EP3299700B1 - Lighting module, in particular for lighting and/or signalling for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The field of the present invention is that of light modules for motor vehicles, and in particular lighting and / or signaling modules.

A motor vehicle is equipped with projectors, or headlights, intended to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle, in particular at night or in bad weather. These headlamps can generally be used in two lighting modes: a first “high beam” mode and a second “low beam” mode. The "high beam" mode allows the road to be strongly illuminated far in front of the vehicle, at the risk of dazzling oncoming road users. The "low beam" mode provides more limited illumination of the road, but nevertheless offers good visibility, without dazzling other road users. These two lighting modes are complementary. The driver of the vehicle must manually change modes depending on the lighting conditions and other road users. Having to change modes manually can be unreliable and dangerous under certain conditions. In addition, the high beam mode provides sometimes unsatisfactory visibility for the driver of the vehicle.

To improve the situation, headlamps with an ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) function of adaptive lighting have been proposed. Such an ADB function is intended to automatically detect a road user likely to be dazzled by a lighting beam emitted in high beam mode by a headlamp, and to modify the contour of this lighting beam in such a way. to create a shadow zone where the detected user is located. The advantages of the ADB function are multiple: ease of use, better visibility compared to lighting in low beam mode, better reliability for changing modes, greatly reduced risk of dazzling, safer driving.

In order to perform such an ADB function, it is for example known a system comprising a plurality of light sources, a primary optical element and an associated projection optical element forming a secondary optic, in which the primary optical element comprises a plurality of optical elements. light guides having contiguous edges at the output, the outputs of the guides of the primary optical element being positioned in a focal plane object of the secondary optics.

The light emitted by each light source enters the associated light guide, possibly propagates inside a corrective part common to each guide, then is emitted via the exit face of the corrective part towards the optical element associated secondary. The light emitted by each optical guide exit zone and projected by the secondary optical element, forms a vertical light segment at the front of the vehicle. The light sources can be switched on independently of each other, selectively, to achieve the desired illumination.

Such a lighting system nevertheless has certain drawbacks. In particular, due to the use of several light guides arranged in series to form the primary optical element of such a system, industrialization is made difficult.

Another system using a secondary optic common to several sub-modules is described in the document EP 2 682 671 A2 .

In this context, the present invention aims to provide a light module whose mounting and adjustment are simplified.

The present invention, defined in claim 1, relates to a light module comprising on the one hand at least two sub-modules each comprising at least two light sources which can be selectively activated to each produce a light segment, and on the other hand a projection optic. common to the two sub-modules for projecting said light segments, the sub-modules and the projection optics being arranged to produce a homogeneous segmented beam, when all the segments are activated together.

The light module according to the invention therefore makes it possible to ensure a Matrix Beam function with a single light module, in a compact manner.

The submodules of the light module according to the invention can comprise the same number of light sources, or comprise a different number of light sources.

Each submodule has a separate support for its light sources.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the light module comprises a plate for supporting the submodules. The submodules can in particular be placed at one end of the stage and the projection optic at an opposite end of the stage.

The support of at least one submodule comprises a front face carrying the at least two light sources and a rear face configured to come into contact with a wall of the plate, and in particular against the front face of this wall. In order to ensure this contact, provision may in particular be made for the rear face of the support of the submodule and / or the front face of the wall of the plate to include at least one flat portion.

The support has substantially the shape of a thin plate defined between this front face and the rear face. Provision can be made for each sub-module to include a support of this type.

Each submodule is fixed to the plate by a fixing means. Each sub-module can be fixed by screwing, gluing, riveting, snap-gluing or any other suitable fastening means.

In particular, provision can be made for the sub-modules to be screwed onto the plate, and for this purpose, the plate has at least one orifice while each support has a bore associated with one of the orifices of the plate. Each orifice / bore pair is intended to receive a fixing screw, the hole in the plate or the bore of the support has a section that is larger than that of the fixing screw. The head of the screw is on the side of the hole that has the widest section. Screwing can therefore be done from the front or from the rear depending on which hole has the larger section.

The submodules are able to be adjusted in rotation and / or in translation, independently of each other, to produce a homogeneous beam. More particularly, the source supports are able to be adjusted in rotation, independently of one another, in order to obtain this homogeneous beam.

The support has at least one gripping finger. The gripping finger is used to manipulate the sub-module to adjust it. The manipulation to adjust the submodule can be performed by a human operator or by a machine, automatically or not.

Each submodule has a plurality of light sources configured to effect the formation of a segmented partial light beam. The light segments of a partial light beam emitted by a submodule are placed in pairs.

According to the invention, each of the sub-modules is adjusted so that the light segments corresponding to a sub-module are contiguous with the light segments corresponding to the neighboring sub-module, or else so that the corresponding light segments to a submodule are interlaced with the light segments corresponding to another submodule. Thus, the light segments can be intertwined with the light segments of a neighboring submodule or not, and this interlacing makes it possible to obtain an overlap of light segments, making possible a selective lighting of bands of the overall light beam projected by the light. light module with a light intensity progressively changing on either side of the strip (s) left off. The covering of the light segments can have a width of l / n, l being the width of the light segment and n being the number of submodules, but other examples of covering can be envisaged.

This characteristic makes it possible in particular to obtain, in a single module of simple design with a single projection optic for a plurality of independent sub-modules which can be adjusted independently of one another, the possibility of having a beam of the segmented high beam type.

The light module can further include a control device capable of selectively activating or deactivating one or more light segments. Selective activation of one or more light segments can be performed by the user, or automatically in conjunction with a detection system.

The light segments are oriented vertically or essentially vertically. By essentially vertical is meant that the light segments may have an angle of between 0 and 20 ° with respect to a vertical axis.

Each sub-module further comprises an optical element in the vicinity of the light sources and forming a primary optic able to cooperate with the single projection optic therefore forming a secondary optic, the optical assembly making it possible to produce the light segments.

The primary optics are located opposite the sources. They are formed by microlenses. The light module has as many microlenses as there are light sources, each light source collaborating with a microlens.

The light module further comprises at least one projection lens. This projection lens is arranged to project the light segments emitted by the submodules. This projection lens may or may not be curved.

The light module can include at least one field lens. The field lens may include several portions each defining an optical aberration correction lens of the projection lens. Among the optical aberrations that the field lens or one of its portions can correct, we find in particular but without limitation chromatic aberrations and geometric aberrations. The field lens is positioned on the stage.

The light module can further include at least one separator between the submodules. The separator or separators are designed to avoid parasitic rays from one submodule to another. The separator (s) are positioned on the plate.

According to the invention, the light sources collaborate with at least one element among the primary optics, the field lens, the splitters and the projection lens to produce a homogeneous segmented beam.

• on assemble les sous-modules sur la platine dans une position théorique, notamment par serrage partiel d'un moyen de fixation propre à chaque sous-module,
• on réalise une première phase de test pour déterminer si le faisceau segmenté est homogène, et on définit une nouvelle position recalculée, d'au moins un sous-module,
• on desserre partiellement le moyen de fixation du au moins un sous-module,
• on fait pivoter le sous-module par l'intermédiaire du doigt de préhension, et on réalise une deuxième phase de test pour déterminer si le faisceau segmenté est homogène,
• on serre à force le moyen de fixation spécifique à chaque sous-module à la platine du module lumineux.

The invention also relates to a method for mounting a light module as described above, in which at least one submodule is adjusted in position to obtain a homogeneous segmented beam when all of the light sources are on. The method is defined in claim 12 and comprises at least the following steps:

• the submodules are assembled on the plate in a theoretical position, in particular by partial tightening of a fixing means specific to each submodule,
• a first test phase is carried out to determine whether the segmented beam is homogeneous, and a new recalculated position of at least one submodule is defined,
• partially loosening the fixing means of at least one sub-module,
• the submodule is rotated by means of the gripping finger, and a second test phase is carried out to determine whether the segmented beam is homogeneous,
• the fastening means specific to each sub-module is tightened by force to the plate of the light module.

A clamp controlled by the photometric bench can grip the sub-module support to adjust it. The sub-module is entered using the gripping finger specific to each sub-module. More particularly, the grasping can be done through a grasping hole arranged in the grasping finger. The gripping hole is arranged to allow gripping by the desired setting tool. The adjustment of the submodule is effected by rotation along a vertical axis, along a transverse axis and / or along a plane defined by these two axes.

In the method as just presented, one or more steps of the method can be carried out automatically.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un module lumineux selon l'invention comportant quatre sous-modules et leur pluralité de sources lumineuses respective,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'un support de sources lumineuses constitutif d'un sous-module selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, et
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des représentations schématiques d'un faisceau lumineux global projeté par un module lumineux de la figure 1 et d'un diagramme d'intensité lumineuse de ce faisceau lorsqu'une bande formant le faisceau est éteinte.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below by way of indication in relation to the drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a light module according to the invention comprising four sub-modules and their respective plurality of light sources,
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of a light source support constituting a submodule according to one embodiment of the invention, and
• the figures 3 and 4 are schematic representations of a global light beam projected by a light module of the figure 1 and a luminous intensity diagram of this beam when a band forming the beam is extinguished.

The embodiments which are described below are in no way limiting: it is in particular possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient. to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with one another if there is nothing to prevent this combination from a technical point of view. In such a case, mention would be made in the present description.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal, vertical and transverse names relate to an axis corresponding to the general direction of the rays emitted by the light source. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the general direction of the light rays emitted by the light source. The forward direction designates the direction of emission of light rays by the light source, the rear direction designating the reverse direction. The directions mentioned above are also visible in a trihedron L, V, T shown in the figures.

The light module 1 according to the invention comprises at least two sub-modules 2, each comprising at least one light source 3 (in particular visible on the figure 2 ), as well as a projection lens 4 common to at least two sub-modules 2.

More particularly, in the example illustrated, the light module 1 according to the invention comprises four sub-modules 2. Two sub-modules 2 comprise five light sources 3, the other two sub-modules 2 comprising seven light sources 3. In the 'example of the figure 1 , there is an alternation between the submodules comprising five light sources and those comprising seven light sources.

The light module 1 further comprises a plate 6 which has a first face 60 on which are arranged the various elements constituting the light module 1. The submodules 2 are arranged at a first longitudinal end of the plate 6, while the projection optics 4 of the light module 1, common to each of the sub-modules, is arranged at an opposite longitudinal end of the plate 6, opposite the sub-modules 2.

The projection optic 4 here consists of a curved projection lens with an entry face 41 turned towards the light sources 3 and the associated sub-modules and an exit face 42. The projection optic 4 is common to each. sub-module 2, and it works with the light sources 3 and optical elements associated with the light sources and forming primary optics 22, so as to project in a controlled manner the light rays emitted by the light sources 3.

The plate 6 comprises at the first longitudinal end, in order to fix the sub-modules 2, a vertical wall 61 extending the flat base of the plate. The submodules 2 are arranged on a front face 62 of this vertical wall 61, that is to say the face disposed opposite the projection optic 4. The front face 62 of the vertical wall 61 of the plate 6 is planar or substantially planar.

The plate 6 further comprises a heat sink 7 arranged on a rear face 64 of the vertical wall 61 of the plate 6, said rear face 64 being disposed opposite the front face 62 on which the submodules 2 are arranged. The heat sink 7 is designed to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the light sources 3 and the electronic components on board the submodules 2. In the example of figure 1 , the heat sink 7 comprises a multitude of fins arranged vertically, but it can advantageously be arranged in a different way.

In the example illustrated, the light module further comprises a field lens 8 and a separator 9, also arranged on the plate 6 of the module between the plurality of sub-modules 2 and the projection optics common to each of the sub-modules. modules, so as to deflect, segment and shape the rays emitted by the light sources on board the submodules in order to direct them appropriately towards the common projection optics at the output of the module.

The submodules 2 each comprise a support 21, which, as is particularly visible on the figure 2 , has a front face 211 and a rear face 212, defining between them the thickness of the plate forming the support 21, as well as a lower part and an upper part defined in the vertical direction as a function of the final arrangement in the vehicle. The light sources 3 of the submodules are arranged on the front face 211 of the support 21, and these light sources 3 are aligned transversely, in the upper part of the support 21.

Each submodule 2 further comprises an optical element 22 arranged opposite the light sources and configured to cooperate with the projection optics common to all of the submodules, this common projection optic then forming a secondary optic cooperating with the optical element forming a primary optic 22 on board the sub-modules to generate a light beam for lighting and / or signaling. The primary optic 22 is arranged opposite each of the light sources 3, between the light sources 3 and the projection optic 4 forming the secondary optic. The primary optic 22 comprises at least one microlens 23, and preferably one microlens 23 per light source 3. The microlenses 23 may in particular have a hemispherical or essentially hemispherical shape. They are formed of a material or an alloy of transparent or translucent material. They are formed and arranged to collaborate with the light sources 3 in order to project in a controlled manner the light rays emitted by the light sources 3 in the direction of the secondary optics, so as to obtain segmented partial light beams 5.

Projecting the rays in a controlled manner means that a beam of rays is obtained at the output of the module which complies with the specifications and the regulations, in terms of shape, color and power. The rays projected in a controlled manner contain little or no chromatic aberrations.

In the mounted position of the assembly, the rear face 212 of a support 21 comes to press against the front face 62 of the vertical wall 61 of the plate 6.

Each light source support 21 3 comprises a threaded bore 215 passing through, disposed essentially in the center of the support 21. More particularly, each threaded bore 215 is disposed substantially in the center of the support 21, and extends from one face to the other. support 21.

Correspondingly, the plate 6 further comprises an orifice configured on the vertical wall 61 for each support 21, the orifices being arranged in transverse series. By arranged in series, it is understood that the orifices are aligned or essentially aligned along a transverse axis, so as to correspond to the threaded bores 215 of the supports 21 of light sources 3.

When the light source support 21 3 is mounted on the plate 6, the threaded bore 215 of the support 21 and the orifice of the plate are aligned, so as to allow passage to a fixing means 26. In the case illustrated on the figure 1 , this fixing means 26 consists of a clamping screw, the shank diameter of which is substantially equal to that of the threaded bores 215. It is understood that the diameter of the orifices formed in the vertical wall is slightly greater than that of the threaded bores 215 in order to take care not to block the passage of the fixing screw 26 through the bores. In the example of figure 1 , all of the threaded bores 215 have the same diameter, but the diameter of one or more threaded bores 215 may be different from the others. Likewise, if all the orifices made on the vertical wall 61 can have the same diameter, it is conceivable that the diameter of one or more of these orifices is different from the others.

The fixing screws 26 are inserted through the rear face 64 of the vertical wall 61 of the plate, and they pass through the holes in the plate to fit into the threaded bores 215 of the supports 21, the screw heads remaining from the sort on the side of the rear face 64 of the vertical wall 61.

The supports 21 each comprise at least one gripping finger 24, which extends perpendicularly the support projecting from the rear face 212 thereof, being arranged at one end of this support, here in the vicinity of the upper edge. Each gripping finger 24 comprises at least one gripping hole 25, arranged to allow the gripping and handling of the supports 21 by an operator or a machine in order to obtain the desired orientation of each support before their fixing in the light module. In the example illustrated, the gripping finger comprises two gripping holes 25, configured to collaborate with any machine tool useful for the manufacture, assembly or adjustment of the light module 1.

As described above, the field lens 8 is arranged on the plate 6, between the submodules 2 and the projection optics 4. The field lens 8 is divided into several portions 81 each defining a corrective lens. optical aberration specifically associated with one of the sub-modules and extend projecting substantially perpendicular from a base 83 of the field lens 8, so as to lie in the path of the rays emitted by the light sources in the direction of the projection lens 4. Thus, each portion 81 of the field lens 8 collaborates with a submodule 2 and with projection optics 4 for controlled projection of the light rays emitted by light sources 3.

The light module 1 according to the invention also comprises a separator 9 configured to compartmentalize all the rays emitted by the light sources into a plurality of successive bands, and in particular to intercept the parasitic rays emitted by the submodules 2. The rays Parasites are the light rays emitted by the light sources 3 of a submodule 2, the path of which deviates significantly from the general axis of the light rays, these parasitic rays being able to interfere with the optimal operation of the neighboring submodules 2. The separator 9 is formed or covered with an opaque material capable of absorbing light rays.

The separator 9 is also disposed on the plate 6, between the submodules 2 and the field lens 8. The separator 9 comprises longitudinal walls 91 arranged in transverse series and which extend respectively between the portions 81 of the lens. field 8 and between the submodules 2. The separator thus makes it possible to define light distribution conduits 92, from a submodule 2 arranged at a longitudinal end of the separator to a field lens arranged at the opposite longitudinal end. The parasitic rays emitted by the light sources 3 of a sub-module 2 are absorbed by the longitudinal walls 91 of the distribution ducts 92, and the majority of the light rays emitted by each sub-module 2 is directed towards the corresponding portion 81 of the field lens then projected in a controlled manner towards the projection optics 4, common to each distribution duct 92.

This results in obtaining a segmented light beam at the output of the light module such as it is in particular visible on the figure 3 .

Each sub-module 2 (designated 2A to 2D on the figure 1 ) thus participates in the creation of a partial light beam (designated 5A to 5D on the figure 3 ) projected at the output of the common projection lens, and each partial light beam is segmented due to the series arrangement of a plurality of light sources in each submodule.

In the example illustrated, two non-consecutive sub-modules 2A and 2C comprise seven light sources and seven associated microlenses and the partial light beams 5A and 5C which they participate in projecting comprise seven segments, while the other two sub-modules 2B and 2D, therefore also non-consecutive, comprise five light sources and five associated microlenses so that the partial light beams 5B and 5D which they participate in projecting comprise five segments.

The light segments of a partial light beam are placed side by side in pairs, and these various partial light beams 5A, ..., 5D projected at the output of the common projection optics are interlaced, so that in the overall light beam 5 , formed by the addition of the partial beams, a lighting strip 51 can be formed, in particular at the center of the overall beam, by the superposition of a plurality of light segments belonging respectively to one of the partial light beams. In other words, the light segments of one submodule are interlaced with the light segments of another submodule.

An illumination strip 51 can thus be illuminated or not depending on whether or not this or that segment is switched on, and the luminous intensity of this illumination band can be varied as a function of the number of illuminated segments which are switched on. compose it.

In the example shown on figure 3 , each strip 51 is thus made up of part of four different light segments, each coming from a partial light beam 5 produced by the cooperation of a specific sub-module and the common projection optics and separate sub-module .

In normal operation, when the vehicle is the only one moving, all of the light sources 3 are illuminated. The light module 1 thus illuminates the road taken by the vehicle to the maximum of its capacity. In the event of the occurrence of another user, whether the latter is a pedestrian, a vehicle arriving in the opposite direction or a vehicle preceding that of the user, it is possible to selectively deactivate certain light sources 3 so as to no longer project some light segments of the partial light beam. This has the effect of deactivating certain bands 51, in particular those which could be identified as those participating in the lighting of the user detected on the road scene, and of modifying the lighting contour of the overall light beam projected by the vehicle. the user's vehicle, so as not to dazzle other users.

By way of non-limiting example, it is possible to detect a vehicle arriving in the opposite direction in a straight line, substantially in the center of the lighting beam, and it is then appropriate that the lighting strip 51 illustrated on the figure figure 3 is off. Each of the light sources 3 corresponding, in a light sub-module 2, to the lighting of this lighting strip is then extinguished. In the example illustrated, the fourth source of the first sub-module 2A, generator of the first partial light beam 5A, is thus switched off, and the second source of the second sub-module 2B, generator of the second partial light beam 5B, is simultaneously switched off. third source of the third sub-module 2C, generator of the third partial light beam 5C and the second source of the fourth sub-module 2D, generator of the fourth partial light beam 5D.

We have illustrated on the figure 4 the light intensity profile of the resulting overall light beam. It can be observed that the lighting strip 51 in which the third vehicle was detected is completely extinguished, and that the lighting strips arranged in the vicinity of the latter have a light intensity which gradually increases as the lighting progresses. moving away from the unlit lighting strip. This avoids too strong contrasts between the unlit strip and the rest of the lighting beam which could be penalizing for the driver's vision.

In the example illustrated, it is understood that the light strip 51 ′ directly in the vicinity of the extinguished lighting strip 51 is formed by the same second source of the second sub-module 2B, third source of the third sub-module 2C, and second source of the fourth 2D sub-module, which are therefore off, as well as by the third source of the first sub-module 2A, generator of the first partial light beam 5A, which remained on, selectively with respect to the fourth source of the first sub-module module 2A. As a result, the light strip 51 'directly in the vicinity of the unlit lighting strip 51 is lit with a light intensity corresponding substantially to a quarter of the maximum light intensity.

Likewise, the second light strip 51 "arranged directly in the vicinity of the partially lit light strip 51 'is formed by the same second source of the second sub-module 2B and third source of the third sub-module 2C as the unlit light strip. , as well as by the third source of the first sub-module 2A, generator of the first partial light beam 5A, and the first source of the fourth 2D sub-module which they remained on, selectively with respect to the fourth source of the first sub-module 2A and the second source of the fourth sub-module 2D. It follows that this second light strip 51 "is lit with a light intensity corresponding substantially to half of the maximum light intensity.

This progressive evolution of the light intensity of the lighting bands is made possible by the segmentation of each of the partial light beams 5A, ..., 5D, and the selective activation of the light sources generating these partial light beams, by the superposition of the set of partial light beams into a homogeneous overall light beam when all the segments are lit together, and by the angular shift of each partial light beam with respect to each other so that the segments of a sub -module are interleaved with the segments of the neighboring submodule.

It will be understood that the segmentation of each of the partial light beams is made possible in particular by the presence of a plurality of light sources in each submodule, these light sources being able to be activated independently of one another.

The superposition of all the partial light beams into a homogeneous segmented global light beam is made possible by the presence of a projection optic common to each of the sub-modules, the projection optic being configured to present on the path of rays emitted by each submodule a section adapted to correct the rays to obtain a homogeneous beam at the output. As has been described, it may be advantageous to provide between the sub-modules and the common projection optics optical elements participating in correctly compartmentalizing the rays in order to avoid the parasitic rays which may interfere with the homogeneous nature of the light beam. overall projected at the output of the light module.

And the angular offset of each partial light beam with respect to one another is made possible by a specific angular positioning of each of the sub-modules 2 with respect to the plate 6 and in particular with respect to the vertical wall 61. It is possible to achieve this will describe below a method of adjusting the position of the sub-modules in the light module. In particular, the aim will be to position each submodule correctly with respect to the others so that the covering of the light segments of a submodule by those of a neighboring submodule has a desired width, the width being equal to l / n, with l the width of the light segment and n the number of submodules.

In the example illustrated where the aim is to extinguish in the overall light beam one or more successive light bands so as not to dazzle a third vehicle, it is understood that it is possible to change the position of the light band or bands that the 'we want to switch off: as the distance between the vehicles decreases, the vehicle arriving in front will move relatively outward from the overall light beam projected by the user's vehicle. It is then desired to successively extinguish the first light strip 51 ′ then the second light strip 51 ″, and for this purpose each of the light sources participating in the formation of this light strip is extinguished, leaving the other light sources on.

The example described here of the switching on and off of light sources, to generate a dark band that does not dazzle a vehicle arriving in the opposite direction, is in no way limiting, and the module according to the invention is suitable. to be used effectively in many situations.

The advantage according to the invention of being able to adjust the angular position of the submodules 2 with respect to each other has been mentioned above, and an example of an embodiment of the assembly and adjustment of the light module 1.

The sub-modules 2 are assembled on one side, by assembling the elements of the sub-modules 2 together, in particular by fixing the light sources 3 on the support 21 in a transverse series, then by fixing the optical element 22 on the support 21, so as to place the microlenses 23 facing the light sources.

On the other hand, all the elements of the light module 1 are positioned on the plate 6, by placing from one longitudinal end to the other of the plate, in particular the projection lens 4, the field lens 8 and the dividers 9.

Each of the submodules 2 is then placed on the vertical wall 61 of the plate 6, fixing these submodules independently of each other with a fixing screw 26 specific to each submodule. As could be described above, a submodule is brought against the vertical wall, in particular by manipulating the submodule by means of the gripping finger 24, by pressing the rear face 212 of a support 21 against the front face 62 of the vertical wall 61, and by making the threaded bore 215 of the support 21 correspond with the corresponding orifice made in the vertical wall 61. In particular, indexing means can be provided to facilitate the positioning of the support. 21 and the alignment of the orifices.

Once each submodule is mounted on plate 6, a test is carried out on a photometric bench to verify that the segments are correctly superimposed with respect to each other.

If the position of one of the sub-modules has to be modified according to the results of this test, one proceeds to a partial unscrewing of the fixing means 26 to allow mobility of the sub-module relative to the vertical wall of the plate. , and a robot is controlled to manipulate the submodule in rotation, about an axis substantially parallel to the vertical wall 61, by means of the gripping finger. Alternatively, the robot can be controlled to manipulate the submodules 2 according to translations, for example along the T and V directions. As soon as the position recalculated for each submodule is obtained, the fixing screw is tightened again. 26 to press the support 21 of submodule 2 against the vertical wall 61 of the plate 6, while maintaining the recalculated position of the submodule by means of the gripping finger. And this series of operations is repeated for each of the sub-modules whose position is to be adjusted.

It should be noted that additional steps may be provided, in particular a step of adjusting the projection optics 4, the field lens 8 or the splitter 9, to improve the projection of the overall light beam produced by the light module 1. according to the invention.

The invention described above makes it possible in particular to obtain a matrix beam, of the Matrix Beam type, with a light module 1 embedding on a plate a projection optic common to a plurality of sub-modules, easy to mount independently of each other. the turntable, and easy to adjust.

Claims (12)

1. Light-emitting module (1) including:

   - at least two sub-modules (2) each including at least two light sources (3) activatable selectively so that each produces a segment of a partial light beam (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D), and

   - a projection optic (4) common to the two sub-modules (2) for projecting said light-emitting segments,

   the sub-modules (2) and the projection optic (4) being adapted to produce a homogeneous segmented beam when all the segments are activated together;

   characterized in that each sub-module (2) includes one optical element (22) in the vicinity of the light sources (3) and forming a primary optic adapted to cooperate with the single projection optic (4) to form a secondary optic;

   in that each primary optic (22) is formed by microlenses (23) facing the light sources (3), each light source collaborating with one microlens (23);

   and in that at least one sub-module (2) is adapted to be adjusted in rotation and/or in translation, to produce the homogeneous segmented beam.
2. Light-emitting module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each sub-module (2) includes a separate support (21) for its light sources (3).
3. Light-emitting module (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light-emitting module (1) includes a plate (6) disposed to support the sub-modules (2) and the projection optic (4).
4. Light-emitting module (1) according to Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the support (21) of at least one sub-module (2) includes a front face (62) carrying the at least two light sources (3) and a rear face (212) configured to be in contact with a wall (61) of the plate (6).
5. Light-emitting module (1) according to either one of Claims 3 or 4, in combination with Claim 2, characterized in that the plate (6) includes at least one orifice cooperating with a bore (215) produced in the support (21), to receive a fixing screw (26).
6. Light-emitting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (21) includes a holding finger (24).
7. Light-emitting module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holding finger (24) is configured to enable manipulation of the sub-module (2) to adjust it.
8. Light-emitting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light-emitting segments of a partial light beam (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) emitted by the sub-module (2) are side by side two by two.
9. Light-emitting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light-emitting segments of a partial light beam (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) emitted by a sub-module (2) are side by side with the light-emitting segments of a partial light beam emitted by an adjacent sub-module.
10. Light-emitting module (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the light-emitting segments of a partial light beam (5A, 5B, 5C, 5D) emitted by a sub-module (2) are interleaved with the light-emitting segments of a partial light beam emitted by an adjacent sub-module.
11. Light-emitting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection optic (4) includes a curved projection lens for projecting the light-emitting segments emitted by the light sources (3).
12. Method of assembling a light-emitting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one sub-module is adjusted in position to obtain a homogeneous segmented beam when all of the light sources are lit, in which method:

    - the sub-modules (2) are assembled on the plate (6) in a theoretical position, notably by partially tightening fixing means (26) specific to each sub-module,

    - a first test phase is effected to determine if the segmented beam is homogeneous,

    - the fixing means of at least one sub-module are partially loosened,

    - a new recomputed position of at least one sub-module is defined,

    - the sub-module (2) is caused to pivot and/or to move in translation by means of the holding finger (24) to obtain the recomputed position for the sub-module, and a second test phase is effected to determine if the segmented beam is homogeneous,

    - the fixing means (26) specific to each sub-module (2) are tightly clamped to the plate (6) of the light-emitting module (1) by holding the recomputed position.

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