FR3141505A1 - Lighting device for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Lighting device for a motor vehicle Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a light generator (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E), characterized in that it comprises a monobloc optical element (3) , the one-piece optical element comprising: - a light collector (15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E) comprising a first reflective surface (17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E) configured to reflect light rays emitted by the generator of light into a light beam, and- an optical device (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) comprising a second reflecting surface (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the light collector along an optical axis (XO) of the lighting device. Figure for abstract: figure 2

Description

Lighting device for a motor vehicle Technical field of the invention

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

State of the prior art

Motor vehicles are equipped with light projectors intended to make the vehicle clearly visible, as well as to illuminate the vehicle's surroundings. The shape of the light beams produced by these headlights must allow effective lighting while meeting various automotive legislation, in particular so as not to dazzle other road users.

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 includes 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 reflecting surface, for example on a rear edge thereof. This type of light module has the advantages of compactness, particularly in height, and simplicity of construction. In this teaching, this light module is combined with other light modules to form a projector providing, in addition to a cut-off lighting function commonly designated as "code", in particular a non-cutting lighting function commonly designated as "code" type. road".

These light modules are nevertheless complex to manufacture and require excellent positioning of the optical device relative to the reflective surface of the collector. When these two elements are poorly positioned relative to each other, the light beam obtained is not perfectly oriented and/or has defects. To guarantee compliance with automotive legislation, the different components of the light module must be assembled using a particularly complex process.

Presentation of the invention

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

More precisely, an object of the invention is a lighting device that is easy to assemble and whose optical elements have high relative positioning precision.

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising a light generator, characterized in that it comprises a one-piece optical element, the one-piece optical element comprising:
- a light collector comprising a first reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light generator into a light beam, and
- an optical device comprising a second reflective surface configured to reflect the light beam coming from the light collector along an optical axis of the lighting device.

The one-piece optical element can be obtained by plastic injection.

The one-piece optical element may comprise a base connecting the light collector to the optical device, the light generator comprising at least one light source connected to a printed circuit board positioned on a first side of the base and the light collector light being positioned on a second side of the base opposite the first side, the base being provided with an opening for the passage of light rays from the light generator to the light collector.

The one-piece optical element may include a third reflective surface configured to reflect the light beam from the light collector towards the optical device.

The first reflective surface may comprise a paraboloid shape, with the light generator positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape. The second reflective surface may be provided with a focus located on the first reflective surface, in particular on a rear edge thereof.

The light generator may comprise at least two light sources distinct from each other, and the first reflecting surface may comprise a first portion of paraboloid shape and at least a second portion of paraboloid shape adjacent to the first portion, a first light source being positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape of the first portion, a second light source being positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape of the second portion, the first portion and the second portion of the light collector being configured to reflect light rays coming from at least two light sources towards the same optical device.

The second reflective surface can be striped perpendicular to the optical axis, in particular vertically.

The lighting device may comprise a first light generator and a second light generator, the one-piece optical element comprising:
- a first light collector comprising a first reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the first light generator into a first light beam, and
- a first optical device comprising a second reflective surface configured to reflect the light beam coming from the first light collector along the optical axis of the lighting device,
- a second light collector comprising a first reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted by the second light generator into a second light beam, and
- a second optical device comprising a second reflective surface configured to reflect the light beam coming from the second light collector along the optical axis of the lighting device.

The first optical device may be adjacent to the second optical device and offset relative to the second optical device along the optical axis.

The first light generator, the first light collector and the first optical device can form a first light module configured to perform a road-type lighting function. The second light generator, the second light collector and the second optical device can form a second light module configured to perform a code type lighting function.

The invention also relates to a headlight for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting device as defined above.

Presentation of figures

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made on a non-limiting basis in relation to the attached figures among which:

There is a front perspective view of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention.

There is a side perspective view of the lighting device, a separating mask of the lighting device being hidden.

There is a side perspective view of the lighting device, the separation mask and a one-piece optical element of the lighting device being masked.

There is a front perspective view of the lighting device, with the separating mask of the lighting device being hidden.

There is a perspective view of the one-piece optical element of the lighting device.

There is a bottom perspective view of the one-piece optical element.

There is a first side sectional view of the lighting device, according to a plane P1 identified on the .

There is a second side sectional view of the lighting device, according to a plane P2 identified on the .

There is a top perspective view of the separation mask of the lighting device.

There is a perspective view from below of the separation mask of the lighting device.

There is a top view of the lighting device.

detailed description

There 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 vehicle headlight. In particular, the projector is a left front projector, the left and the right being defined according to the point of view of a driver of the vehicle seated 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 headlamp housing, which is intended to be fixed to the vehicle. The case is closed at the front by a transparent protective glass.

In this document, the X axis designates the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When moving forward and in a straight line, the vehicle progresses 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, that is to say in the direction of reverse. 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 rest on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system. This same reference, defined by reference to a vehicle, will also be used to describe the lighting device 1, even considered outside the vehicle, since it is intended for mounting in a specific orientation in the vehicle.

The lighting device 1 is configured to perform a “code” type lighting function and to perform a “road” type lighting function. The code type lighting function is obtained by projecting a so-called “cut-off” light beam, that is to say having an asymmetry between a right part and a left part of the light beam, so as not to dazzle a person. another motorist traveling in the opposite direction. In countries with right-hand traffic, that is to say in which vehicles are generally instructed to drive on the right part of the road, such a light beam may include a left part lighting less high than a right part. of the light beam. The road type lighting function is achieved by projecting a more powerful light beam than the code 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.

Alternatively, the lighting device 1 could also be configured to perform only one lighting function among the code type function and the road type function. The light beams coming from the lighting device 1 can be generally centered around an optical axis XO substantially parallel to the axis X.

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 light modules MA , adjacent MB, MC, MD and ME. Alternatively, the number of light modules could be different, including a single light module, 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 composing all or part of the code type and/or road type lighting function. Certain light modules can, for example, be used to contribute to both the code function and the road function.

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 road type light beam. For example, a projection in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis XO of the road type light beam can be broken down into three adjacent vertical zones, each vertical zone being illuminated by a separate MA, MB or MC light module. The two light modules MD and ME, positioned more towards a side edge of the vehicle, are intended to each produce a component of a code type light beam. A projection in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis XO of the code type light beam can be broken down into a central zone and a peripheral zone. The central zone, commonly referred to by the Anglo-Saxon term "kink", includes a cutoff configured to avoid the glare of 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 area is illuminated by the MD light module. The peripheral zone, commonly referred to by the Anglo-Saxon term "flat", has a lower light intensity than the central zone, and is illuminated by the ME light module. A "flat" light beam can be defined as a light beam whose cutoff line extends horizontally, without an inflection point. The light module ME can also illuminate in the central zone, so that the light intensity of the central zone can result from the sum of the light intensities produced by the modules MD and ME.

In addition to a lighting function, the headlight contributes greatly to the general appearance of the vehicle and therefore also has an aesthetic function. To this end, it includes lines that integrate harmoniously with the body of the vehicle. 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 side edge of the vehicle. Such a shape generates dimensional constraints on the lighting device 1 which thus have a front face generally inclined relative to the optical axis XO. In particular, regarding 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 different light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME are offset from each other 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 in the position closest to the side edge of the vehicle so that the light beam it produces is not disturbed by a grille of the vehicle.

In addition, the lighting device 1 can be visible through the protective glass and its appearance must therefore also be particularly careful.

There illustrates the lighting device 1 without a separating 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 one-piece optical element 3 common to all the light modules. In the remainder of the description we will add, when this facilitates reading, the suffixes A, B, C, D and E to the reference signs to designate objects belonging respectively to the light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME.

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 module luminous MD comprises a 2D light generator 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 on the , on which the one-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.

An axis ZO can be defined as an axis perpendicular to a plane in which the printed circuit board 5 extends. The axis ZO can be oriented in the direction of emission of the light rays by the light sources 4, it is that is to say upwards according to the embodiment presented. The ZO axis can be perpendicular to the XO optical axis, but the angle of these two axes can also differ by 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 to be obscured by them, while limiting the vertical bulk 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 axes XO, YO and ZO can thus define a reference, in particular an orthogonal reference, relative to the projector, independent of the reference formed by the axes integrated. The axes XO, YO and optionally ZO can be parallel or substantially parallel respectively to the axes X, Y and Z defined previously when the projector is mounted in the vehicle in its position of use.

The lighting device 1 also includes 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 comprises in in addition to 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 one-piece optical element 3. The upper face 8 of the heat sink 6 and the card of printed circuit 5 can extend in a substantially horizontal plane. Finally, the heat sink 6 may include at least one fixing tab making it possible to fix the lighting device within the projector housing.

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 to securely fix 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 therefore 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.

The one-piece optical element 3 is particularly clearly visible in Figures 4, 5 and 6. For each of the optical modules MA to ME, the one-piece optical element 3 comprises a light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and a optical projection device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. Each light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E is intended to directly receive the light rays coming from a light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E. Each light collector includes 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. Each optical device 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E comprises a second reflecting surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E configured to reflect the light beam coming from the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E corresponding, generally following the optical axis XO of the lighting device. The light beam coming 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. As 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 each other. other, without having to resort to a complex assembly process. This allows us to produce precise light beams. The road and/or the environment of the vehicle is thus ideally lit in the desired locations.

The one-piece optical element 3 is therefore a piece made in one piece, or in other words, a monolithic part. Advantageously, the one-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.

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.

Each light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E can substantially comprise the shape of a dome projecting perpendicular to the plane in which the printed circuit board 5 extends. More precisely, 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 convergence zone are projected at a long distance after reflection on the first reflective surface. “Projected at a long 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.

Alternatively, each first reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C of the optical modules MA, MB, MC can 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 reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C is configured to converge the light rays coming from a light generator 2A, 2B, 2C, that is to say that the light rays reflected by each the first surface reflective surfaces 17A, 17B, 17C are oriented towards a second respective focus of each of the reflective surfaces. The ellipsoid shape of the first reflecting surface generally has two foci, that is to say two zones of convergence of light rays such that the light rays emitted by a light source placed at one of the two convergence zones converge, after reflection on the surface, towards the other convergence zone. These two foci are located near said surface, that is to say within 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 reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C, it is imaged near the focus F of each respective second reflective 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.

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

The combination of a light generator and a light collector forms a light device. According to the embodiment presented, the lighting device therefore comprises five light devices but as a variant this number could be different.

As the fourth light module MD includes a single light source, the 15D light collector of this light module also includes a single paraboloid shape. The other light modules MA, MB, MC and ME include 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, as the light modules MA, MB, MC and ME comprise four light sources 4, their respective reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17E each comprises four portions 191, 192, 193, 194 of paraboloid shape. These paraboloid-shaped portions are close to each other substantially along the Y axis. They are connected to each other by edges 20. To perform a code light type function, the reflective surface 17D and 17E of the MD light modules 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.

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 include a generally rectangular outline. More precisely, each second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E has a generally curved shape and is provided with a focus F (represented on the ) located on the corresponding first reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, in particular on a rear edge of the reflective surface 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E.

The one-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. Base 21 is common to all MA, MB, MC, MD and ME light modules. 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 light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E corresponding 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 as a variant, 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 towards the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D , corresponding 15E. The base 21 extends generally parallel to the printed circuit board 5 and includes a bearing surface against the printed circuit board.

The one-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 the printed circuit board.

As is clearly visible in the sectional view of the , the light rays R (represented by arrows) coming from the light collector 15E of the light module ME directly reach the corresponding optical device 16E. Likewise, the light rays coming from the light collector 15D of the light module MD directly reach the corresponding optical device 16D. That is to say that 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 2D and 2E light generators therefore reflect twice before being projected onto the road.

Conversely and as is clearly visible in the sectional view of the , the light rays R coming from the light collector 15B of the light module MB indirectly reach the optical device 16B. Likewise, 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 one-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 optical device 16A, 16B, 16C corresponding. The third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C are planar. They are formed on an upper face of the base 21 and thus produce 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 second corresponding 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 reflective surface makes it possible to turn the light beam upwards, so that once reflected by the second reflective 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.

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 with 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 one-piece optical element 3. Advantageously, the upper face 8 of the heat sink 6 comprises an opening 25 (visible on the ) adapted to make room 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 can optionally be grained, that is to say, have sufficient roughness, so as to avoid unwanted reflections of light rays.

According to another aspect of the invention, the second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C of the light modules MA, MB and MC is ribbed 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.

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 most at the front and the light module ME is the light module positioned most at the rear. Thus, the second reflective surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E are generally arranged in a staircase. The distance separating the light collector 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E from the corresponding optical device can be substantially identical for all the light modules. The second reflective surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of the adjacent light modules are interconnected 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.

Finally, the one-piece optical element 3 is a part which combines numerous functions: it comprises for each light module two or three reflective surfaces making it possible to shape and correctly direct a light beam to carry out a lighting function, in particular a road type and/or code type lighting function. It comprises reflective surfaces cooperating with several light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E so as to achieve different lighting functions, in particular road type lighting and code type lighting. In addition, the one-piece optical element 3 also includes fixing means making it possible to fix it to a heat sink and to hold the printed circuit board. The one-piece optical element 3 also includes a part protecting the printed circuit board. The one-piece optical element 3 is both simple to manufacture and easy to assemble within a lighting device. The different reflective surfaces of the same light module are ideally positioned in relation to each other, which makes it possible to achieve great optical precision. In addition, the different light modules are also ideally positioned in relation to each other. This makes it possible to envisage carrying out 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 in relation to the others. As explained previously, the lighting device could include only part of the light modules previously described, in particular only one of the light modules previously described.

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, that is to say the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the light generators 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D , 2E associated, so as to make them invisible through the glass of the projector.

The separation mask 28 is in particular illustrated individually in Figures 9 and 10. It comprises a covering element 29 extending substantially horizontally above the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E. An upper face of the separation mask 28 can be visible through the glass of the projector. This face can possibly support decorative elements.

The separation mask 28 includes fixing holes 30 cooperating with fixing screws to fix the separation mask to the heat sink 6. It also includes blind positioning holes 31 cooperating with the positioning pins 9.

The separation mask 28 also includes 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 includes two light modules, the separation mask 28 could only include one 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 can be extended by ribs 34 extending longitudinally on the surface of the covering element 29. These ribs 34 increase the rigidity of the covering element 29 and are harmoniously integrated into the extension of walls 32 and 33.

The separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE of the separation mask 28 extend generally between the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and the optical devices 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. They each include an edge 35 extending 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 of a reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E may preferably be less than or equal to 10mm, or even less than or equal to 5mm. The clearance thus formed is sufficiently small to prevent light rays coming from the light collectors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E from passing from one light module to another. 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 separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD can extend substantially up to mid-height of the reflecting surfaces along the Z axis or along the ZO axis. The separation wall 32DE separating the light modules MD and ME can nevertheless be lower than the other separation walls so as not to block the light rays reflected by the second reflective surface 18E of the light module ME. In fact, the light beam produced by this light module has a particularly open angle so as to clearly illuminate the road on the sides. Generally speaking, the separation wall located between two light modules, at least one of which produces a light beam having a particularly open angle, is advantageously of reduced height, compared to a separation wall located between two modules both producing beams. low opening. By particularly open angle, we understand an angle greater than or equal to 25° relative to the XO axis.

The separation mask 28 further comprises interposition walls 36A, 36B, 36C configured to block light rays coming 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 interposition walls 36A, 36B, 36C comprise an upper edge by which they are linked to a lower face of the covering element 29. As can be seen in the , the interposition walls 36A, 36B, 36C can extend downward from the cover element 29, above the third reflective surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C. The interposition walls 36A, 36B, 36C can also extend slightly obliquely towards the light generator 2.

For the MD and ME light modules, the separation mask 28 does not include any interposition wall. On the other hand, the heat sink 6 advantageously comprises masking elements 37D, 37E projecting through the printed circuit board card 5 thanks to holes provided for this purpose. The masking elements 37D, 37E are interposed between each light source 4 and the optical device 16D and 16E so as to avoid 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 on 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.

The separation mask 28 is also a one-piece element. It is advantageously manufactured by plastic injection. The separation mask is not intended to reflect light rays towards a lighting 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.

Each MA, MB, MC, MD and ME light module 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 produce a road type or code type light function. For the light modules MA, MB and MC, the light rays are then mainly directed towards the third reflective surface 24A, 24B, 24C 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 of the light modules MA, MB, MC, MD and ME then emerge from the lighting device passing above the separation mask 28, then pass through the protective glass of the headlight and illuminate the road.

As illustrated on the and on the , part of the light rays (shown in dotted lines) does not follow the planned trajectory and is blocked by the separation mask 28. Certain light rays R1 of the light modules MA, MB or MC are excessively oriented upwards and are blocked by the interposition walls 36A, 36B, 36C. Other light rays R2 are directed towards the second reflective surface 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E of the adjacent light modules and are blocked by the separation walls 32AB, 32BC, 32CD, 32DE. Certain light rays R3 produced by the fifth light module ME are reflected by the second reflecting surface 18E then pass above the separation wall 32DE arranged between the fourth light module MD and the fifth light module ME and above the covering element 29 so as to produce a light beam of large aperture. 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.

Furthermore, the separation mask 28 partly covers the one-piece optical element 3, which improves the aesthetics of the lighting device, the light sources 4 are also better protected from the sun's radiation and are less likely to be damaged or damaged. to overheat.

Claims (11)

Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a light generator (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E), characterized in that it comprises a one-piece optical element (3), the one-piece optical element comprising:
- a light collector (15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E) comprising a first reflecting surface (17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E) configured to reflect light rays emitted by the light generator into a light beam, and
- an optical device (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E) comprising a second reflecting surface (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the light collector along an optical axis (XO) of the lighting device.
Lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the one-piece optical element (3) is obtained by plastic injection.
Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one-piece optical element (3) comprises a base (21) connecting the light collector (15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E) to the optical device (16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E), the light generator (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) comprising at least one light source (4) connected to a printed circuit board (5) positioned on a first side of the base and the light collector being positioned on a second side of the base opposite the first side, the base being provided with an opening (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E) for the passage of light rays from the light generator to the light collector.
Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one-piece optical element (3) comprises a third reflective surface (24A, 24B, 24C) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the light collector (15A, 15B, 15C) towards the optical device (16A, 16B, 16C).
Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:
- the first reflecting surface (17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E) comprises a paraboloid shape, the light generator (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) being positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape, and /or in that
- the second reflective surface (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E) is provided with a focus (F) located on the first reflective surface, in particular on a rear edge thereof.
Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light generator (2A, 2B, 2C, 2E) comprises at least two light sources (4) distinct from each other , and in that the first reflective surface (17A, 17B, 17C, 17E) comprises a first portion (191) of paraboloid shape and at least one second portion (192) of paraboloid shape adjacent to the first portion, a first source of light being positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape of the first portion, a second light source being positioned at a focus of the paraboloid shape of the second portion, the first portion and the second portion of the collector of light being configured to reflect light rays coming from the at least two light sources towards the same optical device (16A, 16B, 16C, 16E).
Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second reflecting surface (18A, 18B, 18C) is striped perpendicularly to the optical axis (XO), in particular vertically.
Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first light generator (2A, 2B, 2C) and a second light generator (2D, 2E), the optical element monobloc (3) comprising:
- a first light collector (15A, 15B, 15C) comprising a first reflecting surface (17A, 17B, 17C) configured to reflect light rays emitted by the first light generator into a first light beam, and
- a first optical device (16A, 16B, 16C) comprising a second reflecting surface (18A, 18B, 18C) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the first light collector along the optical axis (XO) of the lighting device,
- a second light collector (15D, 15E) comprising a first reflecting surface (17D, 17E) configured to reflect light rays emitted by the second light generator into a second light beam, and
- a second optical device (16D, 16E) comprising a second reflecting surface (18D, 18E) configured to reflect the light beam coming from the second light collector along the optical axis of the lighting device.
Lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, 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).
Lighting device (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the first light generator, the first light collector and the first optical device form a first light module (MC) configured to perform a function road type lighting, and/or in that the second light generator, the second light collector and the second optical device form a second light module (MD) 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.