Lighting modules for automobile headlights

Abstract

1. An optical module (3) for a headlamp (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising: an optical projection unit (6) including a plurality of sub-modules (30) each generating a sub-beam of light; at least one projection lens (63) configured to project at least one of the sub-beams of light; and a separator (7) configured to be fixed to the optical projection unit (6), in particular configured to separate at least two sub-beams specific to different sub-modules (30) in the optical projection unit (6).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-emitting module for a motor vehicle headlamp and to a headlamp comprising such a module. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a headlamp according to the invention. [Background technology]

[0002] Motor vehicles are conventionally equipped with headlamps, in particular front headlamps or front headlights, intended to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle at night or in low light conditions. A headlamp comprises at least one light-emitting module consisting of a light source. A projection optical unit comprising at least one projection lens is mounted on the module to guide at least one light beam generated by the light source onto the roadway in an appropriate manner.

[0003] In particular, the same module may comprise several sub-modules, each with its own at least one light source, which interacts with the projection optical unit of the light-emitting module, and in particular with the projection lens. Such sub-modules may advantageously have separate lighting functions and / or applications.

[0004] It is known to place separators within a module to prevent light leakage between sub-modules and to provide a suitable illumination appearance for each of the sub-modules in question. Such separators traditionally comprise a plurality of walls, at least some of which are configured to separate the light beams generated by adjacent sub-modules. Such separators are traditionally located on components of the module, such as its housing or heat sink. However, such separators provide less than satisfactory performance, and light leakage between the sub-modules is observed.

[0005] Furthermore, such separators may adversely affect the aesthetics of the headlamp, for example by allowing reflections, particularly of components located inside the headlamp, to be visible.

[0006] The present invention addresses these circumstances and aims to provide a light emitting module having a plurality of sub-modules that provide optimized illumination, with no light leakage between the sub-modules. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a light emitting module that has a good aesthetic appearance when turned off. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a light emitting module for a headlamp of an automobile, comprising: a plurality of sub-modules each including at least one light source configured to generate a sub-beam of light; a projection optical unit comprising at least one peripheral portion and one projection area, the projection area being configured to project the sub-beams of light and including at least one projection lens supported on the at least one peripheral portion, the projection lens being configured to project at least one of the sub-beams of light; a separator fixed to at least one of said peripheral edges of said projection optical unit, said separator including at least one intermediate wall configured to separate at least two sub-beams of light specific to different sub-modules; The present invention relates to a light-emitting module comprising:

[0008] The separator may be fixed only to the projection optical unit. Thus, the separator is connected to the rest of the light emitting module only through the projection optical unit. In other words, the separator is fixed to the projection optical unit to form an "independent" assembly that can be treated as a single component. In this case, this "independent" assembly is fixed to one or more other components of the light emitting module only through the projection optical unit. That is, only the projection optical unit is fixed to one or more other components of the light emitting module. For example, the projection optical unit may be at least partially fixed to a heat sink of the light emitting module.

[0009] The separator may contact only the projection optical unit, in particular only at least one peripheral edge of the projection optical unit, and does not need to contact other parts of the light emitting module, since the separator connects to the rest of the light emitting module via the projection optical unit.

[0010] The projection optical unit in particular comprises at least two peripheral portions facing each other, at least one of the peripheral portions comprising at least one member for fixing the separator, the separator comprising at least one fixing element configured to interact with at least one fixing member of the optical unit.

[0011] The separator may be essentially located within a volume defined by at least one peripheral edge of the projection optical unit and the projection area. "Essentially located" means that at least 50% or 75% of the separator is located within such a volume to reduce the volume that would otherwise be generated. In particular, at least 80%, or even 90% or 100% of the separator may be located within the volume. In particular, if the projection optical unit includes multiple peripheral edges, the separator is located primarily between these peripheral edges.

[0012] In other words, the projection optical unit surrounds the separator, and at least one peripheral edge and the projection area form a recess in which the separator is disposed. This arrangement avoids disposing the separator around the projection optical unit, thereby minimizing the bulk of the light-emitting module.

[0013] The separator may include at least one flange configured to press against and / or abut the peripheral edge of at least one of the optical units.

[0014] The separator may be fixed to the projection optical unit by clipping. In particular, the separator may include at least one fixing element of a type that clips and / or guides the fixing of the separator to the projection optical unit. If the separator is fixed only to the projection optical unit, the separator can be fixed to the projection optical unit by clipping, and the use of fixing screws for fixing the separator to the rest of the light emitting module can be avoided. In particular, the separator does not contact other components of the light emitting module and therefore does not need to withstand stress. Furthermore, the clip can ensure accurate positioning of the separator relative to the projection optical unit. Furthermore, by clipping the separator, the use of fixing screws for fixing the separator can be avoided, thereby reducing the bulk of the light emitting module.

[0015] The projection area, in particular at least one of the projection lenses, may have an entrance surface directed towards at least one of the light sources, and at least one of the intermediate walls is arranged at a non-zero distance from the entrance surface, the distance being equal to or less than 2 mm, in particular equal to or less than 1 mm, or even equal to or less than 0.5 mm.

[0016] The separator is - plastics such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyamide, etc.; and / or - materials with a black color; and / or - materials with a matte (frosted) appearance; It may be composed of:

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

[0018] Optionally, at least one of the sub-modules may include a collector including a reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light source specific to the sub-module to form the sub-beams of light, and at least one projection lens included in the projection optical unit, the projection lens configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector.

[0019] The invention also relates to a headlamp for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a light-emitting module according to the invention.

[0020] Finally, the invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a headlamp as described above.

[0021] Further details, features and advantages will become more clearly apparent on reading the detailed description that follows, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the various embodiments illustrated in the following drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an embodiment of a vehicle equipped with a headlamp including a light-emitting module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a light emitting module according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light emitting module according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light emitting module according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly formed by an optical unit and a separator of a light-emitting module. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly formed by an optical unit and a separator, in a separated state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly formed by an optical unit and a separator of a light-emitting module. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an assembly formed by an optical unit and a separator of a light-emitting module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an automobile 1 provided with a headlamp 2. Figs. 2 to 4 show an example of an embodiment of a light-emitting module 3 according to the present invention for use in such an automobile headlamp 2. In this example, the headlamp 2 is a front headlamp 2, without limitation.

[0024] By convention, in the following description, the direction of movement of the vehicle 1 when it moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle 1 conventionally moves along its longitudinal direction and is opposite to the reverse direction. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and lying in a plane parallel to the ground is called the lateral direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions, in other words the direction perpendicular to the ground on which the vehicle 1 is located, is called the vertical direction Z. A straight coordinate system XYZ is thus defined and is shown in the necessary figures.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish between similar components and are not intended to establish a hierarchy among such components.

[0026] Generally, as shown in Figure 3 or 4, a light emitting module 3 comprises a plurality of sub-modules 30. Each sub-module includes at least one light source 4 configured to generate a sub-beam of light. Each sub-module 30 is at least partially located within an optical cavity 5 of the light emitting module 3. The optical cavity 5 is specific to each sub-module 30. An "optical cavity" refers to a volume contained within a housing or outer structure that defines the light emitting module 3, within which the sub-module 30, and in particular at least one light source 4 specific to said sub-module 30, is at least partially located.

[0027] As will be explained further below, the sub-beams specific to the sub-modules 30 may be configured to be overlapping and / or juxtaposed, and preferably may be selectively turned on (activated (generated)). Thus, the overall light beam projected onto the road results from the overlapping and / or juxtaposition of the sub-beams and can be adapted to traffic conditions, for example, by independently turning on and off (activating and deactivating) each sub-beam.

[0028] The light sources 4 are advantageously semiconductor light sources, in particular light emitting diodes. Advantageously, the light emitting sub-module 30 may include a plurality of selectively operable light sources 4.

[0029] The light-emitting module 3 further comprises a projection optical unit 6. In general, the optical unit 6 comprises a projection area 61 configured to project the sub-beams of light generated by the light-emitting sub-modules 30 towards the roadway on which the vehicle 1 is traveling, and at least one peripheral portion 62 connected and joined to the projection area 61. The projection area 61 comprises at least one projection lens 63. The at least one projection lens 63 is directly or indirectly supported by the at least one peripheral portion 62. The projection lens 63 is configured to project the at least one sub-beam of light towards the roadway.

[0030] The at least one peripheral edge 62 extends at least partially transversely to the projection area 61, in particular to the at least one projection lens 63. The peripheral edge 62 is configured to interact with a front part of the light emitting module 3, so that the front part of said module is mounted to the optical unit 6. For example, the at least one peripheral edge 62 may comprise at least one attachment means 64, such as a rail, a peg or an elastically deformable clip, configured to interact with a housing of the module.

[0031] According to a first example of embodiment (not shown), the projection area 61 is formed by a projection lens 63. In this case, the projection lens 63 is common to several light-emitting sub-modules 30. The optical unit 6 comprises a single projection lens 63 configured to project the various sub-beams specific to the various sub-modules 30. The common projection lens 63 has an overall curved horizontal profile and an entrance face and an exit face. At least one segment of the common projection lens 63 extends longitudinally facing each optical cavity 5 accommodating one of the sub-modules 30, thereby projecting the sub-beams specific to said sub-module 30. All of the various segments are inscribed (embedded) into the whole forming the common projection lens 63.

[0032] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6 , the various sub-modules 30 may each be associated with their own projection lens 63. In this case, the light-emitting module 3 comprises a number of juxtaposed projection lenses 63, which together form the projection area 61 of the projection optical unit 6. As before, the projection area 61 has an overall curved horizontal profile, an entrance surface 65a directed towards the at least one light source 4, and an exit surface 65b directed towards the external environment of the light-emitting module 3. In particular, the projection area 61 of the optical unit 6 includes an exit surface 65b that conforms to a smooth shape and that is curved or curved towards the external environment of the light-emitting module 3. “Smooth” means that it is differentiable at any point, in other words, that it does not have any uneven or wavy portions.

[0033] The incident surface 65a of the projection optical unit 6 is formed by a combination of the inner surfaces of various projection lenses 63 juxtaposed to form the projection area 61. Such incident surface 65a may be at least partially continuous. Alternatively, at least some of the projection lenses 63 may have an inner surface that is curved or warped toward at least one light source 4. In this case, the incident surface 65a of the optical unit 6 has a continuous undulation corresponding to the inner surfaces of the projection lenses 63.

[0034] The light emitting module 3 according to the invention comprises a separator 7 configured to be fixed to at least one peripheral edge 62 of the projection optical unit 6. The separator 7 is therefore configured to be located inside the light emitting module 3 in the longitudinal direction X between the projection area 61 (in particular at least one projection lens 63 of the optical unit 6) and the light sources 4 specific to the different sub-modules 30. The separator 7 comprises at least one intermediate wall 71 configured to at least partially separate at least two sub-beams specific to the different sub-modules 30. In particular, such separator 7 is configured to separate the two sub-beams specific to the different sub-modules 30 in the projection optical unit 6, i.e. within the volume defined by the at least one peripheral edge 62 of the projection optical unit 6 and the projection area 61.

[0035] The separator 7 makes it possible to avoid light leakage between the sub-beams of different sub-modules 30 within the light-emitting module 3, in particular before the sub-beams reach the projection optical unit 6. The separator therefore prevents certain light rays contained in the sub-beam of light generated by that sub-module 30 from reaching a segment of the projection area 61 of the projection optical unit 6 that is intended to receive the sub-beam of another light-emitting sub-module 30, for example another segment of the projection lens 63 specific to another light-emitting sub-module 30 or a projection lens 63 specific to another light-emitting sub-module 30. In other words, the separator 7 ensures that the light intended to form the sub-beam does not illuminate an area on the road that is intended to be illuminated only by one or more other sub-beams. The projected sub-beams therefore illuminate only a predetermined area on the roadway.

[0036] The separator 7 is configured to be fixed to the rest of the light emitting module, in particular the housing of the light emitting module 3, only via the projection optical unit 6. The separator 7 is not directly fixed to the housing of the light emitting module 3. In other words, the separator does not contact the rest of the light emitting module 3, in particular the housing. Therefore, the projection optical unit 6 and the separator 7 form an assembly that is "independent" from the rest of the light emitting module 3. That is, once assembled, they form an assembly that can be treated as a single component and is separate from the rest of the light emitting module 3, for example its housing.

[0037] Therefore, the separator 7 may be located immediately adjacent to the projection area 61 of the projection optical unit 6, i.e., immediately adjacent to at least one projection lens 63. This may minimize light leakage and, in particular, the amount of stray light traveling from one sub-module 30 to another in the optical unit 6. Fixing the separator 7 directly to the optical unit 6 may advantageously simplify handling and assembly of the light emitting module 3. Also, the series of dimensions between the separator 7 and the projection optical unit 6 may be minimized.

[0038] Typically and preferably, the separator 7 comprises a frame 72 connected to at least one intermediate wall 71. The frame 72 comprises at least one peripheral wall 73. The peripheral wall 73 may be a side peripheral wall 73a, an upper peripheral wall 73b, or a lower peripheral wall 73c, as described further below. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the separator 7 is fixed to the optical unit 6 via the frame 72. The frame 72 may be open, i.e., one or more peripheral walls 73 conform to (have) a discontinuous, non-closed contour. Alternatively, the frame 72 may be closed.

[0039] In particular, the separator 7 may be dimensioned and fixed such that the frame 72 and the at least one intermediate wall 71 are essentially located within the volume defined by the optical unit 6, i.e., within the volume defined by the at least one periphery 62 and the projection area 61. "Essentially" means that at least 50% or 75% of the separator 7 is located within such a volume, in order to limit the resulting bulk. In particular, at least 80%, or even 90% or 100% of the separator 7 may be located within said volume.

[0040] Preferably, all or part of the frame 72 and all or part of the at least one intermediate wall 71 form one piece. The separator 7 is made in particular of a plastic such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP) and / or polyamide (PA), or any other hard plastic.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the separator 7 is preferably made of a material having a black color and / or a material with a matte appearance. This feature is intended to improve the aesthetic appearance of the lighting module 3, especially when it is switched off. In particular, such a separator 7 obscures or obscures various components installed inside the module, in particular those arranged in the volume defined by the module housing. These components may be arranged in particular towards the rear half of the lighting module 3 in the longitudinal direction X, such as the light sources 4, a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to control at least one light source 4, a radiator, or an element for reflecting sub-beams arranged inside the module. In this way, when the module is switched off, light from outside the lighting module 3 reaching the projection optical unit 6 is at least partially absorbed by the separator 7, thereby preventing the interior of the module from being illuminated.

[0042] The separator 7 therefore has a dual purpose: it minimizes light leakage between the sub-modules 30 and at the same time improves the appearance of the light emitting module 3 .

[0043] 5 to 8 show specific examples of embodiments of the optical unit 6 and the separator 7 and their interaction to form an assembly that is connected to the housing of the light emitting module 3. FIG.

[0044] As shown, the projection optical unit 6 may, in one particular but preferred embodiment, comprise at least two peripheral edges 62. In particular, such peripheral edges 62 may be opposed. The edges may thus be a plurality of lateral peripheral edges 62a, or an upper peripheral edge 62b and a lower peripheral edge 62c. Alternatively, the peripheral edges 62 may be adjacent edges.

[0045] At least one of the peripheral portions 62 includes at least one member 66 for fixing the separator 7. In particular, as shown, the same peripheral portion 62 may include multiple separate fixing members 66. Without limitation, the fixing members 66 may take the form of orifices, clips, or pegs. The fixing members 66 are included in the optical unit 6; that is, the fixing members 66 are neither removable nor additional.

[0046] In combination, the separator 7 comprises at least one fixing element 74 configured to interact with at least one fixing member 66 of the optical unit 6. Such fixing element 74 may in particular be arranged on one of the peripheral walls 73 comprised in the frame 72 of the separator 7. According to one alternative (not shown), the at least one fixing element may be supported on the at least one intermediate wall 71. The fixing element 74 has a shape complementary to the shape of the fixing member 66 and may also be an orifice, a clip or a peg.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the first peripheral side edge 62a has two orifices. Each of the orifices is configured to receive a clip-type or peg-type fastening element 74 included in the first peripheral side wall 73a of the frame 72 of the separator 7. Furthermore, the second peripheral side edge 62a of the optical unit 6, which is opposite the first peripheral side edge 62a, also has two openings. Each of the two openings is configured to receive one fastening element 74, for example, a guide-type fastening element 74, included in the second peripheral side wall 73 of the frame 72 of the separator 7, which is opposite the first peripheral side wall 73. The use of clip-type and / or guide-type fastening elements 74 included in the separator rather than added to it allows the dimensions of the separator 7, and therefore the optical unit 6, to be reduced, unlike the use of screws. It will be understood that the illustrated example is entirely non-limiting and that the number, location, and type of fixation members and elements may be varied, and that the types of fixation employed may be reversed between fixation elements 74 and 66.

[0048] More specifically, in the illustrated example of embodiment, the projection optical unit 6 may comprise at least three peripheral portions 62 as described above.

[0049] The separator 7 may further comprise at least one flange 75 configured to press and / or abut one of the peripheral edges 62 of the optical unit.

[0050] The flange 75 is configured to extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the peripheral edge 62 that the flange 75 faces when the separator 7 is attached to the optical unit 6. Thus, the separator 7 may include a plurality of peripheral walls 73, at least one of which may have the above-mentioned flange 75. Furthermore, at least one of the peripheral walls 73 includes at least one fixing element 74. Preferably, the flange 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 flange 75 and the at least one fixing element 74 may be included in the same peripheral wall 73.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the first and second side peripheral walls 73 a and 73 b include fastening elements in the same manner as described above. The lower and upper peripheral walls 73 c and 73 b, which connect the side peripheral walls 73 a to each other, each include an example of a flange 75 of a different shape and size. For example, in the case of the lower peripheral wall 73 c, the flange 75 is configured to press and / or abut against the lower peripheral edge portion 62 c of the optical unit 6 in at least one direction, particularly the longitudinal direction X and / or the vertical direction Z.

[0052] In the various examples described above, the frame 72 of the separator 7 may therefore include a greater or lesser number of peripheral walls 73. Increasing the number of peripheral walls 73 advantageously increases the number of areas in contact with the optical unit 6, and / or increases the number of fixing elements 74, and / or distributes the fixing elements 74 over the frame 72, thereby better fixing the separator 7 to the projection optical unit 6. Furthermore, increasing the number of peripheral walls 74 may contribute to improving the aesthetic appearance of the light emitting module 3, as described above.

[0053] In particular, each of the peripheral walls 74 may extend over all or part of the dimension defined in the extension direction of the wall. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the separator 7 includes an upper peripheral wall 73b that extends over only a portion of the width of the separator 7, as defined in the transverse direction Y. In particular, the upper peripheral wall 73b is connected to the first side peripheral wall 73a but not to the second side peripheral wall 73a. This embodiment advantageously reduces the number of peripheral walls and / or intermediate walls of the separator 7 at any position in the optical unit 6, thereby increasing the projection area available for any segment of the common projection lens 63 or any projection lens 63. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in headlamps 2 or light-emitting modules 3 whose optical units 6 have a particular irregular shape adopted for aesthetic or design reasons, resulting in the projection area of ​​the projection region 61 varying from one sub-module 30 to another.

[0054] In the illustrated example, this aspect is applied non-limitingly to the upper peripheral wall 73 b , but it will be understood that it may be applied to any peripheral wall 73 of the frame 72 .

[0055] Therefore, regardless of the number of peripheral walls 73 that the frame 72 has, the frame 72 may have the function of fixing the separator 7 to the optical unit 6. The frame 72 of the separator 7 also has the function of supporting at least one intermediate wall 71 configured to separate at least two sub-beams specific to separate sub-modules 30, in particular in the projection optical unit 6. Conversely, the at least one intermediate wall 71 may have the function of holding at least one of the peripheral walls of the frame 72, in particular when said peripheral wall 73 extends partially along any dimension of the frame 72 as described above.

[0056] As shown, the separator 7 may comprise a plurality of intermediate walls 71. The intermediate walls 71 may extend in various directions, for example, in the vertical direction Z and / or the lateral direction Y. The peripheral and / or intermediate walls of the separator 7 may be combined to define projection cavities 76 that are 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. In this case, this projection cavity 76 is partially defined by one of the peripheral edges 62 of the optical unit 6. In the illustrated example, the assembly formed by the separator 7 and the optical unit defines six projection cavities 76, five of which are closed and defined by peripheral and intermediate walls. One of the projection cavities 76 is open here. It is defined on the one hand by two of the intermediate walls 71 and on the other hand by the peripheral edge 62 of the optical unit 6. The various projection cavities 76 each face at least one of the sub-modules 30 in the longitudinal direction X so that a sub-beam specific to that sub-module can be projected thereto. In the illustrated example, the light-emitting module includes six sub-modules 30. Each of the sub-modules 30 therefore emits its own sub-beam of light toward one of the projection cavities 76. As described above, the projection cavities 76 face at least one projection lens 63 and / or face at least one segment of the projection area 61. For example, as illustrated, the projection area 61 includes seven projection lenses 63. Five of them face each closed projection cavity 76. Meanwhile, the open projection cavity 76 faces, here, but not exclusively, two separate projection lenses 63.

[0057] Preferably, the frame 72 and the at least one intermediate wall 71 form one piece as described above. Alternatively, the at least one intermediate wall 71 may be addable 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 clip fixing.

[0058] Optionally, separator 7 may include at least one stiffener 77 configured to reinforce the connection of at least one of intermediate walls 71 to frame 72. For example, the area connecting said intermediate wall 71 to frame 72 and / or to a separate intermediate wall 71 may have a greater thickness than a segment of this same wall located away from said connection area.

[0059] Preferably, the light emitting module 3 is configured such that, when the separator 7 is mounted on the optical unit 6, the separator 7 is at least partially at a non-zero distance from the entrance surface 65a of the projection area 61 of the optical unit 6, i.e., in particular from the at least one projection lens 63. The separator 7 in particular has an outer surface 701. The outer surface 701 faces the outside of the light emitting module 3 and corresponds to the surface to which all surfaces of the one or more intermediate walls and peripheral walls facing the outside of the light emitting module 3 belong (the surface that constitutes the outer surface). The assembly formed by the separator 7 and the optical unit 6 is configured such that the outer surface 701 is at a non-zero distance 702 from the entrance surface 65a of the optical unit 6. In particular, the separator 7 is positioned at a distance 702 of 2 mm or less, in particular 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less. In particular, at least the at least one intermediate wall 71 is positioned at a distance 702 of 2 mm or less, in particular 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less. Thus, the interaction between the separator 7 and the optical unit 6 preferably occurs in distinct regions of the outer surface 701 of the separator 7, for example, at the side of the frame 72 facing the optical unit 6, in particular at the periphery of the optical unit 6, and / or at the rear of the separator 7 facing the at least one light source 4, as explained with reference to the flange 75. Such an embodiment aims, in particular, to limit the transmission of vibrations between the separator 7 and the optical unit 6 and to reduce wear of the separator 7 due to friction resulting from such vibrations and scratches on the projection area 61 and in particular on the at least one projection lens 63. For example, at least the frame 72 and / or at least one intermediate wall 71 have such a clearance. Preferably, the frame 72 and the at least one intermediate wall 71 have such a clearance.

[0060] Such clearance can be obtained as a result of the position of the fixing member 66 and fixing element 74, the presence of the flange 75, and / or the shape of the intermediate wall 71 and / or peripheral wall 73 of the separator 7. For example, the outer surface of the separator 7 can have a shape complementary to the shape of the entrance surface 65a of the optical unit 6. For example, as shown, if the projection area 61 has one or more curved projection lenses 63 and the entrance surface 65a is at least partially curved, one or more intermediate walls 71 of the separator 7 can have a shape complementary to such curvature. Thus, the separator 7 can be positioned immediately adjacent to the projection area 61 to limit light leakage between the sub-modules 30.

[0061] To this end, the light-emitting module 3, and thus the headlamp 2, may be configured to emit various types of light, for example, to emit a segmented and / or selectively controllable light beam. For example, the light-emitting module 3 may be used in a first mode, referred to as a "high beam" mode, and / or a second mode, referred to as a "low beam" or "dipped beam" mode. The "high beam" mode may brightly illuminate the road far ahead of the vehicle 1. The "low beam" mode may illuminate the road more narrowly, while still providing good visibility without causing unpleasant glare to other road users. For this purpose, the headlamp 2 may comprise one or more separate light-emitting modules.

[0062] For example, multiple sub-modules 30 and their sub-beams can be combined to form a downward beam or low beam, or a high beam. For example, the sub-beams can form an illumination beam that includes a horizontal cutoff with a kink, or an illumination beam that has a flat upper horizontal cutoff (commonly referred to as a flat). The sub-beams can also form a complementary high beam, such that a high beam can be formed in combination with a low beam.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand that the separator 7 and / or optical unit 6 can be configured to create various configurations of sub-modules 30 with distinct functions, for example by varying the number, position, and / or shape of the projection cavities 76 and / or peripheral walls 73 and / or intermediate walls 71, as needed.

[0064] According to one particular example of a light emitting module 3 according to the invention, at least one of the sub-modules 30 may 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 may comprise a segment of the projection area 61 of the optical unit 6, as described above.

[0065] The collector 8 comprises a reflective surface which is configured to reflect the light rays emitted by the light source 4 specific to said sub-module 30 to form sub-beams. In this case, the projection lens 63 is particularly configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector 8.

[0066] The collector 8 has the shape of a shell or cap, the truncated parabolic profile of which at least partially defines a volume in which the at least one light source 4 is located. A reflective surface is therefore arranged on the inner surface of the collector 8 and directed towards the at least one light source 4.

[0067] In a known manner, the collector 8 is advantageously made of a material that exhibits good heat resistance, for example glass or a synthetic polymer such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyetherimide (PEI).

[0068] Optionally, each collector 8 can be divided into a number of sectors 81. In this case, in particular, a sub-module 30 comprises a number of light sources, each of which is associated with at least one of said sectors 81. In this case, the various sectors 81 have a truncated parabolic profile, each of which defines a volume in which at least one of the light sources of the sub-module 30 in question is arranged.

[0069] Optionally but preferably, the projection lens 63 has a focal point located along the optical axis of the sub-module 30, at the same height as or behind the light source 4. For example, the focal point may be located at the reflective surface of the collector 8. Alternatively, the focal point of the projection lens 63 may be located behind or in front of the reflective surface at a distance of 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less.

[0070] Preferably, all or some of the sub-modules 30 include their own collectors 8. Such collectors 8 are located inside the light-emitting sub-modules 30, in particular inside the housing of the light-emitting module 3. In particular, the collectors 8 are located inside the optical cavities 5 that are specific to the sub-modules 30. If desired, a single component may include all of the collectors 8 of each light-emitting sub-module 30.

[0071] Optionally, the light emitting module 3, in particular at least one of the sub-modules 30, may also comprise at least one heat sink 9, also called a radiator. Such sink 9 may in particular include at least one plate 91 forming a carrier for at least one light source 4. Advantageously, such plate 91 may form a common carrier for several light sources 4 and / or collectors 8. Furthermore, such heat sink 9 may include several fins. According to one particular embodiment (shown), as mentioned above, the housing or external structure defining the light emitting module 3 may be at least partially formed by the heat sink 9 and / or the collector 8. In this case, the optical unit 6 may be fixed to the heat sink 9.

[0072] The present invention therefore provides a lighting module comprising a plurality of sub-modules and an optical unit and a separator that can be mounted inside the module simultaneously to form an assembly, thereby advantageously enabling optimal illumination without light leakage between the sub-modules. The lighting module according to the present invention may further have a good aesthetic appearance that reduces the visibility of its internal components when the lighting module is switched off.

[0073] However, the present invention is not limited to the means and arrangements described and illustrated herein, but also extends to any equivalent means or arrangements and any technically functional combinations of such means, provided that they ultimately perform the functions described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A light emitting module (3) for a headlamp (2) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising: a plurality of sub-modules (30), each including at least one light source (4) configured to generate a sub-beam of light; a projection optical unit (6) comprising at least one peripheral portion (62) and one projection area (61), said projection area (61) being configured to project said sub-beams of light, and comprising at least one projection lens (63) supported on said at least one peripheral portion (62), said projection lens (63) being configured to project at least one of said sub-beams of light; a separator (7) fixed to at least one of said peripheral edges (62) of said projection optical unit (6), said separator (7) including at least one intermediate wall (71) adapted to separate at least two sub-beams of light specific to different sub-modules (30); A light emitting module (3), characterized in that it comprises:

2. The separator (7) is fixed only to the projection optical unit (6). A light emitting module (3) according to claim 1.

3. the separator (7) contacts only the projection optical unit, in particular only the peripheral edge (62) of at least one of the projection optical units (6); A light emitting module (3) according to claim 2.

4. the projection optical unit (6) comprises at least two peripheral portions (62), in particular at least peripheral portions (62) facing each other; At least one of the peripheral portions (62) includes at least one fixing member (66) for fixing the separator (7); the separator (7) includes at least one fixing element (74) configured to interact with at least one fixing member (66) of the optical unit (6); A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the separator (7) is essentially located within a volume defined by at least one of the peripheral edge (62) of the projection optical unit (6) and the projection area (61); A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The separator (7) includes at least one flange (75) configured to press and / or abut against at least one of the peripheral edges (62) of the optical unit (6). A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the separator is fixed to the projection optical unit by clip fixing; A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the projection area (61), in particular the at least one projection lens (63), has an entrance surface (65a) directed towards at least one of the light sources, At least one of the intermediate walls (71) is positioned at a non-zero distance (702) from the entrance surface (65a); The distance is 2 mm or less, in particular 1 mm or less, or even 0.5 mm or less; A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The separator (7) is plastics such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyamide, etc.; and / or - materials with a black color; and / or - matt appearance material; It consists of A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The projection area (61) of the optical unit (6) includes a plurality of projection lenses (63); Each projection lens (63) is specific to one sub-module (30) of the plurality of sub-modules (30); A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. at least one of the sub-modules (30) comprises a collector (8) including a reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light source (4) specific to the sub-module (30) to form the light sub-beams, and at least one projection lens (63) included in the projection optical unit (6), the projection lens (63) is configured to form an image of the reflecting surface of the collector (8); A light emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A headlamp (2) for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a light-emitting module (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A motor vehicle (1) equipped with a headlamp (2) according to claim 12.

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