or MC. The two light-emitting modules MD and ME positioned closer to the lateral edge of the vehicle are intended to each generate a component of the low beam. The projection of the low beam in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis XO can be decomposed into a central zone and a peripheral zone. The central zone (usually referred to as the "kink" zone) includes a cut-off line between light and dark that is configured to prevent dazzling of the driver traveling in the opposite direction to the vehicle. The kink beam can be defined as a beam having a cut-off line between light and dark that includes an inflection point. The central zone is illuminated by the light-emitting module MD. The peripheral zone (usually referred to as the "flat" zone) has a lower luminous intensity than the central zone and is illuminated by the light-emitting module ME. The flat beam can be defined as a beam having a cut-off line between light and dark that extends horizontally without an inflection point. The light-emitting module ME can also illuminate the central zone such that the luminous intensity of the central zone can be the result of the sum of the luminous intensities generated by the modules MD and ME.

[0041] In addition to the lighting function, the headlamp also contributes significantly to the overall appearance of the vehicle and thus also has an aesthetic function. For this purpose, the headlamp includes lines that blend harmoniously with the vehicle body. The protective outer lens of the headlamp particularly does not extend parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle, but extends obliquely towards the rear and the lateral edges of the vehicle. This shape imposes dimensional constraints on the lighting device 1, which thus has a front face that is generally inclined with respect to the optical axis XO. Since this is the left front headlamp, the front face of the lighting device 1 particularly extends generally obliquely towards the left and the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the different light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME are offset from each other along the optical axis XO. The light-emitting module ME is the light-emitting module that produces the widest light beam along the Y-axis among the five light-emitting modules. This light-emitting module is advantageously positioned at the location closest to the lateral edge of the vehicle so that the light beam it produces is not interfered with by the vehicle's grille.

[0042] In addition, the lighting device 1 can be visible through the protective outer lens and thus special attention must also be paid to its appearance.

[0043] Figure 2 The lighting device 1 without the shielding cover, which forms an upper cover of the lighting device, is shown. The lighting device 1 includes light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E for each light-emitting module MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME, and an integral optical element 3 shared by all the light-emitting modules. In the remainder of the specification, for easier reading, the suffixes A, B, C, D, and E will be added to the reference numerals to denote items that respectively belong to the light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME.

[0044] Each light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E includes at least one light source 4. The light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, and ME particularly each include a light generator containing four light sources 4. The light-emitting module MD includes a light generator 2D containing a single light source 4. Each light source 4 is preferably a light-emitting diode. The light sources 4 of all the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E are connected to the upper face of the same printed circuit board 5. The printed circuit board 5 is clearly visible in Figure 3 where the integral optical element 3 is not shown. As a variant, each light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E can include a different number of light sources, such as at least two, three, five, or even more light sources. This number can preferably be less than or equal to ten. The different light sources of the same light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E are preferably positioned side by side along the Y-axis.

[0045] The axis ZO can be defined as an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the printed circuit board 5 extends. The axis ZO can be oriented in the direction in which the light source 4 emits light, i.e., upward in the illustrated embodiment. The axis ZO can be perpendicular to the optical axis XO, but the angle between these two axes can also be different from 90°. This angle can be between 50° and 90°, particularly between 60° and 80°. An angle close to 70° is advantageous because it allows the condenser to be tilted and thus permits the light reflected by the optical means to pass above the condenser without being blocked by it, while limiting the vertical footprint of the module, which increases as the angle decreases. The axis YO can also be defined as an axis perpendicular to both the axes XO and ZO. Thus, the axes XO, YO, and ZO can define a coordinate system, particularly an orthogonal coordinate system, relative to the headlamp, which is independent of the coordinate system formed by the X, Y, and Z axes defined relative to the vehicle to which the headlamp is to be integrated. When the headlamp is installed in the vehicle and in its operating position, the axes XO, YO, and optionally ZO can be parallel or substantially parallel to the X, Y, and Z axes defined above.

[0046] The lighting device 1 further includes a heat sink 6 provided with cooling fins 7 extending downward. The heat sink 6 includes an upper surface 8 that bears against the lower surface of the printed circuit board 5 in order to dissipate the heat generated by the printed circuit board and the light source 4. The heat sink 6 further includes positioning pins 9 that engage corresponding positioning holes provided in the printed circuit board 5 and positioning holes 10 provided in the integrated optical element 3. The upper surface 8 of the heat sink 6 and the printed circuit board 5 can extend in a substantially horizontal plane. Finally, the heat sink 6 can include at least one fastening lug that enables the lighting device to be fastened in the housing of the headlamp.

[0047] The lighting device 1 further includes a first fastening screw 11 that engages a threaded hole provided in the heat sink 6, a first fastening hole formed in the integrated optical element, and a fastening hole formed in the printed circuit board 5 in order to rigidly connect these elements together. The printed circuit board 5 is thus clamped between the upper surface 8 of the heat sink and the integrated optical element 3 and is thus firmly held. In addition, the integrated optical element 3 is directly fastened to the heat sink 6, where a second fastening screw 13 passes through a second fastening hole 14 formed in the integrated optical element 3.

[0048] The integrated optical element 3 is in Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6It is particularly clearly visible. For each of the optical modules MA to ME, the integrated optical element 3 includes light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and optical projection devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. Each light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E is designed to directly receive light rays from the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E. Each light collector includes a first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, which is configured to reflect the light rays emitted by the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E into a light beam. Each optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E is designed to directly or indirectly receive light rays from the corresponding light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. According to the illustrated embodiment, each optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E includes a second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, which is configured to reflect the light rays from the corresponding light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E generally along the optical axis XO of the lighting device. As a variant, all or some of the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E may include optical lenses, and the light beams from the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E are respectively intended to pass through these optical lenses. The light beams from each optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E are directed towards the protective outer lens of the headlamp in order to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle. Since the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E are incorporated into the same component, these reflecting surfaces can be ideally positioned relative to each other without the need for a complex assembly process. Thus, an accurate light beam is produced. Thus, the road and / or the environment around the vehicle is ideally illuminated at the desired position.

[0049] The integrated optical element 3 is a part formed integrally, or in other words, a monolithic part. Advantageously, the integrated optical element 3 is obtained by plastic injection molding, that is, by a process of injecting plastic into a manufacturing mold. This process makes it possible to obtain parts with very high geometric precision.

[0050] The first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of each light-emitting module MA, MB, MC, MD or ME can be obtained by a metallization process. Then a metal coating or a coating with a metallic appearance is applied to the part produced by the injection molding process in order to obtain the reflecting surfaces.

[0051] Each of the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E may substantially include a dome shape protruding in a plane perpendicular to the printed circuit board 5. More specifically, each of the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E may include at least one paraboloid shape, and the light generator 2 is positioned at the focus of the paraboloid shape. The paraboloid shape of each of the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E is configured to collimate the light rays from the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, that is, the light rays reflected by each of the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E are substantially parallel to each other. The paraboloid shape of the first reflecting surface generally has a single focus, that is, a converging region of the light rays, such that the light rays emitted by the light source 4 placed in this converging region are projected over a long distance after being reflected by the first reflecting surface. "Projected over a long distance" means that these light rays do not converge towards a region located at a distance of at least ten times the size of the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. In other words, the light rays reflected by the first reflecting surface do not converge, or if they converge, their convergence point is located at a distance greater than or equal to ten times the size of the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. The paraboloid shape may optionally have a parabolic portion.

[0052] Alternatively, each of the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C of the optical modules MA, MB, MC may include at least one ellipsoid shape, and the light generator 2 is positioned at the focus of the ellipsoid shape. The ellipsoid shape of each of the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C is configured to converge the light rays from the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, that is, the light rays reflected by each of the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C are directed towards the corresponding second focus of each reflecting surface. The ellipsoid shape of the first reflecting surface generally has two foci, that is, two converging regions of the light rays, such that the light rays emitted by the light source placed in one of the two converging regions converge towards the other converging region after being reflected by the surface. The two foci are located near the surface, that is, within a space whose size is less than ten times the size of the reflector, particularly less than five times the size of the reflector. The ellipsoid shape may optionally have an elliptical portion. The second focus is positioned such that after the light rays are reflected by the corresponding third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C, they are imaged near the focus F of each corresponding second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C. Therefore, the light rays are reflected by each of the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C in the direction of the optical axis XO. This configuration is advantageous because it enables the generation of a focused beam.

[0053] There may also be some paraboloid first reflecting surfaces and other ellipsoid first reflecting surfaces, depending on the desired shape of the light beam emitted by each optical module respectively.

[0054] The association of the light generator and the light concentrator forms a lighting unit. According to the illustrated embodiment, the lighting device thus includes five lighting units, but as a variant, this number can be any number greater than or equal to two.

[0055] Since the fourth lighting module MD includes a single light source, the light concentrator 15D of this lighting module also includes a single paraboloid shape. The other lighting modules MA, MB, MC, and ME include light concentrators 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15E, and the reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17E of the light concentrators include as many paraboloid portions 191, 192, 193, 194 as the light sources 4 included in the lighting module. Each light source 4 of the same lighting module is positioned at the foci of the paraboloid-shaped portions 191, 192, 193, 194 of the light concentrators 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15E. In this case, since the lighting modules MA, MB, MC, and ME include four light sources 4, their corresponding reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17E each include four paraboloid portions 191, 192, 193, 194. These paraboloid portions are substantially adjacent to each other along the Y-axis. They are connected together by a ridge 20. To perform the dipped beam function, the reflecting surfaces 17D and 17E of the lighting modules MD and ME can be adapted such that they reflect the light rays emitted by the light generators 2D and 2E into a beam with a cut-off line between light and dark.

[0056] The optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E (which can also be referred to as reflectors) of each lighting module extend substantially vertically and laterally, i.e., at least generally perpendicular to the optical axis XO. It can include a generally rectangular profile. More specifically, each second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E has a generally curved shape and is provided with a focus F ( Figure 7 shown) located on the corresponding first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, particularly at the rear edge of the reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E.

[0057] The integrated optical element 3 further includes a base 21 that connects each of the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E to a corresponding optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. The base 21 is common to all of the light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME. The printed circuit boards 5 that support the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E of each light-emitting module are positioned on a first side of the base 21, and the corresponding light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E are positioned on a second side of the base 21 opposite the first side. According to the illustrated embodiment, the light collectors are positioned above the base 21 and the printed circuit boards 5 are positioned below the base, but as a variant, this configuration can be reversed. The base 21 is provided with openings 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E for allowing light rays from each of the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E to pass through towards the corresponding light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. The base 21 extends generally parallel to the printed circuit boards 5 and includes a surface for supporting against the printed circuit boards.

[0058] The integrated optical element 3 further includes a portion 23 that forms a protective cover for the printed circuit board 5. This portion 23 covers and protects the printed circuit board while providing sufficient space for the electronic components arranged on the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0059] As can be clearly seen in Figure 7 the cross-sectional view, the light rays R (represented by arrows) from the light collector 15E of the light-emitting module ME reach directly the corresponding optical device 16E. Similarly, the light rays from the light collector 15D of the light-emitting module MD reach directly the corresponding optical device 16D. In other words, the light rays are not redirected by any other optical elements interposed between the first reflecting surfaces 17D and 17E and the second reflecting surfaces 18D and 18E. Thus, the light rays generated by the light generators 2D and 2E undergo two reflections before being projected onto the road.

[0060] Conversely, and as in Figure 8As can be clearly seen in the cross-sectional view, the light rays R from the condenser 15B of the light-emitting module MB reach the optical device 16B indirectly. Similarly, the light rays from the condensers 15A and 15C of the light-emitting modules MA and MC reach the optical devices 16A and 16C indirectly. In particular, in each of the optical modules MA, MB, or MC, the integrated optical element 3 includes third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C, which are configured to reflect the light beams from the corresponding condensers 15A, 15B, 15C towards the corresponding optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C. The three reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C are flat. They are formed on the upper surface of the base 21 and thus perform a vertical inversion of the image projected by each of the condensers 15A, 15B, 15C, so that the lower part of the light beam has a greater intensity. Thus, each of the third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C is interposed between the corresponding first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C and the corresponding second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C in the propagation direction of the light rays. The combination of the third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C makes it possible to configure the light beam from the light-emitting module in order to perform the high-beam illumination function. Each of the third reflecting surfaces makes it possible to perform an upward inversion of the light beam, so that once the light beam is reflected by the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, the light beam is substantially above the horizontal plane, that is, it is angularly offset from the axis XO in the positive direction of the axis ZO substantially.

[0061] Each of the third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C extends generally in a plane that is inclined upward in the direction of the corresponding optical device 16A, 16B, 16C. Each of the third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C extends generally from the edge of the openings 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E to the base of the corresponding optical device 16A, 16B, 16C. In the same manner as the reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, the third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C can be obtained by a metallization process. The reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 24A, 24B and 24C can thus have a specular reflectivity of at least 85%.

[0062] Due to their inclination, the three reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C can form undulations that project from the lower surface of the integrated optical element 3. Advantageously, the upper surface 8 of the heat sink 6 includes an opening 25 (at Figure 3As can be seen in [description], this opening is suitable for making room for the third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C of the lighting modules MA, MB, and MC. The portion of the base 21 that extends between the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E of the lighting modules MD and ME is not intended to reflect light. This portion may optionally be textured, i.e., include sufficient roughness to prevent unwanted reflection of light.

[0063] According to another aspect of the invention, the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C of the lighting modules MA, MB, and MC are striated perpendicular to the optical axis XO, and in particular substantially parallel to the axis ZO. Thus, the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C of these lighting modules include a set of undulations 26, the profile of which extends substantially along the axis ZO. This makes it possible to blur the light beam from the lighting device and thus soften the contours of the projected image.

[0064] In order to correspond to the structural lines of the headlamp incorporating the lighting device 1, the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E of each lighting module are offset from one another along the optical axis XO. The lighting module MA is in particular the frontmost positioned lighting module, and the lighting module ME is the rearmost positioned lighting module. Thus, the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E are arranged in a substantially stepped manner. For all lighting modules, the distance separating the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E from the corresponding optical devices may be substantially the same. The second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of adjacent lighting modules are connected together by connection walls 27 that extend substantially parallel to the optical axis XO. These connection walls 27 may be textured to prevent unwanted reflection of light.

[0065] Finally, the integrated optical element 3 is a part that combines multiple functions: for each light-emitting module, the integrated optical element includes two or three reflective surfaces that enable the beam to be properly shaped and directed to perform the lighting function, particularly the high beam and / or low beam lighting functions. The integrated optical element includes reflective surfaces that interact with the multiple light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E to perform different lighting functions, particularly high beam lighting and low beam lighting. In addition, the integrated optical element 3 includes fastening means that enable it to be fastened to the radiator and hold the printed circuit board. The integrated optical element 3 also includes a portion that protects the printed circuit board. The integrated optical element 3 is both easy to manufacture and easy to assemble in the lighting device. The different reflective surfaces of the same light-emitting module are ideally positioned relative to each other, which enables a high optical precision to be achieved. In addition, the different light-emitting modules are also ideally positioned relative to each other. This enables the lighting function to be envisaged by means of multiple light-emitting modules that each generate a part of the projected image. Thus, each part of the projected image is ideally positioned relative to the other parts. As explained above, the lighting device may include only some of the above-mentioned light-emitting modules, particularly only one of the above-mentioned light-emitting modules.

[0066] The lighting device further includes a shield 28 that is configured to optically isolate the light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME. In addition, the shield 28 covers the light-emitting units of the lighting device, namely the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the associated light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, such that they are not visible through the outer lens of the headlight.

[0067] In Figure 9 and Figure 10 the shield 28 is shown separately in particular. The shield includes a cover element 29 that extends substantially horizontally above the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. The upper face of the shield 28 may be visible through the outer lens of the projector. This face may optionally support a decorative element.

[0068] The shield 28 includes fastening holes 30 that engage with fastening screws to fasten the shield to the radiator 6. The shield also includes blind positioning holes 31 that engage with the positioning pins 9.

[0069] The separator shroud 28 further includes partition walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE which extend parallel to the optical axis XO from the cover element 29 and separate the light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, ME. The partition walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE are configured to block light rays from the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E of the first light-emitting module and are directed towards the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E of the second light-emitting module adjacent to the first light-emitting module. Thus, the separator shroud 28 includes four partition walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE that separate the five light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME. As a variant, the separator shroud may include any other number of partition walls. If the lighting device 1 includes only two light-emitting modules, the separator shroud 28 may include only one partition wall. Generally, the separator shroud 28 preferably includes a number of partition walls equal to the number of light-emitting modules minus one. In addition, the separator shroud may include one or more auxiliary walls 33 that extend parallel to the partition walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE and along the outer edge of the lighting device 1. The partition walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE and the auxiliary walls 33 may extend by ribs 34 that extend longitudinally on the surface of the cover element 29. These ribs 34 increase the stiffness of the cover element 29 and are harmoniously incorporated into the extensions of the walls 32 and 33.

[0070] The partition walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE of the separator shroud 28 generally extend between the concentrators 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. They each include an edge 35 that extends a short distance from the second reflection surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. The distance by which the edge 35 is separated from the reflection surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E may preferably be less than or equal to 10 mm, or even less than or equal to 5 mm. The gap thus formed is small enough to prevent light rays from the concentrators 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E from passing from one light-emitting module to another. The partition walls 32 are coplanar with the connecting wall 27, i.e., each partition wall is arranged in the extension of the connecting wall 27.

[0071] The partition walls 32AB, 32BC, and 32CD can extend substantially along the Z-axis or along the axis ZO up to the middle height of the reflective surface. However, the partition wall 32DE that separates the light-emitting modules MD and ME can be lower than the other partition walls so that it does not block the light rays reflected by the second reflective surface 18E of the light-emitting module ME. The light rays generated by this light-emitting module have a particularly wide angle so that both sides of the road are well illuminated. Generally, compared with the partition wall between two modules that both produce narrow beams, the partition wall between two light-emitting modules where at least one light-emitting module produces a beam with a particularly wide angle advantageously has a reduced height. A particularly wide angle means an angle greater than or equal to 25° relative to the axis XO.

[0072] The shield 28 further includes insertion walls 36A, 36B, 36C that are configured to block the light rays from the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C of the light-emitting modules MA, MB, and MC and that are directed directly towards the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C. Accordingly, the insertion walls 36A, 36B, 36C are masks that prevent the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C from directly illuminating the second reflective surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C. The insertion walls 36A, 36B, 36C include upper edges through which they are connected to the lower face of the cover element 29. As can be seen in Figure 8 the insertion walls 36A, 36B, 36C can extend downward from the cover element 29 and be located above the third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C. The insertion walls 36A, 36B, 36C can also extend slightly inclined in the direction of the light generator 2.

[0073] For the light-emitting modules MD and ME, the shield 28 does not include insertion walls. However, the heat sink 6 advantageously includes shielding elements 37D, 37E that project through the printed circuit board 5 by means of holes provided for this purpose. The shielding elements 37D, 37E are inserted between each light source 4 and the optical devices 16D and 16E in order to prevent the light source from directly illuminating the optical device. As a variant, the shielding elements 37D, 37E can be obtained using blocking devices such as metal shields fastened to the surface of the printed circuit board 5. However, this solution cannot be used for the light-emitting modules MA, MB, and MC because the blocking devices arranged in this way would also block the light rays reflected by the first reflective surface and directed towards the third reflective surface.

[0074] The shield 28 is also a one-piece element. It is advantageously manufactured by plastic injection molding. The shield is not intended to reflect light rays towards the illumination area but, on the contrary, to block unwanted light rays. The shield 28 is preferably black so that it absorbs the light rays reaching it.

[0075] Each of the light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME can be enabled independently of one another. When the light source 4 generates light, the light first reaches the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. The parabolic shape of the first reflecting surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E enables the light to be redirected in a selected orientation in order to perform the high beam or low beam lighting function. For the light-emitting modules MA, MB, and MC, most of the light is then directed towards the third reflecting surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C, and then towards the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C. For the light-emitting modules MD and ME, most of the light is then directed directly towards the second reflecting surfaces 18D and 18E. The light from the light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC, MD, and ME then leaves the lighting device by passing above the separator 28, and then passes through the protective outer lens of the headlamp and illuminates the road.

[0076] As Figure 8 and Figure 11 shown, some of the light (shown as dashed lines) does not follow the expected trajectory and is blocked by the separator 28. Some of the light R1 from the light-emitting modules MA, MB, MC is directed overly upwards and is blocked by the interposed walls 36A, 36B, 36C. Other light rays R2 are directed towards the second reflecting surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of the adjacent light-emitting modules and are blocked by the partition walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE. Some of the light R3 generated by the fifth light-emitting module ME is reflected by the second reflecting surface 18E and then passes above the partition wall 32DE and above the cover element 29 arranged between the fourth light-emitting module MD and the fifth light-emitting module ME, such that they produce a wide-angle beam. Finally, only the correctly directed light is projected outside the lighting device 1. Thus, the quality and precision of the light beam are optimized.

[0077] In addition, the separator 28 partially covers the integrated optical element 3, which improves the aesthetics of the lighting device; the light source 4 is also better protected from solar radiation and there is less risk of damage or overheating.

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, said lighting device comprising: - A first light-emitting module (MC), said first light-emitting module comprising: a first light-emitting unit, said first light-emitting unit comprising a first light generator (2C) and a first light collector (15C), said first light collector being provided with a reflecting surface (17C) capable of reflecting the light emitted by said first light generator into a first light beam; and A first optical device (16C) capable of projecting said first light beam along the optical axis (XO) of said lighting device, - A second light-emitting module (MD), said second light-emitting module comprising: a second light-emitting unit, said second light-emitting unit comprising a second light generator (2D) and a second light collector (15D), said second light collector being provided with a reflecting surface (17D) capable of reflecting the light emitted by said second light generator into a second light beam; and A second optical device (16D) capable of projecting said second light beam along the optical axis of said lighting device, and - A separator cover (28), said separator cover comprising: a cover element (29) covering said first light-emitting unit and said second light-emitting unit; and a partition wall (32CD) extending parallel to said optical axis (XO) and configured to block the light (R2) coming from said first light generator and directed towards said second optical device and / or configured to block the light coming from said second light generator and directed towards said first optical device.

2. The lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first optical device (16C) comprises a reflecting surface (18C) configured to reflect the light beam from said first light collector (15C) along the optical axis (XO) of said lighting device, and / or said second optical device (16D) comprises a reflecting surface (18D) configured to reflect the light beam from said second light collector (15D) along the optical axis (XO) of said lighting device.

3. The lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said partition wall (32CD) comprises an edge (35) extending parallel to the reflecting surface of the optical device (16C, 16D) of said first light-emitting module or said second light-emitting module, at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from said reflecting surface and / or substantially extending to the middle height of said reflecting surface.

4. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first optical device (16C) is adjacent to said second optical device (16D) and is offset along said optical axis (XO) with respect to said second optical device, a connecting wall (27) parallel to said optical axis connects said first optical device to said second optical device, and said partition wall (32CD) is coplanar with said connecting wall.

5. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first light emitting module (MC) includes a reflective surface (24C) configured to reflect a light beam from the first light collector (15C) towards the first optical device (16C), and the shield (28) includes an interposed wall (36C) configured to block light rays that come from the first light generator (2) and are directly directed towards the first optical device.

6. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shield (28) is a one-piece element obtained by plastic injection molding.

7. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device includes a third light emitting module (ME), the third light emitting module including: a third light emitting unit including a third light generator (2E) and a third light collector (15E), the third light collector being provided with a reflective surface (17E) capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the third light generator into a third light beam; and a third optical device (16E) capable of projecting the third light beam along the optical axis (XO) of the lighting device, the shield (28) including a second partition wall (32DE) extending parallel to the optical axis and configured to block light rays that come from the second light generator and are directed towards the third optical device and / or configured to block light rays that come from the third light generator and are directed towards the second optical device.

8. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light emitting module (MC) is configured to perform a high beam lighting function, and / or the second light emitting module (MD) is configured to perform a low beam lighting function.

9. A headlamp for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the headlamp includes at least one lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The headlamp according to the previous claim, characterized in that the headlamp includes a housing enclosed by a transparent outer lens, the lighting device (1) being received in the housing, and a cover element (29) covering the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit such that the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are not visible through the outer lens.

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