The scope of the present invention is that of light projectors and, more particularly, the headlamps for motor vehicles.

Motor vehicle headlamps usually comprise a light source which projects light on a reflector. The light is then reflected onto a lens to be reversed and returned as a light beam outside of the vehicle. Projectors also include a cut-off mechanism to hide or not a part of the reflected beam, as well as the shape of the beam control means for adapting the latter to the circumstances of driving.

It is known to use cut-off mechanism comprising a rotatable disconnecting strip. The disconnecting strip is electrically actuated to move, on command, between at least two angular positions in which it conceals more or less the light beam. In the case of a headlamp said bi-function, these two positions are a first angular position, wherein the disconnecting strip occult part of the light beam to limit the scope of the projector to the dipped beam to avoid dazzling other drivers traveling in opposite directions, and a second angular position in which it does not obscure the light beam, the scope of the projector then corresponding to that of the beam. There are also so-called multifunction projectors

The devices of the prior art which controls the position of the disconnecting strip are generally constituted by an actuating motor associated with a sensor of the position of the cut strip or a stop which defines the rest position of the bar cutoff. For security reasons, this rest position is associated with the position code, in order to avoid dazzling drivers in oncoming the event of a failure of the actuation of the array device. The reminder of the abutting position or the end position is generally ensured by a return spring.

The disconnecting strip is electrically operated by an actuator comprising an electric motor. For the realization of the drive motor, it is known to use an electromagnet which exerts counter to the return spring, a force of attraction on a movable assembly connected to the disconnecting strip.

Such a switching mechanism is able to implement beam control functions, type ADB ( "Adaptive Driving Beam" in English). Such a function ADB for selecting different type of bundle offers a significant advantage to the driver of the motor vehicle. However, the failure of mechanisms to implement such a function ADB require costly technologies such Actuated by a stepping motor, a position detector sensor, ...

In particular, the drive motor as described above is generally relatively expensive.

Because of its high cost, such a conventional projector implementing an ADB function remains generally limited to motor vehicle upmarket kind.

The present invention aims to provide a headlight for a motor vehicle that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular that, while allowing to implement the functions (dual-function or multifunction) above via a switching mechanism , has a reduced cost.

To this end, the invention relates to a switching mechanism for a motor vehicle headlight, said headlight comprising at least:

- a frame provided with a beam passage opening, said opening being closable in a sealing zone;

- at least one fixed guard cover, arranged on the projector so as to delimit a portion of the opening in the frame level; and

- a switching mechanism having a movable assembly and at least one drive motor, the movable assembly comprising a movable element and a disconnecting strip provided with a cut blade, said disconnecting strip being movable under the action of actuating motor via the movable element between at least a closed position wherein the cutoff blade partially closes said opening at said fixed protective cover, and a retracted position wherein the cutoff blade frees said opening .

According to the invention, said fixed guard cover comprises at least one fixed auxiliary closure plate, integral with the latter, and said shutter and said cutoff blade plate are configured to cooperate together to form a surface of shutter in the closed position of the disconnecting strip, said sealing surface corresponding to said sealing area at least a first portion is blocked only by the cutoff blade and at least a second part is closed off only by the blanking plate.

Thus, thanks to the introduction of the blanking plate, it limits the size of the surface must close the cut-off blade. We are thus able to reduce the size of the cut-off blade, resulting in a reduction of its mass. With this reduction in mass of the cutoff blade and therefore of the disconnecting strip, the mass to be moved by the actuating motor is reduced so that one can use a drive motor at a reduced cost, which overcomes the aforementioned drawback.

Moreover, such a motor operating at reduced cost has, generally, other benefits such as reduced size especially.

For the implementation of the invention, so use the protective cover which is generally already present in the projector, to implement a thermal protection function, which reduces the cost. The blanking plate may thus also participate in the thermal protection function.

Advantageously, said shutter plate is arranged so as to define a lower edge of the opening.

Preferably, said protective cover and said shutter plate his made of a single part, which facilitates its manufacture and in particular embodiment of the invention, and reduces the cost.

Furthermore, advantageously, the shutter plate comprises one of the following forms:

- a generally rectangular shape;

- a generally square shape.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the cut-off blade is a substantially rectangular elongated blade provided with at least one cutout, said cutout being positioned on the cut-off blade so as to be brought in the closed position in at least a portion of said second portion of the sealing area.

Moreover, advantageously, the switching mechanism is configured to cause the disconnecting strip in said retracted position and in said closed position, wherein the opening is sealed across said sealing area, and further in at least a partial blocking position, wherein the opening is closed over a partial area shutter, below said shutter area.

Advantageously, the present invention can be applied to different types of headlamps, and in particular to headlamps including various common types cutoff mechanism.

Thus, in a first particular embodiment, the projector when the switching mechanism is configured to move the cut strip by rotation about an axis of rotation positioned in a general plane of the protective cover.

Further, in a second particular embodiment, the projector when the switching mechanism is configured to move the cut strip by rotation about an axis of rotation positioned perpendicularly to a general plane of the protective cover.

The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the detailed explanatory description which follows, an embodiment of the invention given by way of example purely illustrative and non limitative, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In these drawings:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle headlamp;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a projector, showing a set of cut-off according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 3 and 4 are front views of the cutoff assembly of Figure 2, respectively in a code position and a traveling position; and

- Figures 5 and 6 are front views of a set of cut-off according to a second embodiment, respectively in a position code and a road position.

Referring to Figure 1, seen in perspective a projector 1 of a motor vehicle configured to generate a light beam (schematically represented by an arrow F). Usually, the projector 1 generally comprises a generally rectangular frame, specified below, which is arranged substantially parallel to a plane P. The plane P is orthogonal to an optical axis X of the light beam F.

The frame 2 comprises an opening 3 which is preferably cut in its center to pass the light beam, as shown in Figures 2 to 6.

AUX not visible, Breads of this armor, are a source lumineuse disposés génératrice du faisceau lumineux et épaisseur here east there faisceau lumineux vers l'avant et vers une lentille does installée vers l'avant du projecteur 1.

The projector 1 comprises, in addition to the lens, conventional means forms the control beam to adapt it to the circumstances of driving the vehicle.

In the present description, the terms front and rear are defined relative to the direction of emission of the light beam F, that is to say in the direction of arrow E in Figure 1, and the terms low, high and vertical are defined with respect to the projector position on the vehicle.

On the frame 2 is attached a switching mechanism 4 whose function is to close, more or less, the light beam based on the vehicle driving conditions.

To do this, the armature 2 is provided with the opening 3 of beam passage, and the opening 3 can be closed on a closure said zone.

The switching mechanism 4 is disposed between the reflector and the lens, not shown. The switching mechanism 4 serves to close off more or less the light beam in response to a user of the vehicle control

automotive or automatic control, to offer various modes of illumination of the road.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4 show, respectively in the code position or cross (Figures 2 and 3) and driving position (Figure 4), the switching mechanism 4 which is mounted in the lower part of the frame 2 shown partially and schematically in figures 3 and 4.

The armature 2 includes a fixed protective cover 5, which defines the opening 3 of the edge 6 of the bottom. The protective cover 5 has a thermal protective function against heat generated by the light source. Thus arranged, it delimits on the projector a portion of the opening 3 at the frame 2.

The switching mechanism 4 includes a movable assembly 8 and a drive motor 9. The movable assembly 8 comprises a movable element 10 and a cutoff bar 1 1 provided with a cut-off blade 12, as shown in particular in figures 5 and 6. the cut-off strip 1 1 is movable in the usual manner, under the action of drive motor 9 via the movable element 10.

cutoff blade means 12, the portion (or blade) of the cutoff bar 1 1, which is intended to block the beam.

The disconnecting strip 1 1 is moved to modulate the shape of the beam F output from the projector 1. This cut-off strip 1 1 which is driven by the drive motor 9 is rotatable around a rotational axis L1 (Figures 3 and 4) or L2 (Figures 5 and 6) in the plane P which is orthogonal to the axis X of the light beam F.

Denomination 1 the strip 1 is movable under the action of the actuating motor 9 between at least two positions, and in particular between:

- a C1 closed position (Figures 2, 3 and 5), wherein the cutoff blade 12 partially closes said opening 3 above the said fixed protective cover 5; and

- a retracted position C2 (Figures 4 and 6), wherein the cutoff blade 12 releases the opening 3.

The actuating motor 9 thus allows the cutoff bar 1 1 is positioned in several positions, particularly according to the two aforementioned positions, to close off more or less the light beam.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive motor 9 for driving the cutoff bar 1 1 comprises an electromagnet (not shown). The electromagnet may comprise a coil and a fixed ferromagnetic core, substantially cylindrical, which is placed in the center of this winding, along its axis of symmetry.

In Fig 4, corresponding to the traveling position, the Denomination 1 1 bar is retracted, that is to say, it is inclined forward, as illustrated by an arrow A1 in FIG 2 from position of figures 2 and 3. the cutoff bar 1 1 rating given and the light beam.

In contrast, in Figures 2 and 3, corresponding to the code position (or crossing) the Denomination 1 1 bar is relieved, and it intersects the beam over a greater area than would be the only protective cover 5 fixed. After its reversal by the lens, the light beam is then directed downwards, thereby avoiding dazzle the drivers of oncoming direction.

According to the invention, the protective cover 5 comprises at least one fixed shutter plate 13, which is integral with the latter. The shutter plate 13 is arranged on the vertical side of the protective cover 5 defining the opening 3, that is to say the top of the protective cover 5 of Figures 2 to 6.

In addition, according to the invention, the shutter plate 13 of the fixed protective cover 5 and the cutoff blade 12 of the cutoff bar 1 1 were configured to cooperate together to form together a sealing surface in C1 closed position (figures 2, 3 and 5) of the disconnecting strip 1 January.

This sealing surface is thus obtained according to the invention, the sealing area to be sealed in the closed position C1. Thus, for this sealing surface, at least a first portion is blocked only by the cutoff blade 12 and at least a second portion is only closed by the shutter plate 13.

The switching mechanism 4 and the protective cover 5 provided with the shutter plate 13 form a set of said set cut 15.

Thus, with the shutter plate 13, it limits the size of the surface must close the cutoff blade 12. This reduces the size of the cutoff plate 1 2, which results in a reduction of its mass. With this reduction in mass of the cutoff plate 1 2 and therefore the cutoff bar 1 1 the mass to be moved by the drive motor 9 is reduced so that one can use a drive motor 9 reduced cost. Such a drive motor 9 at reduced cost also has other advantages such as compact in particular.

Preferably, the protective cover 5 and the shutter plate 1 3 are made in a single part, which allows in particular to facilitate manufacturing and reduce cost.

For the implementation of the invention (and to participate in the shutter), so we used the protective cover 5 provided with the shutter plate 1 3 which is already present on the projector, but for another function , namely for a thermal protection function. The off, 1 3 bracket and can also participate in the thermal protection function, and therefore performs a dual function:

- a thermal protection function; and

- a shutter function.

The shutter plate 1 3 may have different geometrical shapes.

Preferably, although not exclusively, it exhibits any of the following:

- a generally rectangular shape as shown in Figures 2 to 6; or

- a generally square shape.

In a preferred particular embodiment, the cutoff plate 1 2 is a substantially rectangular elongated blade provided with at least one cutout 14 as shown in Figures 5 and 6. This opening (or absence of material) 14, e.g. rectangular, is positioned on the cutoff blade 1 2 so as to be brought in the closed position, by superimposing the portion of the sealing area sealed by the sealing plate 1 3. Indeed, in this place, it is not necessary that the cutoff plate 1 closes the opening 2, as this is already achieved by the shutter plate 1 3.

Thanks to this cut 14, it reduces the size of the cutoff blade 12, and therefore its mass. By this reduction in mass of the cutoff blade 12 and thus the cutoff bar 1 1 the mass to be moved by the drive motor 9 is reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, the switching mechanism 4 is bi-type function. It is then configured to be able to bring the cut strip 1 1, one or other of the following two positions:

- said stowed position C2 (corresponding to the projector 1 road position), wherein the cutoff blade 12 releases the opening 3; and

- said C1 closed position (corresponding to the code position of the projector 1), wherein the opening 3 is sealed across said sealing area.

However, in an alternative embodiment, the switching mechanism 4 may be multifunctional types. In this case, it is configured to cause the cut-off strip 1 1, in addition to said retracted position and said C2 C1 closed position, in one or more partial blocking positions, in each of which the opening is closed over an area corresponding partial blockage, lower than said sealing zone (C1 closed in the closed position). Such partial closure position is achieved by an angular position of the cutoff bar 1 1 which is located between the extreme angular positions of the C1 and C2 positions.

The present invention can be applied to different types of headlamps, and in particular to headlamps including various common types cutoff mechanism.

Thus, in a first particular embodiment, shown in Figures 2 to 4, the switching mechanism 4 of the projector 1 is configured to displace the disconnecting strip 1 1 by rotation about the axis L1 of rotation as illustrated in Figure 2 by the arrow A1 to the movement of the shutter position C1 in the retracted position C2. In this first embodiment, the rotation axis L1 is positioned in the general plane P of the opening 3 and thus the protective cover 5, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Further, in a second particular embodiment, represented schematically in Figures 5 and 6, the switching mechanism of the projector 4

I is configured to move the cut strip 1 1 by rotation around an axis of rotation L2, as illustrated in Figure 5 by an arrow A2 to the movement of the shutter position C1 in the retracted position C2. In this second particular embodiment, the rotation axis L2 is positioned orthogonally to the general plane P.

In Figure 6, corresponding to the traveling position, the disconnecting strip

It is retracted, that is to say, it is inclined downwardly as shown by arrow A2 in FIG 5, from the position of Figure 5. The cut-off strip 1 1 rating given thus pass the light beam.

In contrast, in Figure 5, corresponding to the position code, the Denomination 1 1 bar is relieved, and it intersects the beam over a greater area than would the sole protective cover 5 provided with the shutter plate 13. After reversal by the lens, the light beam is then directed downwards, thereby avoiding dazzle the drivers of oncoming direction.

We describe below the operation of the assembly of cut 15 as described above.

The switching mechanism 4 is controlled by a manual control of the operator of the motor vehicle or to an automatic control. When such a command, the Denomination 1 1 bar is displaceable under the action of drive motor 9 via the movable element 10. The switching mechanism 4 is configured to cause the cut-off strip 1 1, the least one or the other of two positions, depending on the performed command:

- the retracted position C2 (corresponding to the projector 1 road position), wherein the cutoff blade 12 releases the opening 3; and

- C1 closed position (corresponding to the code position of the projector 1), wherein the opening 3 is sealed across said sealing area.

Preferably, the control is performed between a rest position and an activation position (the drive motor). For security reasons, the rest position is associated with the position code, in order to avoid glare drivers oncoming in the case of an engine failure

actuating. The return to this position is generally ensured by a return spring (not shown).

CLAIMS

Headlight for a motor vehicle, said headlight (1) comprising at least:

- a frame (2) defining an opening (3) of beam passage (F), said aperture (3) being adapted to be closed on a sealing zone;

- at least one protective cover (5) fixed, arranged on the projector (1) so as to delimit a portion of the opening (3) at the frame level (2); and

- a cutting mechanism (4) comprising a movable assembly (8) and at least one actuating motor (9), the movable assembly (8) comprising a mobile assembly

(10) and a disconnecting strip (1 1) provided with a cut-off blade (12), said disconnecting strip (1 1) being displaceable under the action of the actuating motor (9) via the mobile assembly (10) between at least a closed position (C1), wherein the cutoff blade (12) partially closes said opening (3) at said cover (5) fixed, and a retracted position (C2), wherein the cutoff blade (12) releases said opening (3),

said protective cover (5) comprising at least one shutter plate (13) fixed integral with the latter, and in that said shutter plate (13) and said cutoff blade (12) are configured to cooperate together to form a sealing surface in the closed position (C1) of the disconnecting strip (1 1), said sealing surface corresponding to said sealing area at least a first portion is blocked only by the cutoff blade (12) and at least a second portion is only closed by the shutter plate (13),

characterized in that the protective cover (5) has a function of thermal protection against heat which can be generated by generating a light beam source (F).

2. A projector according to claim 1,

characterized in that said shutter plate (13) is arranged so as to define a bottom edge (6) of the opening (3).

3. Headlight according to one of claims 1 and 2,

characterized in that said protective cover (5) and said shutter plate (13) are made in one piece.

4. A projector according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

characterized in that the cut-off blade (12) is a substantially rectangular elongated blade provided with at least one cutout (14), said cutout (14) being positioned on the cut-off blade (12) so as to be brought in shutter position (C1), said second portion of the sealing area.

5. Headlamp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shutter plate (13) has one of the following forms:

- a generally rectangular shape;

- a generally square shape.

6. A projector according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the switching mechanism (4) is configured to cause the disconnecting strip (1 1) in said retracted position (C2) and in said position shutter (C1), wherein the opening (3) is closed over the entire sealing area, and further in at least a partially closed position wherein the opening is closed over a partial sealing area lower than said sealing area.

7. A projector according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that said switching mechanism (4) is configured to displace the disconnecting strip (1 1) by rotation about an axis of rotation (L1) positioned in a general plane (P) of the cover ( 5).

8. A projector according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

characterized in that said switching mechanism (4) is configured to displace the disconnecting strip (1 1) by rotation around a rotation axis (L2) positioned orthogonally to a general plane (P) of the protective cover (5).