Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed is a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a first light module (MC) comprising a first light apparatus, - a second light module (MD) comprising a second light apparatus, and - a separation mask (28) comprising a cover element (29) that covers the first light apparatus and the second light apparatus, and a partition wall (32 CD) that extends parallel to an optical axis (XO) and is configured to block light rays (R2) emitted by a first light generator and oriented towards a second optical device and / or is configured to block light rays emitted by a second light generator and oriented towards a first optical device.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Lighting device for a motor vehicle

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to the field of lighting and light signaling, more particularly in the automotive field.

[0005] State of the prior art

[0006] Motor vehicles are equipped with headlights designed to make the vehicle clearly visible and to illuminate the vehicle's surroundings. The shape of the light beams produced by these headlights must provide effective lighting while complying with various automotive legislation, particularly so as not to dazzle other road users.

[0007] Patent document WO 2020 / 025171 A1 discloses a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a collector with a reflective surface collecting and reflecting the light rays emitted by a light source into a light beam. The light module also comprises an optical projection device, such as a lens, specifically configured to project the light beam in question by forming an image of the reflective surface of the collector. For this purpose, the optical projection device has a focus located on the reflective surface, for example at a rear edge thereof. This type of light module has advantages of compactness, in particular in height, and simplicity of production.In this teaching, this light module is combined with other light modules to form a projector providing, in addition to a lighting function with cut-off commonly referred to as "low beam" type, in particular a lighting function without cut-off commonly referred to as "high beam" type. The different light modules can be separated by partitions.

[0008] These lighting fixtures are complex to manufacture, particularly due to the large number of components they comprise and the high precision required for their positioning. In addition, these lighting fixtures sometimes contain light leaks. Light leaks are the emission of light rays in unwanted directions. They can create glare and degrade the perceived quality of the lighting fixture.

[0009] Presentation of the invention

[0010] The aim of the invention is to provide a lighting device for a motor vehicle which at least partially overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the lighting devices known from the prior art.

[0011] More specifically, an object of the invention is a lighting device that is easy to assemble and free from light leaks.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0014] - a first light module comprising a first light apparatus comprising a first light generator and a first light collector provided with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the first light generator into a first light beam, and a first optical device capable of projecting the first light beam along an optical axis of the lighting device,

[0015] - a second light module comprising a second light apparatus comprising a second light generator, a second light collector provided with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the second light generator into a second light beam, and a second optical device capable of projecting the second light beam along the optical axis of the lighting device, and

[0016] - a separation mask comprising a cover element covering the first light device and the second light device, and a separation wall extending parallel to the optical axis and configured to block light rays coming from the first light generator and directed towards the second optical device and / or configured to block light rays coming from the second light generator and directed towards the first optical device.

[0017] The lighting device may include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0018] The first optical device may include a reflective 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 reflective surface configured to reflect the light beam from the second light collector along the optical axis of the lighting device.

[0019] The separating wall may comprise an edge extending parallel to the reflective surface of the optical device of the first light module or of the second light module, at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from this reflective surface and / or substantially up to half-height of this reflective surface.

[0020] The first optical device may be adjacent to the second optical device, and offset from the second optical device along the optical axis, a connecting wall parallel to the optical axis connecting the first optical device to the second optical device, said separating wall being coplanar with said connecting wall.

[0021] The first light module may include a reflective surface configured to reflect the light beam from the first light collector toward the first optical device, and the separation mask may include an interposing wall configured to block light rays from the first light generator and directed directly toward the first optical device.

[0022] The separation mask can be a single-piece element obtained by plastic injection.

[0023] The lighting device may comprise a third light module comprising a third light apparatus comprising a third light generator and a third light collector provided with a reflective surface capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the third light generator into a third light beam, and a third optical device capable of projecting the third light beam along the optical axis of the lighting device, the separation mask comprising a second separation wall extending parallel to the optical axis and configured to block light rays coming from the second light generator and oriented towards the third optical device and / or configured to block light rays coming from the third light generator and oriented towards the second optical device.

[0024] The first light module may be configured to perform a high beam lighting function. The second light module may be configured to perform a low beam lighting function. The light modules may be lighting modules, i.e., be configured to generate one or more automotive lighting light functions.

[0025] The invention also relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting device as defined in the present description.

[0026] The projector may comprise a housing closed by a transparent glass, the lighting device being housed inside the housing, the cover element covering the first lighting device and the second lighting device so as to make them invisible through the glass.

[0027] Presentation of figures

[0028] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the lighting device with a separation mask of the lighting device hidden.

[0031] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the illumination device with the separation mask and a single-piece optical element of the illumination device masked.

[0032] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the lighting device with the lighting device separation mask hidden.

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the single-piece optical element of the lighting device. Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of the single-piece optical element.

[0034] Figure 7 is a first side sectional view of the lighting device, according to a plane P1 identified in Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 8 is a second side sectional view of the lighting device, along a plane P2 identified in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the separation mask of the lighting device.

[0037] Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view of the lighting device separation mask.

[0038] Figure 11 is a top view of the lighting device.

[0039] Detailed description

[0040] Figure 1 illustrates a lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. The lighting device 1 is intended to be integrated into a headlight of the vehicle. In particular, the headlight is a left front headlight, left and right being defined according to the point of view of a driver of the vehicle sitting in the driving position. Of course, the invention could be transposed to a right front headlight or even to any other headlight of the vehicle. The lighting device 1 is housed in a headlight housing, which is intended to be fixed to the vehicle. The housing is closed at the front by a transparent protective glass.

[0041] In this document, the X axis designates the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When moving forward and in a straight line, the vehicle moves from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, i.e. in the direction of reverse travel. The Y axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y axis is oriented from left to right. The Z axis designates the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. The vehicle is considered to be resting on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y and Z axes form an orthogonal reference frame. This same reference frame, defined by reference to a vehicle, will also be used to describe the lighting device 1 , even when considered outside the vehicle, since it is intended to be mounted in a specific orientation in the vehicle.

[0042] The lighting device 1 is configured to perform a "low beam" type lighting function and to perform a "high beam" type lighting function. The low beam type lighting function is obtained by projecting a so-called "cut-off" light beam, i.e. having an asymmetry between a right part and a left part of the light beam, so as not to dazzle another motorist traveling in the opposite direction. In countries with right-hand traffic, i.e. in which vehicles are generally instructed to drive on the right part of the roadway, such a light beam may include a left part illuminating less high than a right part of the light beam. The high beam type lighting function is obtained by projecting a more powerful light beam than the low beam type light beam.The light beam performing the road type function is not necessarily a cut-off light beam and is rather intended to be used in the absence of any motorist traveling in the opposite direction.

[0043] Alternatively, the lighting device 1 could also be configured to perform only one lighting function among the dipped beam function and the main beam function. The light beams from the lighting device 1 may be generally centered around an optical axis XO substantially parallel to the X axis.

[0044] To achieve these different lighting functions, the lighting device 1 comprises a plurality of light modules arranged next to each other along the Y axis. In this case, the lighting device 1 comprises five adjacent light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME. Alternatively, the number of light modules could be different, in particular at least two light modules, three, four, six or even more light modules. This number may preferably be less than or equal to ten. Each light module may be intended to produce a light beam constituting all or part of the dipped beam and / or main beam lighting function. Some light modules may, for example, be used to contribute to both the dipped beam and main beam functions.

[0045] In particular, according to the embodiment presented, the three light modules MA, MB and MC, which are positioned more towards a median longitudinal plane of the vehicle, are intended to each produce a component of a high beam type light beam. For example, a projection in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis XO of the high beam type light beam can be decomposed into three adjacent vertical zones, each vertical zone being illuminated by a separate light module MA, MB or MC. The two light modules MD and ME, positioned more towards a lateral edge of the vehicle, are intended to each produce a component of a low beam type light beam. A projection in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis XO of the low beam type light beam can be decomposed into a central zone and a peripheral zone.The central zone, commonly referred to as a "kink," includes a cutoff configured to avoid dazzling motorists traveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle. A "kink" light beam can be defined as a light beam whose cutoff line includes an inflection point. The central zone is illuminated by the MD light module. The peripheral zone, commonly referred to as a "fiat," has a lower light intensity than the central zone and is illuminated by the ME light module. A "fiat" light beam can be defined as a light beam whose cutoff line extends horizontally, without an inflection point. The ME light module can also illuminate the central zone, so that the light intensity of the central zone can result from the sum of the light intensities produced by the MD and ME modules.

[0046] In addition to a lighting function, the headlight contributes significantly to the overall appearance of the vehicle and therefore also has an aesthetic function. For this purpose, it comprises lines that blend harmoniously with the vehicle body. In particular, the protective glass of the headlight extends not parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle but obliquely towards the rear and towards the lateral edge of the vehicle. Such a shape generates dimensional constraints on the lighting device 1 which thus have a front face that is generally inclined relative to the optical axis XO. In particular, in the case of a left front headlight, a front face of the lighting device 1 extends generally obliquely towards the left and towards the rear of the vehicle. It follows that the individual light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME are offset from one another along the optical axis XO.The ME light module is the light module producing the widest light beam along the Y axis among the five light modules. It is advantageously positioned at the position closest to the side edge of the vehicle so that the light beam it produces is not disturbed by a vehicle grille.

[0047] Furthermore, the lighting device 1 can be visible through the protective glass and its appearance must therefore also be particularly careful.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates the lighting device 1 without a separation mask which forms a sort of upper cover of the lighting device. The lighting device 1 comprises a light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E for each light module MA, MB, MC, MD and ME, and a single-piece optical element 3 common to all the light modules. In the remainder of the description, when this facilitates reading, the suffixes A, B, C, D and E will be added to the reference signs to designate objects belonging respectively to the light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME.

[0049] Each light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E comprises at least one light source 4. In particular, the light modules MA, MB, MC and ME each comprise a light generator comprising four light sources 4. The light module MD comprises a light generator 2D comprising 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 an upper face of the same printed circuit board 5. The printed circuit board 5 is clearly visible in FIG. 3, on which the single-piece optical element 3 has been masked. Alternatively, each light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E could comprise a different number of light sources, for example at least two, three, five, or even more light sources. This number may 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.

[0050] A ZO axis can be defined as an axis perpendicular to a plane in which the printed circuit board 5 extends. The ZO axis can be oriented in the direction of emission of the light rays by the light sources 4, that is to say upwards according to the embodiment presented. The ZO axis can be perpendicular to the optical axis XO, but the angle of these two axes can also deviate from 90°. It can be between 50° and 90°, in particular between 60° and 80°. Indeed, an angle close to 70° is advantageous because it allows the light collectors to be inclined, and thus the light rays reflected by the optical devices to pass above said collectors and not be obscured by them, while limiting the vertical size of the module which increases when this angle decreases. We can also define a YO axis as the axis that is both perpendicular to the XO and ZO axes.The XO, YO and ZO axes can thus define a reference frame, in particular an orthogonal reference frame, relative to the headlight, independent of the reference frame formed by the X, Y and Z axes which is defined in relation to the vehicle in which the headlight is intended to be integrated. The XO, YO and optionally ZO axes can be parallel or substantially parallel respectively to the X, Y and Z axes defined previously when the headlight is mounted in the vehicle in its position of use.

[0051] The lighting device 1 also comprises a heat sink 6 provided with cooling fins 7 extending downwards. The heat sink 6 comprises an upper face 8 bearing against a lower face of the printed circuit board 5, so as to dissipate the heat produced by the printed circuit board and by the light sources 4. The heat sink 6 further comprises positioning pins 9 cooperating with positioning holes of corresponding shape provided in the printed circuit board 5 and with positioning holes 10 provided in the single-piece optical element 3. The upper face 8 of the heat sink 6 and the printed circuit board 5 may extend in a substantially horizontal plane. Finally, the heat sink 6 may comprise at least one fixing lug for fixing the lighting device within the housing of the projector.

[0052] The lighting device 1 further comprises first fixing screws 11 cooperating with threaded openings provided in the heat sink 6, with first fixing holes 12 formed in the one-piece optical element, and with fixing holes formed in the printed circuit board 5 for securely fixing these elements together. The printed circuit board 5 is thus sandwiched between the upper face 8 of the heat sink and the one-piece optical element 3 and thus firmly held. Furthermore, the one-piece optical element 3 is also fixed directly against the heat sink 6, with second fixing screws 13 passing through second fixing holes 14 formed in the one-piece optical element 3.

[0053] The single-piece optical element 3 is particularly clearly visible in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. For each of the optical modules MA to ME, the single-piece optical element 3 comprises a light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and an optical projection device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. Each light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E is intended to directly receive the light rays from a light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E. Each light collector comprises a first reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E into a light beam. Each optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E is intended to directly or indirectly receive the light beam coming from the corresponding light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E.According to the embodiment presented, each optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E comprises a second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E configured to reflect the light beam coming from the corresponding light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, generally along the optical axis XO of the lighting device. Alternatively, all or part of the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E could comprise optical lenses intended to be traversed by a light beam coming respectively from the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. The light beam from each optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E is directed towards the protective glass of the headlight and so as to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle.Since the first reflective surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and the second reflective surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E are integrated into the same part, these reflective surfaces can be ideally positioned relative to one another without resorting to a complex assembly process. This makes it possible to produce precise light beams. The road and / or the vehicle's surroundings are thus ideally illuminated at the desired locations.

[0054] The single-piece optical element 3 is therefore a part made from a single piece, or in other words, a monolithic part. Advantageously, the single-piece optical element 3 is obtained by plastic injection, that is to say by a process in which plastic is injected into a manufacturing mold. Such a process makes it possible to obtain parts with very high geometric precision.

[0055] The first reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and the second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of each light module MA, MB, MC, MD or ME can be obtained by a metallization process. A metallic or metallic-looking coating is then applied to the part resulting from the injection process so as to obtain reflective surfaces.

[0056] Each light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E may comprise substantially the shape of a dome projecting perpendicular to the plane in which the printed circuit board 5 extends. More specifically, each first reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E may comprise at least one paraboloid shape, the light generator 2 being positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape. The paraboloid shape of each first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E is configured to collimate the light rays coming from a light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, that is to say that the light rays reflected by each first reflecting surface 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 to say a zone of convergence of the light rays such that the light rays emitted by a light source 4 placed at this zone of convergence are projected at a great distance after reflection on the first reflecting surface. "Projected at a great distance" means that these light rays do not converge towards an area located at least ten times the dimensions of the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. In other words, the rays reflected by the first reflecting surface do not converge or, if they converge, their place of convergence is located at a distance greater than or equal to ten times the dimensions of the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. A paraboloid shape may or may not have parabolic portions.

[0057] Alternatively, each first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C of the optical modules MA, MB, MC may comprise at least one ellipsoid shape, the light generator 2 being positioned at a focus of the ellipsoid shape. The ellipsoid shape of each first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C is configured to converge the light rays coming from a light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, i.e. the light rays reflected by each first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C are oriented towards a second respective focus of each of the reflecting surfaces. The ellipsoid shape of the first reflecting surface generally has two foci, i.e. two areas of convergence of the light rays such that the light rays emitted by a light source placed at one of the two convergence areas converge, after reflection on the surface, towards the other convergence area.These two foci are located close to said surface, that is to say inside a volume of dimensions less than 10 times, and in particular 5 times, the dimensions of the reflector. An ellipsoid shape may or may not have elliptical portions. The second focus is positioned in such a way that, after reflection of the light rays on the respective third reflecting surface 24A, 24B, 24C, it is imaged close to the focus F of each respective second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C. Thus the light rays are reflected by each second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C in the direction of the optical axis XO. This configuration is advantageous, because it makes it possible to produce a concentrated light beam.

[0058] It is also possible to have some first reflecting surfaces of paraboloid shape and other first reflecting surfaces of ellipsoid shape, depending on the desired shape for the beam emitted respectively by each optical module.

[0059] The combination of a light generator with a light collector forms a light device. According to the embodiment presented, the lighting device therefore comprises five light devices but alternatively this number could be any number greater than or equal to two.

[0060] As the fourth light module MD comprises a single light source, the light collector 15D of this light module also comprises a single paraboloid shape. The other light modules MA, MB, MC and ME comprise a light collector 15A, 15B, 15C and 15E whose reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17E comprises as many portions 191, 192, 193, 194 of paraboloid shape as the light module comprises light sources 4. Each light source 4 of the same light module is positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape of a portion 191, 192, 193, 194 of the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C and 15E. In this case, since the light modules MA, MB, MC and ME comprise four light sources 4, their respective reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17E each comprises four portions 91, 192, 193, 194 of paraboloid shape. These portions of paraboloid shape are close to each other substantially along the Y axis.They are connected to each other by edges 20. To achieve a function of the dipped beam type, the reflective surface 17D and 17E of the light modules MD and ME can be adapted so as to reflect light rays emitted by the light generator 2D and 2E into a cut-off light beam.

[0061] The optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E of each light module, which could also be called a reflector, extends substantially vertically and transversely, that is to say at least roughly perpendicular to the optical axis XO. It may comprise a generally rectangular contour. More precisely, each second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E has a generally curved shape and is provided with a focus F (shown in FIG. 7) located on the corresponding first reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, in particular on a rear edge of the reflecting surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E.

[0062] The single-piece optical element 3 further comprises a base 21 connecting each light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E to the corresponding optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. The base 21 is common to all the light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME. The printed circuit board 5 supporting the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E of each light module is 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 embodiment presented the light collectors are positioned above the base 21 and the printed circuit board 5 is positioned below the base, but alternatively, this configuration could be reversed.The base 21 is provided with openings 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E for the passage of light rays from each light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E to the corresponding light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. The base 21 extends generally parallel to the printed circuit board 5 and comprises a bearing surface against the printed circuit board.

[0063] The single-piece optical element 3 further comprises a part 23 forming a protective cover for the printed circuit board 5. This part 23 covers and protects the printed circuit board while leaving sufficient space for electronic components arranged on the surface of the printed circuit board.

[0064] As can be clearly seen in the sectional view of Figure 7, the light rays R (represented by arrows) from the light collector 15E of the light module ME directly reach the corresponding optical device 16E. Similarly, the light rays from the light collector 15D of the light module MD directly reach the corresponding optical device 16D. That is to say, the light rays are not deflected by any other optical element interposed between the first reflecting surface 17D and 17E and the second reflecting surface 18D and 18E. The light rays produced by the light generators 2D and 2E therefore undergo two reflections before being projected onto the road.

[0065] Conversely, and as is clearly visible in the sectional view of FIG. 8, the light rays R coming from the light collector 15B of the light module MB indirectly reach the optical device 16B. Similarly, the light rays coming from the light collectors 15A and 15C of the light modules MA and MC indirectly reach the optical devices 16A and 16C. In particular, in each of the optical modules MA, MB or MC, the single-piece optical element 3 comprises a third reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C configured to reflect the light beam coming from the corresponding light collector 15A, 15B, 15C towards the corresponding optical device 16A, 16B, 16C. The third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C are planar.They are formed on an upper face of the base 21 and thus achieve a vertical reversal of the image projected by each light collector 15A, 15B, 15C which thus has a greater intensity in a lower part of the light beam. Each third reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C is therefore interposed between the corresponding first reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C and the corresponding second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C according to the direction of propagation of the light rays. The integration of a third reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C makes it possible to configure the light beam coming from the light module so as to achieve a road type lighting function.Indeed, each third reflecting surface makes it possible to turn the light beam upwards, so that once reflected by the second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C, it is located essentially above the horizontal, that is to say angularly offset from the XO axis essentially in the positive direction of the ZO axis.

[0066] Each third reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C extends generally in a plane inclined upwards towards the corresponding optical device 16A, 16B, 16C. Each third reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C extends generally from an edge of the opening 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E to the base of the corresponding optical device 16A, 16B, 16C. As for the reflective surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, the third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C can be obtained by a metallization process. The reflective 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%. Due to their inclination, the third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C can form a projecting relief in the lower face of the single-piece optical element 3.Advantageously, the upper face 8 of the heat sink 6 comprises an opening 25 (visible in FIG. 3) adapted to leave space for the third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C of the light modules MA, MB and MC. The portion of the base 21 extending between the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E of the light modules MD and ME is not intended to reflect light rays. This portion may optionally be grained, that is to say comprise sufficient roughness, so as to avoid unwanted reflections of light rays.

[0067] According to another aspect of the invention, the second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C of the light modules MA, MB and MC is striated perpendicular to the optical axis XO, in particular substantially parallel to the axis ZO. The second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C of these light modules therefore comprises a set of reliefs 26 profiled substantially along the axis ZO. This makes it possible to blur the light beam coming from the lighting device and therefore to soften the contours of the projected image.

[0068] In order to correspond to the architectural lines of the projector in which the lighting device 1 is integrated, the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E of each light module are offset from each other along the optical axis XO. In particular, the light module MA is the light module positioned furthest to the front, and the light module ME is the light module positioned furthest to the rear. Thus, the second reflective surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E are arranged generally in a staircase pattern. The distance separating the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E from the corresponding optical device may be substantially identical for all the light modules. The second reflective surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of the adjacent light modules are connected to each other by connecting walls 27 extending substantially parallel to the optical axis XO.These connecting walls 27 can be grained, so as to avoid unwanted reflections of light rays.

[0069] Finally, the single-piece optical element 3 is a part that combines numerous functions: it comprises, for each light module, two or three reflective surfaces for shaping and correctly directing a light beam to perform a lighting function, in particular a road-type lighting function and / or a code-type lighting function. It comprises reflective surfaces cooperating with several light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E so as to perform different lighting functions, in particular road-type lighting and code-type lighting. In addition, the single-piece optical element 3 also comprises fixing means for fixing it to a heat sink and holding the printed circuit board. The single-piece optical element 3 also comprises a part protecting the printed circuit board. The single-piece optical element 3 is both simple to manufacture and simple to assemble within a lighting device.The different reflective surfaces of a single light module are ideally positioned relative to each other, which makes it possible to achieve high optical precision. In addition, the different light modules are also ideally positioned relative to each other. This makes it possible to envisage achieving a lighting function by means of several light modules, each producing a part of the projected image. Each part of the projected image is thus ideally positioned relative to the others. As explained above, the lighting device could comprise only a part of the light modules previously described, in particular only one of the light modules previously described.

[0070] The lighting device further comprises a separation mask 28 configured to optically isolate the light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME. Furthermore, the separation mask 28 covers the light devices of the lighting device, i.e. the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the associated light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, so as to make them invisible through the glass of the projector.

[0071] The separation mask 28 is notably illustrated individually in FIGS. 9 and 10. It comprises a cover element 29 extending substantially horizontally above the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. An upper face of the separation mask 28 may be visible through the glass of the projector. This face may optionally support decorative elements.

[0072] The separation mask 28 comprises fixing holes 30 cooperating with fixing screws for fixing the separation mask to the heat sink 6. It also comprises blind positioning holes 31 cooperating with the positioning pins 9.

[0073] The separation mask 28 also comprises separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE extending from the cover element 29 parallel to the optical axis XO and separating the light modules MA, MB, MC, MD, ME. The separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE are configured to block light rays coming from the light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E of a first light module and oriented towards the optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E of a second light module adjacent to the first light module. The separation mask 28 thus comprises four separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE separating the five light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME. Alternatively, the separation mask could comprise any other number of separation walls. In the event that the lighting device 1 only comprises two light modules, the separation mask 28 could only comprise a single separation wall.Generally speaking, the separation mask 28 preferably comprises a number of separation walls equal to the number of light modules minus one. In addition, the separation mask may comprise one or two auxiliary walls 33, parallel to the separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE, and extending along the external edges of the lighting device 1. The separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE and the auxiliary walls 33 may be extended by ribs 34 extending longitudinally on the surface of the cover element 29. These ribs 34 increase the rigidity of the cover element 29 and are harmoniously integrated into the extension of the walls 32 and 33.

[0074] The separating walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE of the separating mask 28 extend generally between the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. They each comprise an edge 35 extending at a short distance from a second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of an optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. The distance separating the edges 35 from a reflective surface 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 clearance thus formed is sufficiently small to prevent light rays from the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E from passing from one light module to the other. The separating walls 32 are coplanar with the connecting walls 27, that is to say that each separating wall is arranged in the extension of a connecting wall 27.The separating walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD may extend substantially up to mid-height of the reflective surfaces along the Z axis or along the ZO axis. The separating wall 32DE separating the light modules MD and ME may nevertheless be lower than the other separating walls so as not to block the light rays reflected by the second reflective surface 18E of the light module ME. Indeed, the light beam produced by this light module has a particularly wide angle so as to illuminate the road well on the sides. Generally speaking, the separating wall located between two light modules, at least one of which produces a light beam having a particularly wide angle, is advantageously of reduced height, compared to a separating wall located between two modules both producing beams of small aperture. A particularly wide angle is understood to mean an angle greater than or equal to 25° relative to the XO axis.

[0075] The separation mask 28 further comprises interposition walls 36A, 36B, 36C configured to block light rays from the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C of the light modules MA, MB and MC and oriented directly towards the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C. The interposition walls 36A, 36B, 36C are therefore masks preventing direct illumination of the second reflective surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C by the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C. The interposing walls 36A, 36B, 36C comprise an upper edge by which they are connected to a lower face of the cover element 29. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the interposing walls 36A, 36B, 36C may extend downwards from the cover element 29, above the third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C. The interposing walls 36A, 36B, 36C may also extend slightly obliquely towards the light generator 2.For the light modules MD and ME, the separation mask 28 does not include any interposing wall. On the other hand, the heat sink 6 advantageously includes masking elements 37D, 37E projecting through the printed circuit board 5 through holes provided for this purpose. The masking elements 37D, 37E are interposed between each light source 4 and the optical devices 16D and 16E so as to prevent direct illumination of the optical device by the light source. Alternatively, the masking elements 37D, 37E could be obtained with blocking means such as metal screens fixed to the surface of the printed circuit board 5. Such a solution would nevertheless not be usable for the light modules MA, MB and MC because the blocking means thus arranged would also block the light rays reflected by the first reflecting surface and directed towards the third reflecting surface.

[0076] The separation mask 28 is also a single-piece element. It is advantageously manufactured by plastic injection. The separation mask is not intended to reflect light rays towards an illumination zone but on the contrary to block unwanted light rays. The separation mask 28 is preferably black in color so as to absorb the light rays which reach it.

[0077] Each light module MA, MB, MC, MD and ME can be activated independently of each other. When a light source 4 produces light rays, these first reach the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. The paraboloid shape of the first reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E makes it possible to redirect the light rays according to a chosen orientation in order to achieve a lighting function of the road or code type. For the light modules MA, MB and MC, the light rays are then mainly directed towards the third reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C and then towards the second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C. For the light modules MD and ME, the light rays are then mainly directed directly towards the second reflective surface 18D and 18E.The rays from the light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME then emerge from the lighting device, passing over the separation mask 28, then pass through the protective glass of the headlight and illuminate the road.

[0078] As illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 11, a portion of the light rays (shown in dotted lines) does not follow the intended path and is blocked by the separation mask 28. Some light rays R1 of the light modules MA, MB or MC are excessively oriented upwards and are blocked by the interposing walls 36A, 36B, 36C. Other light rays R2 are directed towards the second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of the adjacent light modules and are blocked by the separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE. Some light rays R3 produced by the fifth light module ME are reflected by the second reflecting surface 18E and then pass over the partition wall 32DE arranged between the fourth light module MD and the fifth light module ME and over the cover element 29 so as to produce a large aperture light beam.Finally, only correctly oriented light rays are projected out of the lighting device 1. The quality and precision of the light beams is thus optimized.

[0079] In addition, the separation mask 28 partially covers the single-piece optical element 3, which improves the aesthetics of the lighting device; the light sources 4 are also better protected from solar radiation and are less likely to be damaged or to heat up excessively.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a first light module (MC) comprising a first light apparatus comprising a first light generator (2C) and a first light collector (15C) provided with a reflective surface (17C) capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the first light generator into a first light beam, and a first optical device (16C) capable of projecting the first light beam along an optical axis (XO) of the lighting device, - a second light module (MD) comprising a second light apparatus comprising a second light generator (2D), a second light collector (15D) provided with a reflective surface (17D) capable of reflecting light rays emitted by the second light generator into a second light beam, and a second optical device (16D) capable of projecting the second light beam along the optical axis of the lighting device, and - a separation mask (28) comprising a cover element (29) covering the first light device and the second light device, and a separation wall (32CD) extending parallel to the optical axis (XO) and configured to block light rays (R2) coming from the first light generator and oriented towards the second optical device and / or configured to block light rays coming from the second light generator and oriented towards the first optical device.

2. Lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first optical device (16C) comprises a reflective surface (18C) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the first light collector (15C) along the optical axis (XO) of the lighting device, and / or in that the second optical device (16D) comprises a reflective surface (18D) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the second light collector (15D) along the optical axis (XO) of the lighting device. Lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the separating wall (32CD) comprises an edge (35) extending parallel to the reflective surface of the optical device (16C, 16D) of the first light module or of the second light, at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from this reflective surface and / or substantially up to half-height of this reflective surface.Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first optical device (16C) is adjacent to the second optical device (16D), and offset relative to the second optical device along the optical axis (XO), a connecting wall (27) parallel to the optical axis connecting the first optical device to the second optical device, said separating wall (32CD) being coplanar with said connecting wall. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light module (MC) comprises a reflective surface (24C) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the first light collector (15C) towards the first optical device (16C), and in that the separating mask (28) comprises an interposition wall (36C) configured to block light rays coming from the first light generator (2) and oriented directly towards the first optical device. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation mask (28) is a single-piece element obtained by plastic injection.Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a third light module (ME) comprising a third light apparatus comprising a third light generator (2E) and a third light collector (15E) 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 separation mask (28) comprising a second separation wall (32DE) extending parallel to the optical axis and configured to block light rays coming from the second light generator and oriented towards the third optical device and / or configured to block light rays coming from the third light generator and oriented towards the second optical device.Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light module (MC) is configured to perform a road type lighting function, and / or in that the second light module (MD) is configured to perform a code type lighting function. Headlight for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. Projector according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a housing closed by a transparent glass, the lighting device (1) being housed inside the housing, the cover element (29) covering the first light device and the second light device so as to make them invisible through the glass.

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