Light module for motor vehicle headlight

Abstract

Light module (3) for a headlight (2) of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of sub-modules (30), each sub-module (30) producing a light sub-beam, an optical projection unit (6) comprising at least one projection lens (63) configured to project at least one of the light sub-beams, and a separator (7) configured to be fixed on the optical projection unit (6) and to separate, in particular at said optical projection unit (6), at least two sub-beams specific to different sub-modules (30).

Description

Light module for motor vehicle headlight.

[0001] The invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight and to a headlight comprising said module. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a headlight according to the invention.

[0002] Motor vehicles are conventionally equipped with headlamps, particularly front ones, or headlights, intended to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle at night or in low light conditions. A headlamp comprises at least one light module composed of a light source. A projection optical unit comprising at least one projection lens is mounted in the module to guide at least one light beam from the light source in a suitable manner onto the roadway.

[0003] In particular, a single module may comprise a plurality of sub-modules. Each sub-module comprises at least one light source specific to it and cooperating with the optical projection unit of the light module, and in particular the projection lens. Such sub-modules may advantageously have distinct lighting functions and / or uses.

[0004] In order to prevent light leaks between sub-modules and to provide a suitable illuminated appearance for each of the sub-modules considered, it is known to equip a separator within the module. Such a separator conventionally comprises a plurality of walls, at least a portion of said walls being configured to separate light beams from adjacent sub-modules. Such a separator is conventionally equipped on components of the module such as its housing or on a heat sink. Such a separator nevertheless does not have suitable performance, light leaks being observed between sub-modules.

[0005] Furthermore, such separators can negatively affect the aesthetic appearance of the projector, in particular by making components inside the projector visible, for example by reflection.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and aims to provide a light module comprising a plurality of sub-modules having optimized lighting, without light leakage between sub-modules. Another objective of the invention is to provide a light module having a pleasant aesthetic appearance when it is switched off.

[0007] The invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight characterized in that it comprises:- a plurality of sub-modules, each sub-module comprising at least one light source configured to produce a light sub-beam;- an optical projection unit comprising at least one peripheral edge and a projection zone, the projection zone being configured to project the light sub-beams, and comprising at least one projection lens carried by the at least one peripheral edge, the projection lens being configured to project at least one of the light sub-beams;- a separator fixed to the at least one peripheral edge of the optical projection unit and comprising at least one intermediate wall configured to separate at least two light sub-beams specific to distinct sub-modules.

[0008] The splitter may be attached only to the projection optical unit. The splitter is then assembled to the rest of the light module only via the projection optical unit. In other words, the splitter is attached to the projection optical unit, thus forming an "independent" assembly that can be handled as a single element, and then this "independent" assembly is attached to one or more other parts of the light module only via the projection optical unit, i.e., only the projection optical unit will be attached to one or more other parts of the light module. For example, the projection optical unit may then be attached at least in part to a heat sink of the light module.

[0009] The separator may be in contact only with the projection optical unit, and in particular only with the at least one peripheral edge of the projection optical unit. Since the separator is assembled to the rest of the light module via the projection optical unit, it is not necessary for the separator to be in contact with another part of the light module.

[0010] The optical projection unit may comprise at least two peripheral edges, in particular opposite one another, at least one of the peripheral edges comprising at least one member for fixing the separator, the separator comprising at least one fixing element configured to cooperate with the at least one member for fixing the optical unit.

[0011] The separator may extend essentially in a volume delimited by the at least one peripheral edge and the projection zone of the projection optical unit. By "extends essentially", it is meant that at least 50%, or even 75% of the separator extends in such a volume so as to reduce the space requirement generated. In particular, at least 80%, or even 90% or 100% of the separator may extend in said volume. In particular, when the projection optical unit comprises several peripheral edges, the separator extends mainly between these peripheral edges.

[0012] In other words, the projection optical unit surrounds the separator. The at least one peripheral edge and the projection area create a recess in which the separator is arranged. This arrangement makes it possible to minimize the size of the light module, since it thus avoids the separator being arranged around the projection optical unit.

[0013] The separator may comprise at least one rim configured to come into contact with and / or abut the at least one peripheral edge of the optical unit.

[0014] The splitter can be attached to the projection optical unit by clipping. In particular, the splitter can comprise at least one clip-on type fastening element and / or guide for fastening the splitter to the projection optical unit. When the splitter is attached only to the projection optical unit, it is thus possible to attach the splitter to the projection optical unit by clipping, and to avoid using fastening screws to fasten the splitter to the rest of the light module. Indeed, as the splitter is not in contact with any other part of the light module, it does not support any force, and the clip makes it possible to guarantee a precise position of the splitter relative to the projection optical unit. In addition, the clip-on fastening of the splitter avoids the use of fastening screws to fasten the splitter, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the light module.

[0015] The projection zone, in particular the at least one projection lens, may comprise an entry face, facing at least one of the light sources, the at least one intermediate wall being arranged so as to extend at a non-zero distance from the entry face, said distance being less than or equal to 2 mm, in particular less than or equal to 1 mm, or even less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

[0016] The separator may be made:- of a plastic material, such as polycarbonate, polypropylene and / or polyamide; and / or- of a material having a black color; and / or- of a material with a matte appearance.

[0017] The projection area of ​​the optical block may comprise a plurality of projection lenses, each projection lens being specific to a sub-module of the plurality of sub-modules.

[0018] Optionally, at least one of the sub-modules may comprise a collector comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light source specific to said sub-module so as to form the light sub-beam and at least one projection lens, included in the optical projection block, said projection lens being configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector.

[0019] The invention also relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module according to the invention.

[0020] The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising a headlight as described above.

[0021] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, in relation to the various examples of embodiment illustrated in the following figures:

[0022] This is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle comprising a projector comprising a light module.

[0023] This is a perspective representation of an exemplary embodiment of the light module according to the invention.

[0024] This is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the light module according to the invention.

[0025] This is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the light module according to the invention.

[0026] This is a schematic perspective representation of an assembly formed by an optical block and a separator of the light module.

[0027] This is a schematic perspective representation of the assembly formed by the optical block and the splitter when they are separated.

[0028] This is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the assembly formed by the optical block and the separator of the light module.

[0029] This is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the assembly formed by the optical block and the separator of the light module.

[0030] Diagrammatically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 equipped with a headlight 2. Figures 2 to 4 represent an exemplary embodiment of a light module 3 according to the invention for such a motor vehicle headlight 2. In this case and in a non-limiting manner, the headlight 2 considered is a front headlight 2.

[0031] By convention in the description below, the direction in which a motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 usually moves along the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rearward direction. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y, in other words orthogonal to the ground on which the vehicle 1 rests, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct reference frame XYZ is defined, represented in the figures requiring it.

[0032] Also, the terms “first” and “second” are intended to distinguish similar components and not to establish a hierarchy within said components.

[0033] Generally, as illustrated in 4, the light module 3 comprises a plurality of sub-modules 30. Each sub-module comprises at least one light source 4 configured to produce a light sub-beam. Each sub-module 30 extends at least partly into an optical cavity 5 of the light module 3 which is specific to it. The term “optical cavity” means a volume included in a housing or an external structure delimiting the light module 3 in which the sub-module 30 in question extends at least partly, in particular at least one light source 4 specific to said sub-module 30.

[0034] As further explained below, the sub-beams specific to the sub-modules 30 can be configured to be superimposed and / or juxtaposed. Also, the sub-beams are preferably selectively activatable. The overall light beam projected onto the road thus results from the superposition and / or juxtaposition of the sub-beams, and can for example be adapted to the traffic conditions thanks to the independent activation and deactivation of each sub-beam.

[0035] The light source 4 is advantageously of the semiconductor type, in particular of the light-emitting diode type. Advantageously, a light sub-module 30 may comprise a plurality of light sources 4, which can be selectively activated.

[0036] The light module 3 further comprises an optical projection unit 6. Generally, the optical unit 6 comprises a projection zone 61 configured to project the light sub-beams produced by the light sub-modules 30 towards a roadway on which the vehicle 1 is traveling, and at least one peripheral edge 62, connected to the projection zone 61. The projection zone 61 comprises at least one projection lens 63 such that the at least one projection lens 63 is directly or indirectly carried by the at least one peripheral edge 62. The projection lens 63 is configured to project at least one light sub-beam towards the roadway.

[0037] The at least one peripheral edge 62 extends at least partly transversely to the projection zone 61, in particular to the at least one projection lens 63. It is configured to cooperate with a front part of the light module 3 so that the optical unit 6 is equipped at the front of said module. For example, the at least one peripheral edge 62 may comprise at least one attachment means 64, such as an elastically deformable rail, pin or clip, configured to cooperate with the housing of the module.

[0038] According to a first exemplary embodiment, not shown, the projection zone 61 is formed by the projection lens 63. The projection lens 63 is then common to the plurality of light sub-modules 30. The optical unit 6 then comprises a single projection lens 63 configured to project the different sub-beams specific to the different sub-modules 30. The common projection lens 63 has a generally curved horizontal profile and entry and exit faces. At least one portion of the common projection lens 63 extends longitudinally opposite each optical cavity 5 housing one of the sub-modules 30 so as to project the sub-beams specific to said sub-modules 30, all of the different portions forming part of a whole forming the common projection lens 63.

[0039] Alternatively, as visible in the, the different sub-modules 30 can each be associated with a projection lens 63 of its own. The light module 3 then comprises a plurality of projection lenses 63 juxtaposed and assembled so as to form the projection zone 61 of the optical projection unit 6. Similar to what has been explained previously, the projection zone 61 has a generally curved horizontal profile as well as an entry face 65a, facing the at least one light source 4, and an exit face 65b, facing the environment outside the light module 3. In particular, the projection zone 61 of the optical unit 6 comprises an exit face 65b, forming a smooth, curved, or curved shape towards the environment outside the light module 3. The term "smooth" means an area derivable at any point, in other words an area without a protruding or re-entrant edge.

[0040] The input face 65a of the optical projection unit 6 is then formed by the combination of internal faces of the different juxtaposed projection lenses 63 to form the projection zone 61. Such an input face 65a may be at least partly continuous or, alternatively, at least a portion of the projection lenses 63 may have an internal face that is curved, or domed, towards the at least one light source 4 so that the input face 65a of the optical unit 6 comprises successive undulations corresponding to the internal faces of said projection lenses 63.

[0041] The light module 3 according to the invention further comprises a separator 7 configured to be fixed on the at least one peripheral edge 62 of the optical projection unit 6. The separator 7 is thus configured to extend, within the light module 3 and along the longitudinal direction X, between the projection zone 61, in particular the at least one projection lens 63 of the optical unit 6, and the light sources 4 specific to different sub-modules 30. The separator 7 comprises at least one intermediate wall 71 configured to separate at least in part at least two sub-beams specific to distinct sub-modules 30. In particular, such a separator 7 is configured to separate two sub-beams specific to distinct sub-modules 30 at the level of the optical projection unit 6, that is to say within a volume delimited by the at least one peripheral edge 62 and the projection zone 61 of the optical projection unit 6.

[0042] The splitter 7 makes it possible to prevent light leaks between the sub-beams of separate sub-modules 30 within the light module 3, in particular before the sub-beams reach the optical projection unit 6. The splitter thus prevents certain light rays included in the light sub-beam produced by a sub-module 30 in question from reaching a portion of the projection zone 61 of the optical projection unit 6 intended to receive the light sub-beam of another light sub-module 30, for example another portion of the projection lens 63 specific to another light sub-module 30 or a projection lens 63 specific to another light sub-module 30. In other words, said splitter 7 ensures that the light intended to form a sub-beam does not illuminate an area on the road intended to be illuminated only by one or more other sub-beams.Thus, the projected sub-beams only illuminate a predetermined area on the roadway.

[0043] The separator 7 is configured to be fixed to the rest of the light module, in particular to the housing of the light module 3, only by means of the optical projection unit 6. The separator 7 is not fixed directly to the housing of the light module 3. In other words, the separator is not in contact with the rest of the light module 3, in particular the housing. The optical projection unit 6 and the separator 7 thus form an assembly "independent" of the rest of the light module 3, that is to say that once assembled, they form an assembly which can be handled as a single element and separated from the rest of the light module 3, for example from the housing thereof.

[0044] The separator 7 can thus be positioned as close as possible to the projection zone 61 of the optical projection unit 6, that is to say to the at least one projection lens 63, which makes it possible to minimize light leaks and stray rays passing from one sub-module 30 to another, in particular at the level of the optical unit 6. The fixing of the separator 7 directly on the optical unit 6 also advantageously makes it possible to simplify the handling and assembly of the light module 3. It also makes it possible to minimize the chain of dimensions between the separator 7 and the optical projection unit 6.

[0045] Generally and preferably, the separator 7 comprises a frame 72 connected to the at least one intermediate wall 71. The frame 72 comprises at least one peripheral wall 73. The peripheral wall 73 may be a lateral peripheral wall 73a, an upper peripheral wall 73b or a lower peripheral wall 73c, as further explained below. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the fixing of the separator 7 on the optical unit 6 is carried out by means of the frame 72. The frame 72 may be open, that is to say that one or more peripheral walls 73 are inscribed in a non-continuous and non-closed contour, or the frame 72 may be closed.

[0046] In particular, the separator 7 can be dimensioned and fixed so that the frame 72 and the at least one intermediate wall 71 extend essentially in the volume delimited by the optical block 6, that is to say delimited by the at least one peripheral edge 62 and the projection zone 61. By "essentially" is meant that at least 50%, or even 75% of the separator 7 extends in such a volume so as to reduce the bulk generated. In particular, at least 80%, or even 90% or 100% of the separator 7 can extend in said volume.

[0047] Preferably, all or part of the frame 72 and the at least one intermediate wall 71 form a single-piece assembly. The separator 7 is in particular made of a plastic material, such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP) and / or polyamide (PA) or any other rigid plastic material.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the separator 7 is preferably made of a material having a black color and / or in a material with a matte appearance. Such characteristics are intended in particular to improve the aesthetic appearance of the light module 3, and in particular its unlit appearance. Indeed, such a separator 7 reduces, or even eliminates, the visibility of the various components equipping the interior of the module, in particular arranged in the volume delimited by the module housing. Said components are in particular arranged towards the rear half, along the longitudinal direction X, of the light module 3 and may be the light sources 4, a printed circuit or PCB, from its English expression Printed Circuit Board, configured to control at least one light source 4, a radiator or even a reflector element of a sub-beam arranged inside the module.In this way, when the module is switched off, the light coming from outside the light module 3 which reaches the optical projection unit 6 is absorbed, at least in part, by the separator 7, which prevents it from illuminating the interior of said module.

[0049] The separator 7 then has a dual function and simultaneously makes it possible to minimize light leaks between sub-modules 30 and to improve the visual rendering of the light module 3.

[0050] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate particular examples of the embodiment of the optical block 6 and the separator 7 as well as their cooperation so as to form an assembly to be assembled on the housing of the light module 3.

[0051] As illustrated, the optical projection unit 6 may comprise, in a particular but preferential manner, at least two peripheral edges 62. In particular, such peripheral edges 62 may be opposite. Said edges may thus be lateral peripheral edges 62a or upper 62b and lower 62c peripheral edges. Alternatively, the peripheral edges 62 considered may be adjacent edges.

[0052] At least one of said peripheral edges 62 comprises at least one fixing member 66 of the separator 7. In particular, as illustrated, the same peripheral edge 62 may comprise a plurality of separate fixing members 66. The fixing member 66 may have, in a non-limiting manner, the shape of an orifice, a clip or even a pin. The fixing member 66 is included in the optical unit 6, that is to say that it is neither removable nor attached.

[0053] In combination, the separator 7 then comprises at least one fixing element 74 configured to cooperate with the at least one fixing member 66 of the optical unit 6. Such a fixing element 74 may in particular be arranged in one of the peripheral walls 73 included in the frame 72 of the separator 7. According to an alternative not shown, the at least one fixing element may be carried by the at least one intermediate wall 71. The fixing element 74 has a shape complementary to that of the fixing member 66, so it may be an orifice, a clip or even a pin.

[0054] In the illustrated example, a first lateral peripheral edge 62a comprises two orifices. Each of said orifices is configured to receive a fixing element 74 of the clip or pin type included in a first lateral peripheral wall 73a of the frame 72 of the separator 7. Also, a second lateral peripheral edge 62a of the optical unit 6, opposite the first lateral peripheral edge 62a, also comprises two openings configured to each receive a fixing element 74, for example of the guide element type, included in a second lateral peripheral wall 73 of the frame 72 of the separator 7, opposite the first lateral peripheral wall 73. The use of fixing elements 74 of the clipping and / or guide type, included in the separator and not added, advantageously makes it possible, unlike screws, to reduce the dimensions of the separator 7 and, by extension, of the optical unit 6.It is understood that the illustrated example is in no way limiting and that the number, position and type of fixing member(s) and fixing element(s) may be modified. It is also understood that the type of fixing implemented may be reversed between the fixing element 74 and the fixing member 66.

[0055] More particularly, according to the illustrated embodiment, the optical projection unit 6 may comprise at least three peripheral edges 62 as described previously.

[0056] The separator 7 may, in addition, comprise at least one rim 75 configured to come into contact with and / or abut one of the peripheral edges 62 of the optical unit.

[0057] The rim 75 is configured to extend transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the peripheral edge 62 opposite which it extends when the separator 7 is mounted on the optical unit 6. The separator 7 may thus comprise a plurality of peripheral walls 73, at least one of said peripheral walls 73 comprising the aforementioned rim 75. Also, at least one of the peripheral walls 73 comprises the at least one fixing element 74. Preferably, the rim 75 and the at least one fixing element 74 are included in separate peripheral walls of the frame 72 of the separator 7. Alternatively, the rim 75 and the at least one fixing element 74 may be included in the same peripheral wall 73.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the first lateral peripheral wall 73a and the second lateral peripheral wall 73a comprise fixing elements in a manner similar to that described previously. The lower peripheral wall 73c and the upper peripheral wall 73b, connecting the lateral peripheral walls 73a to each other, each comprise an example of a rim 75 of different shape and size. For example, in the case of the lower peripheral 73c, the rim 75 is configured to bear and / or abut the lower peripheral edge 62c of the optical unit 6 along at least one direction, in particular along the longitudinal direction X and / or vertical direction Z.

[0059] According to the various examples mentioned above, the frame 72 of the separator 7 can thus comprise a greater or lesser number of peripheral walls 73. Increasing the number of peripheral walls 73 advantageously makes it possible to improve the fixing of the separator 7 on the optical projection unit 6 by allowing the multiplication of the contact zones with the optical unit 6 and / or by allowing the multiplication of the number of fixing elements 74 and / or by distributing said fixing elements 74 along the frame 72. Also, increasing the number of peripheral walls 74 can contribute to improving the aesthetic appearance of the light module 3, as explained above.

[0060] In particular, each of the peripheral walls 74 considered may extend over all or part of a dimension defined along the direction of extension of said wall. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the separator 7 comprises an upper peripheral wall 73b extending only over a part of a width of the separator 7, defined along the transverse direction Y for example. In particular, said upper peripheral wall 73 is connected to the first lateral peripheral wall 73a and not to the second. Such an aspect advantageously makes it possible to increase the projection surface available for a portion considered of the common projection lens 63 or for a projection lens 63 considered by reducing the number of peripheral and / or intermediate walls of the separator 7 at a given location of the optical block 6.Such an aspect is particularly advantageous in the case of projectors 2 or light modules 3 whose optical unit 6 has particular non-regular shapes, imposed for aesthetic or design reasons, likely to result in projection surfaces of the projection zone 61 of variable dimensions from one sub-module 30 to another.

[0061] It is understood that, in the illustrated example, such an aspect is applied to the upper peripheral wall 73b in a non-limiting manner and that it can extend to any peripheral wall 73 of the frame 72.

[0062] Regardless of the number of peripheral walls 73 that it comprises, the frame 72 can thus have the function of ensuring the fixing of the separator 7 on the optical unit 6. The frame 72 of the separator 7 also has the function of carrying the at least one intermediate wall 71 configured to separate, in particular at the level of the optical projection unit 6, at least two sub-beams specific to distinct sub-modules 30. Conversely, the at least one intermediate wall 71 can have a function of holding at least one of the peripheral walls of the frame 72, in particular when said peripheral wall 73 extends partially along a considered dimension of the frame 72 as explained above.

[0063] As illustrated, the separator 7 may comprise a plurality of intermediate walls 71. The intermediate walls 71 may extend along different directions, for example along the vertical direction Z and / or the transverse direction Y. The combination of a plurality of peripheral and / or intermediate walls of the separator 7 makes it possible in particular to define the projection cavities 76 specific to at least one of the sub-modules 30. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the projection cavities 76 may be partially open, so that it is partly delimited by one of the peripheral edges 62 of the optical unit 6. In the example illustrated, the assembly formed by the separator 7 and the optical unit delimits six projection cavities 76, five of which are closed and delimited by the peripheral and intermediate walls.One of said projection cavities 76 is here open, so that it is delimited by two of the intermediate walls 71 on the one hand and by the peripheral edges 62 of the optical block 6 on the other hand. The different projection cavities 76 each extend, along the longitudinal direction X, opposite at least one of the sub-modules 30 so as to allow the projection of the sub-beam specific to the sub-module considered. In the example illustrated, the light module comprises six sub-modules 30, each of the sub-modules 30 thus emitting the light sub-beam specific to it towards one of the projection cavities 76. Said projection cavities 76 also extend opposite at least one projection lens 63 and / or opposite at least a portion of the projection zone 61 as explained above.For example, as illustrated, the projection zone 61 comprises seven projection lenses 63, five of which each extend opposite the closed projection cavities 76 while the open projection cavity 76 extends here, in a non-limiting manner, opposite two separate projection lenses 63.

[0064] Preferably, the frame 72 and the at least one intermediate wall 71 form a single-piece assembly, as previously explained. Alternatively, at least one intermediate wall 71 may be attached and removable. Such an intermediate wall 71 may be fixed to the frame 72 and / or to a separate intermediate wall 71, for example by clipping.

[0065] Optionally, the separator 7 may comprise at least one reinforcement 77 configured to reinforce the connection of at least one of the intermediate walls on the frame 72. For example, a connection zone of the intermediate wall 71 considered on the frame 72 and / or on a separate intermediate wall 71 may have a greater thickness than a portion of this same wall distant from said connection zone.

[0066] Preferably, the light module 3 is configured so that, when the splitter 7 is mounted on the optical unit 6, the splitter 7 extends at least partly at a non-zero distance from the entry face 65a of the projection zone 61, that is to say in particular from the at least one projection lens 63, of the optical unit 6. The splitter 7 particularly comprises an outer face 701, facing towards the outside of the light module 3 and corresponding to a surface in which all of the faces of the walls, intermediate(s) and peripheral(s), facing towards the outside of the light module 3 are inscribed. The assembly formed by the splitter 7 and the optical unit 6 is configured so that such an outer face 701 extends at a non-zero distance 702 from the entry face 65a of the optical unit 6. In particular, the splitter 7 is arranged at a distance 702 less than or equal to 2 mm, in particular less than or equal to to 1 mm, or even less than or equal to 0.5 mm.In particular, at least the at least one intermediate wall 71 is arranged at a distance 702 less than or equal to 2 mm, in particular less than or equal to 1 mm, or even less than or equal to 0.5 mm. The cooperation between the separator 7 and the optical unit 6 is thus, preferably, carried out at distinct zones of the outer face 701 of the separator 7. It is for example carried out at the level of lateral faces of the frame 72, facing the optical unit 6, in particular the peripheral edges of the optical unit 6, and / or at the level of a rear part of the separator 7, facing the at least one light source 4, as described with reference to the rim 75. Such an aspect aims in particular to limit the vibrations between the separator 7 and the optical unit 6 as well as to reduce the wear of the separator 7 due to the friction resulting from such vibrations and the generation of scratches on the projection zone 61, in particular on the at least one projection lens 63.For example, at least the frame 72 and / or the at least one intermediate wall 71 has such a clearance. Preferably, the frame 72 and the at least one intermediate wall 71 have such a clearance.

[0067] Such clearance may be obtained by the position of the fixing members and elements 66, 74, by the presence of the rim 75, and / or by the shape of the intermediate walls 71 and / or peripheral walls 73 of the separator 7. For example, the outer face of the separator 7 may have a shape complementary to that of the entry face 65a of the optical unit 6. For example, as illustrated, when the projection zone 61 comprises one or more curved projection lenses 63 and the entry face 65a is at least partly curved, one or more of the intermediate walls 71 of the separator 7 may have a shape complementary to such a curvature. The separator 7 may thus be arranged as close as possible to the projection zone 61 so as to limit light leaks between sub-modules 30.

[0068] The light module 3, and by extension the projector 2, can thus be configured to implement different types of lighting lights, for example so as to emit segmented and / or selectively controllable light beams. For example, the light module 3 can be used in a first mode, called “high beam”, and / or in a second mode, called “low beam” or “dipped beam”. The “high beam” mode makes it possible to strongly illuminate the road far in front of the vehicle 1. The “low beam” mode provides more limited illumination of the road but nevertheless offers good visibility without dazzling other road users. In this sense, the projector 2 can comprise one or more separate light modules.

[0069] For example, several sub-modules 30 and their sub-beams can be combined to form a low-beam or a high-beam lighting beam. For example, the sub-beams can form a lighting beam having a horizontal cut-off with a kink, or a lighting beam having a flat upper horizontal cut-off, commonly referred to as a flat. The sub-beams can also form a complementary high beam which makes it possible to form a high beam by being combined with a low beam.

[0070] It is understood that, depending on the needs, a person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the separator 7 and / or the optical block 6 in order to create different configurations of sub-modules 30 having distinct functions, for example by modifying the number, position and / or shape of the projection cavities 76 and / or peripheral walls 73 and / or intermediate walls 71.

[0071] According to a particular example of the light module 3 according to the invention, at least one of the sub-modules 30 can advantageously further comprise a collector 8 and at least one of the projection lenses 63 of the optical unit 6. Alternatively, the sub-module 30 can comprise a portion of the projection zone 61 of the optical unit 6 as explained above.

[0072] The collector 8 comprises a reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light source 4 specific to said sub-module 30 so as to form the sub-beam. The projection lens 63 is then particularly configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector 8.

[0073] The collector 8 has the shape of a shell or cap whose truncated parabolic profile defines at least in part a volume in which the at least one light source 4 extends. The reflective surface is thus arranged at the level of an interior surface of the collector 8, facing the at least one light source 4.

[0074] In a known manner, collector 8 is advantageously made of materials having good heat resistance, for example glass or synthetic polymers such as polycarbonate PC or polyetherimide PEI.

[0075] Optionally, each collector 8 can be divided into a plurality of sectors 81. In particular, in a particular manner, the sub-module 30 can then comprise a plurality of light sources, each being associated with at least one of said sectors 81. The different sectors 81 then have a truncated parabolic profile, each defining a volume in which at least one of the light sources 4 of the sub-module 30 in question is arranged.

[0076] Optionally but preferably, said projection lens 63 has a focus which is located along an optical axis of the sub-module 30, at the level of the light source 4 or even behind said source. For example, the focus may be located at the level of the reflective surface of the collector 8. Alternatively, the focus of said projection lens 63 may be located at the rear or at the front of the reflection surface, at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm, preferably less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0077] Preferably, all or part of the sub-modules 30 comprises a collector 8 specific to it. Such a collector 8 extends within the light sub-module 30, in particular within the housing of the light module 3. In particular, the collector 8 extends within the optical cavity 5 specific to the sub-module 30 in question. Where appropriate, a single part may comprise all of the collectors 8 of each light sub-module 30.

[0078] Optionally, the light module 3, and particularly at least one of the sub-modules 30, may also comprise at least one heat sink 9, also referred to as a radiator. Such a sink 9 may in particular comprise at least one plate 91 forming a support for the at least one light source 4. Advantageously, such a plate 91 may form a support common to the plurality of light sources 4 and / or to the collector 8. Also, such a heat sink 9 may comprise a plurality of fins. According to a particular exemplary embodiment, illustrated, the housing or the external structure delimiting the light module 3, as previously explained, may be at least partly formed by the heat sink 9 and / or the collector 8. The optical unit 6 may then be fixed on the heat sink 9.

[0079] Thus, the present invention provides a light module comprising a plurality of sub-modules as well as an optical block and a separator which can form an assembly mounted simultaneously within the module so that it advantageously allows optimized lighting, without light leakage between sub-modules. The light module according to the invention can, in addition, have an improved aesthetic appearance, reducing the visibility of the internal components of the light module when the latter is switched off.

[0080] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in the present document.

Claims

Light module (3) for a headlight (2) of a motor vehicle (1) characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of sub-modules (30), each sub-module (30) comprising at least one light source (4) configured to produce a light sub-beam; an optical projection unit (6) comprising at least one peripheral edge (62) and a projection zone (61), the projection zone (61) being configured to project the light sub-beams, and comprising at least one projection lens (63) carried by the at least one peripheral edge (62), the projection lens (63) being configured to project at least one of the light sub-beams; a separator (7) fixed on the at least one peripheral edge (62) of the optical projection unit (6) and comprising at least one intermediate wall (71) configured to separate at least two light sub-beams specific to separate sub-modules (30). Light module (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the separator (7) is fixed only to the optical projection unit (6). Light module (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the separator (7) is in contact only with the optical projection unit, and in particular only with the at least one peripheral edge (62) of the optical projection unit (6). Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the optical projection unit (6) comprises at least two peripheral edges (62), in particular opposite one another, at least one of the peripheral edges (62) comprising at least one fixing member (66) of the separator (7), the separator (7) comprising at least one fixing element (74) configured to cooperate with the at least one fixing member (66) of the optical unit (6). Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the separator (7) extends essentially in a volume delimited by the at least one peripheral edge (62) and the projection zone (61) of the optical projection block (6). Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the separator (7) comprises at least one rim (75) configured to come into contact with and / or abut the at least one peripheral edge (62) of the optical block (6). Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the separator is fixed to the optical projection unit by clipping. Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the projection zone (61), in particular the at least one projection lens (63), comprises an entry face (65a), facing at least one of the light sources, the at least one intermediate wall (71) being arranged so as to extend at a non-zero distance (702) from the entry face (65a), said distance being less than or equal to 2 mm, in particular less than or equal to 1 mm, or even less than or equal to 0.5 mm. Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the separator (7) is made: of a plastic material, such as polycarbonate, polypropylene and / or polyamide; and / or of a material having a black color; and / or of a material with a matte appearance. Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the projection zone (61) of the optical block (6) comprises a plurality of projection lenses (63), each projection lens (63) being specific to a sub-module (30) of the plurality of sub-modules (30). Light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the sub-modules (30) comprises a collector (8) comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light source (4) specific to said sub-module (30) so as to form the light sub-beam and the at least one projection lens (63), included in the optical projection block (6), said projection lens (63) being configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector (8). Projector (2) for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a light module (3) according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a headlight (2) according to the preceding claim.

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