Lighting module for motor vehicle comprising articulated connection element

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module (1) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising: * a lighting unit comprising:-at least one light source (10) configured to emit light rays (R1),-at least one light collector (11) associated with the light source (10), * an optical projection element (12) having an optical axis, the light collector (11) directs the light rays (R1) towards an optical projection element (12) which projects the light rays (R1) towards the outside of the vehicle (2) to form a light beam (F1), * a support on which the optical projection element is fixedly mounted; * two connecting elements, each connecting element being connected to the light emitting unit and the support and being hinged to allow a first movement of the light emitting unit relative to the optical projection element such that the light beam (F1) can move in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical projection element (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle. The present invention particularly relates to a lighting module that makes it possible to form a light beam and makes it possible to move the light beam in a first direction and possibly in a second direction.

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, a lighting module for a vehicle known to those skilled in the art comprises:

[0003] - a lighting unit comprising at least one light source configured to emit light rays and at least one light collector associated with said at least one light source,

[0004] - an optical projection element, the light collector being configured to collect the light rays emitted by said at least one light source and to direct the light rays towards the optical projection element, the optical projection element being configured to project the light rays towards the outside of the vehicle to form a light beam.

[0005] The lighting module is intended to be integrated into a lighting device (such as a motor vehicle headlamp). The lighting device generally comprises one or more masks positioned close to the lighting module, in particular around the optical projection element for example. These masks are shaping elements that allow certain parts of the lighting module (such as the light collector) to be shielded from view by external observers.

[0006] In order to be able to adapt the light beam formed by the lighting module to the motor vehicle equipped with the lighting device comprising the lighting module and to traffic conditions, the lighting module can be moved in a way that allows the light beam to move horizontally and / or vertically. The vertical movement of the light beam is particularly useful in order to take into account bodywork defects related to manufacturing tolerances, or to take into account the attitude of the vehicle, which varies depending on the type of vehicle and the vehicle load. The light beam can for example be lowered to avoid dazzling the occupants of oncoming vehicles. The horizontal movement of the light beam can be used to adjust the position of the light beam formed by the lighting module relative to the median longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for example to compensate for bodywork defects. When two lighting modules are arranged in the lighting device, the horizontal movement of the light beam is also useful. Specifically, it is then necessary to adjust the two lighting modules relative to each other to ensure good alignment of the light beams formed by each of the lighting modules relative to each other and relative to the median longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0007] When the lighting module is moved to adjust the light beam, all the parts constituting the lighting module (i.e., in particular said at least one light source, said at least one light collector and said at least one optical projection element) are mobilized.

[0008] Conversely, the (multiple) masks arranged close to the lighting module are stationary when the lighting module moves. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sufficient gap between the (multiple) masks and the lighting module so that the lighting module does not touch the (multiple) masks when moving.

[0009] Against this background, the present invention aims to propose a lighting module for a motor vehicle that provides a solution to the above-mentioned drawbacks. In particular, the present invention proposes a lighting module for a motor vehicle that moves the light beam formed thereby while minimizing the necessary gap between the lighting module and a mask arranged close to the lighting module, in particular close to the optical projection element.

[0010] To this end, the present invention proposes a lighting module for a motor vehicle, said lighting module comprising:

[0011] - a lighting unit comprising at least one light source configured to emit light rays and at least one light collector associated with said at least one light source,

[0012] - an optical projection element having an optical axis, said light collector being configured to collect the light rays emitted by said at least one light source and to direct said light rays towards the optical projection element, said optical projection element being configured to project said light rays towards the outside of the vehicle to form a light beam,

[0013] - a support on which the optical projection element is fixedly mounted;

[0014] - two connecting elements, each connecting element being connected on the one hand to the lighting unit and on the other hand to the support, each connecting element being configured and articulated to allow a first movement of the lighting unit relative to the optical projection element, said first movement allowing the light beam to move in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical projection element.

[0015] Thus, by moving the lighting unit relative to the optical projection element, the light beam can be moved. Therefore, after the lighting module is mounted on the vehicle, the position of the light beam can be adjusted so that the light beam is adapted to the vehicle.

[0016] Furthermore, since the optical projection element is fixedly mounted on the support of the module, and since the lighting unit and the connecting elements are movable relative to the optical projection element, this means that the lighting unit and the connecting elements are movably arranged relative to said support. Due to the articulation of the connecting elements, the lighting unit can be moved without moving the optical projection element. This articulation of the connecting elements makes it possible to move only the lighting unit relative to the support while the optical projection element remains fixed on the support, or in other words, during the first movement, the optical projection element remains stationary relative to the support.

[0017] Thus, by moving the light-emitting unit, the light beam can be moved without moving the optical projection element. Therefore, the light-emitting module enables the light beam formed thereby to be moved without moving the optical projection element. Accordingly, the mask can be arranged in close proximity to the optical projection element. Specifically, since the optical projection element is stationary during beam adjustment, the optical projection element will not touch the mask during this adjustment.

[0018] Note that in the context of the present invention, the term "first" can be understood to mean "first and only" or that there can be at least one "second" element. Thus, the light-emitting unit can move only according to a first movement, or as will be seen below, can move according to a first movement and a second movement. Similarly, the light beam can move in a first orthogonal direction and only in this first orthogonal direction, or as will be seen below, can move in a first orthogonal direction and a second orthogonal direction.

[0019] The first direction orthogonal to the optical axis can be, for example, the vertical direction or the lateral direction defined when the light-emitting module is mounted on a motor vehicle.

[0020] The first movement of the light-emitting unit relative to the projection element can be a translation of the light-emitting unit relative to the projection element. Note that this translation can be a linear translation or a circular translation.

[0021] According to a feature of the present invention, connection elements are arranged on both sides of the optical projection element and / or on both sides of the at least one light collector.

[0022] According to a feature of the present invention, each connection element includes a central portion, a front portion, and a rear portion. The central portion and the rear portion are hinged by a rear pivot connection, the axis of which is orthogonal to the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction, and the central portion and the front portion are hinged by a front pivot connection, the axis of which is orthogonal to the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction.

[0023] The front pivot connection connecting the front portion and the central portion of each connection element and the rear pivot connection connecting the rear portion and the central portion of each connection element allow the connection element to be hinged. In particular, during the first movement of the light-emitting unit, the light-emitting unit can move relative to the optical projection element in a circular translation by means of the front pivot connection and the rear pivot connection. However, given the size of the light-emitting module, in particular the length of the central portion of the connection element, this circular translation can be likened to a translation in the first orthogonal direction.

[0024] According to a feature of the present invention, the optical projection element is arranged in front of the front pivot connection, and the light-emitting unit is attached to the rear portion.

[0025] According to a feature of the present invention, the front pivot connection and the rear pivot connection define the vertices of a parallelogram in the projection in the plane defined by the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction.

[0026] According to an alternative, the pivot connection is a flexible connection with a semi-circular neck. Thus, the front part, the central part, and the rear part of each connection element can be integrally formed. Producing the connection element as a single piece enables the simplification of the assembly of the light-emitting module and the reduction of its overall volume.

[0027] According to another alternative, the front part, the central part, and the rear part are formed by three separate parts. According to an example, the central part can at least include a front cylindrical pin and a rear cylindrical pin whose axes are orthogonal to the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction, and the front part can include a hole in which the front cylindrical pin engages to form the front pivot connection, and the rear part can include a hole in which the rear cylindrical pin engages to form the rear pivot connection. In particular, the rear part of each connection element can be formed by a part of the light-emitting unit, such as a light collector. Producing the connection element as three separate parts facilitates the manufacture of the connection element.

[0028] According to an alternative, the front part of each connection element is fixedly mounted on the support. According to this alternative, the optical projection element can be fixed to the front part of the connection element. Then, each connection element is connected to the optical projection element.

[0029] In particular, the light-emitting module can include at least one crossbar connecting the front parts of each connection element, and the front part and the at least one crossbar form the support of the optical projection element.

[0030] According to another alternative, the front part of each connection element is movably mounted relative to the support.

[0031] According to a feature of the present invention, each connection element is configured and hinged to allow a second movement of the light-emitting unit relative to the optical projection element, and the second movement allows the light beam to move in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical projection element and orthogonal to the first orthogonal direction.

[0032] The second direction orthogonal to the optical axis can be, for example, the vertical direction when the first direction is the lateral direction, or can be the lateral direction when the first direction is the vertical direction, and the lateral direction and the vertical direction are defined when the light-emitting module is mounted on a motor vehicle.

[0033] Thus, by moving the light-emitting unit relative to the optical projection element, the light beam can move in the second direction, and the optical projection element always remains stationary relative to the support.

[0034] According to a feature of the invention, the front part of each connecting element is connected to the support by an additional hinge that allows the light-emitting unit and the connecting element to rotate about a rotation axis located in front of the front pivot connection and oriented along a first orthogonal direction.

[0035] For example, each front part is hinged to the support by a pivot connection whose axis is parallel to the first orthogonal direction.

[0036] Thus, the light-emitting module includes a front pivot connection and a rear pivot connection to allow a first movement of the light-emitting unit, and includes a pivot connection formed by the front part to allow a second movement of the light-emitting unit, which allows the first movement and the second movement to be adjusted independently. Therefore, using these pivot connections makes it possible to obtain a light-emitting module with a smaller volume than a module using a ball joint.

[0037] According to a feature of the invention, the light-emitting module includes a crossbar extending between the front parts of each connecting element. This crossbar makes it possible to strengthen the connecting elements.

[0038] According to a feature of the invention, the optical projection element includes an intermediate transverse axis that is arranged at a distance less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, and even more preferably less than 5 mm from the rotation axis. Alternatively, the intermediate transverse axis coincides with the rotation axis. Thus, during the second movement of the light-emitting unit, the distance between the at least one light source and the intermediate transverse axis of the optical projection element changes very little or even remains constant, which limits the deformation of the formed light beam.

[0039] According to a feature of the invention, the first movement of the light-emitting unit is intended to be enabled by a main actuator, and the light-emitting unit is configured to be connected to the main actuator by an annular linear connection whose axis is perpendicular to the first orthogonal direction and the optical axis. Thus, even when the light-emitting unit moves according to the second movement, the main actuator can still allow the light-emitting unit to move according to the first movement.

[0040] Alternatively, the first movement of the light-emitting unit is intended to be enabled by a main actuator, and the light-emitting unit is configured to be connected to the main actuator by an annular linear connection along the optical axis.

[0041] According to a feature of the invention, the second movement of the light-emitting unit is intended to be enabled by a secondary actuator, and the light-emitting unit is configured to be connected to the secondary actuator by an annular linear connection whose axis is parallel to the first orthogonal direction. Thus, even when the light-emitting unit moves according to the first movement, the secondary actuator can still allow the light-emitting unit to move according to the second movement.

[0042] According to a feature of the present invention, each light concentrator includes a reflective surface. Where applicable, the optical projection element may be configured to mirror the reflective surface of each light concentrator.

[0043] For example, the optical projection element includes one or more object-side foci, and the rear edge of each light concentrator of the light-emitting unit is arranged close to the object-side focus or one of the object-side foci of the optical projection element.

[0044] According to a feature of the present invention, the optical projection element is a projection lens. Then, the optical projection element has a single object-side focus, which may take the form of an object-side focal line. In this case, the optical axis of the optical projection element corresponds to the optical axis of the projection lens. Alternatively, the optical projection element is formed by juxtaposing projection lenses. Each projection lens forming the optical projection element then has an object-side focus. In this case, the optical axis of the optical projection element can then be considered as the average optical axis of the optical projection element.

[0045] Alternatively, the optical projection element may be formed by one or more mirrors or any other combination of lenses and mirrors.

[0046] According to a feature of the present invention, the light-emitting unit includes at least two light sources, at least two light concentrators, at least one light source associated with each light concentrator, and at least one additional connecting element, the at least one additional connecting element being arranged between two light concentrators and between the two connecting elements (referred to as lateral connecting elements) along a first orthogonal direction, the additional connecting element extending longitudinally between the light-emitting unit and the optical projection element and being configured and hinged to allow a first movement of the light-emitting unit relative to the optical projection element or to allow a first movement and a second movement of the light-emitting unit relative to the optical projection element.

[0047] There is also proposed a motor vehicle lighting device including at least one lighting module according to the present invention.

[0048] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the lighting device is a headlight.

[0049] According to a non-limiting feature, the lighting device includes a housing having a recess, and the lighting module is arranged in the recess.

[0050] According to a non-limiting feature, the support of the lighting module is formed by a part of the housing or by a part rigidly fastened to the housing.

[0051] According to a non-limiting feature, the housing includes an opening arranged in front of the recess, and the lighting device includes a closed outer lens closing the opening of the housing. The lighting module is then located between the housing and the closed outer lens.

[0052] Alternatively, the housing includes an opening disposed in front of the recess, and the optical projection element closes the opening of the housing. The light-emitting device then does not include any closing outer lens. The optical projection element serves as the closing outer lens. Specifically, since the optical projection element remains fixed when the light beam moves, the optical projection element can close the opening of the housing.

[0053] The present invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and studying the drawings:

[0054] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light-emitting module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting module including a light-emitting unit, an optical projection element fixedly mounted on a support, and a connecting element for connecting the light-emitting unit to the support,

[0055] Figure 2 Figure 2 is Figure 1 the kinematic perspective view of the light-emitting module of

[0056] Figure 3 Figure 3 is Figure 1 the top view and side view of the light-emitting module of Figure 2 during the first movement of the light-emitting unit relative to the optical projection element as shown in

[0057] Figure 4 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a light-emitting module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting module including a light-emitting unit, an optical projection element fixedly mounted on a support, and a connecting element for connecting the light-emitting unit to the support,

[0058] Figure 5 Figure 5 is Figure 4 the kinematic perspective view of the light-emitting module of

[0059] Figure 6 Figure 6 is Figure 4 the kinematic perspective view of the light-emitting module of

[0060] Figure 7 Figure 7 is Figure 4 the kinematic perspective view of the light-emitting module of

[0061] Figure 8 Figure 8 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​yes Figure 4 The light emitting module is in the following Figure 5 Top and side views in the nominal position shown,

[0062] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 The light emitting module is Figure 6 A top view and a side view of the light-emitting unit during a first movement relative to the optical projection element are shown,

[0063] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 The light emitting module is Figure 7 A top view and a side view of the light-emitting unit during a second movement relative to the optical projection element are shown,

[0064] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 a top view and a side view of the light-emitting module during a first movement and a second movement of the light-emitting unit relative to the optical projection element,

[0065] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 Shown Figure 4 A top view of an alternative embodiment of a module, wherein the lighting module comprises additional connecting elements,

[0066] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 schematically shows light generated by a light source of a lighting unit and directed by a light collector of the lighting unit towards an optical projection element,

[0067] [ Figure 14 ] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a light emitting module according to a variation of the second embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting module comprising a light emitting unit, an optical projection element fixedly mounted on a support, and a connecting element for connecting the light emitting unit to the support, the light emitting unit comprising a plurality of light collectors,

[0068] [ Figure 15 ] Figure 15 yes Figure 15 A perspective view of a light emitting module with the light collector removed.

[0069] [ Figure 16 ] Figure 16 is a schematic top view of a light emitting device including a housing having an opening, a closed outer lens closing the opening, and a light emitting module according to the present invention arranged in the housing,

[0070] [ Figure 17 ] Figure 17is a schematic top view of a lighting device, which includes a housing having an opening and a lighting module according to the present invention disposed in the housing, and an optical projection element closing the opening of the housing.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, elements that are identical in structure or function and appear in different figures are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0072] Figures 1 to 3 There is shown a lighting module 1 for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The lighting module 1 is intended to be installed in a lighting device (such as a motor vehicle headlamp) of a motor vehicle. The lighting device itself is intended to be installed on a motor vehicle.

[0073] In the remainder of the specification, the longitudinal direction X will be understood to be the vehicle longitudinal direction along which the lighting module is intended to be installed by means of the lighting device, the transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X will be understood to be the direction transverse to the vehicle, and the vertical direction Z will be understood to be the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0074] The lighting module 1 includes a lighting unit 10, an optical projection element 20, a support 3 on which the optical projection element 20 is mounted, and two connecting elements 41, 42 for connecting the lighting unit 10 to the support 3. In Figure 1 for the sake of clarity, the optical projection element 20 is shown in front of the support 3, it should be understood that the optical projection element 20 is generally positioned on the support 3.

[0075] The lighting unit 10 includes a light source 11 and a light collector 12. Each light source 11 is associated with one of the light collectors 12. In the example shown, one light collector 12 is associated with each light source 11, it should be understood that without departing from the scope of the present invention, a plurality of light sources 11 may also be associated with the same light collector 12. The light sources 11 can be selectively enabled.

[0076] The lighting unit 10 further includes a heat sink 13 so that the heat generated by the light source 11 can be dissipated. The heat sink 13 includes a plate 13b extending horizontally (in other words, in the plane including the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y), and a plurality of fins 13a extending behind the light collector 12. The plurality of fins may also extend below the light collector, or extend both behind and below the light collector 12. The light source 11 is disposed on the plate 13b. The light source can be directly or indirectly disposed on the plate. In the case where the light source 11 is indirectly disposed, the lighting unit 10 may include a printed circuit disposed on the plate 13b, and the light source 11 is disposed on the printed circuit. The light collector 12 is attached to the heat sink 13, in particular to the plate 13b of the heat sink 13. Where applicable, the printed circuit can be sandwiched between the plate 13b and the light collector 12.

[0077] Each light source 11 is configured to emit light rays towards an associated light concentrator 12. The light concentrator 12 collects the light rays and guides the light rays towards the optical projection element 20. In particular, each light concentrator 12 includes a reflective surface 12a (visible in Figure 13 ). The reflective surface 12a of each light concentrator 12 reflects the light rays emitted by the associated light source 11 towards the optical projection element 20.

[0078] The optical projection element 20 has an optical axis O. In the example shown, the optical axis O of the optical projection element 20 is parallel to the longitudinal direction X. In this case, the optical projection element 20 is a projection lens. As will be seen below, particularly with reference to Figure 12 and Figure 14 , the optical projection element 20 can also be formed by a plurality of juxtaposed projection lenses. Alternatively, the optical projection element can be formed by one or more mirrors or any other combination of lenses and mirrors.

[0079] The optical projection element 20 receives the light rays reflected by the light concentrator 12 and projects these reflected light rays towards the outside of the lighting module 1 and towards the outside of the motor vehicle on which the lighting module 1 is intended to be mounted, so as to form a light beam F1.

[0080] Figure 13 shows the path of the light rays emitted by the light source 11, reflected by the light concentrator 12 and projected by the optical projection element 20. Each light concentrator 12 has an elliptical or parabolic or free-form shape. The light source 11 associated with the light concentrator 12 is arranged at the first focus of the light concentrator 12 or near this first focus, for example at a distance less than 10 mm. The light rays R1 emitted by the light source 11 are then collected by the reflective surface 12a of the light concentrator 12 and reflected towards the optical projection element 20. For each light concentrator 12, the optical projection element 20 then projects the collected and reflected light rays onto the road and thus forms a sub-beam. All the sub-beams are superimposed to form the light beam F1.

[0081] The optical projection element 20 includes an object focal point 20.3 arranged near the rear edge of at least one of the light concentrators in the light-emitting unit 10. Alternatively, the optical projection element 20 can have a focal line passing near the rear edge of each of the light concentrators in the light concentrator 12. "Near" means a distance less than or equal to 10 mm. Thus, the optical projection element 20 forms an image of at least one of the light concentrators in the light concentrator 12 or of the reflective surface 12a of each light concentrator. The sub-beams formed correspond to this image of the reflective surface 12a.

[0082] In particular, the rear edge of at least one light concentrator 12 may have a specific notch, and the optical projection element 20 projects this notch into the sub-beam generated by the reflection of light on the light concentrator 12. For example, the sub-beam may thus have an upper horizontal light-dark dividing line formed by the projection of the notch by the optical projection element 20.

[0083] The light beam F1 may be, for example, all or part of the dipped beam. The light beam F1 may be, for example, all or part of the main beam. For example, it may be possible that some light concentrators 12 only contribute to the formation of the dipped beam, while other light concentrators 12 contribute to the formation of an additional main beam, and the additional main beam is combined with the dipped beam so that the main beam can be formed. Therefore, the light source 11 can be selectively turned on or off to form the dipped beam or the main beam.

[0084] The optical projection element 20 is fixedly mounted on the support 3. In other words, the optical projection element 20 is always stationary relative to the support 3.

[0085] On the one hand, the optical projection element 20 and the support 3, and on the other hand, the light-emitting unit 10 are connected together by connecting elements 41, 42. The connecting elements 41, 42 are each connected to the light-emitting unit 10 on the one hand and to the support 3 on the other hand.

[0086] Each connecting element 41, 42 is configured and articulated to allow a first movement of the light-emitting unit 10 relative to the optical projection element 20. The first movement allows the light beam F1 to move in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis O of the optical projection element 20.

[0087] In the example shown, the first direction orthogonal to the optical axis O is the transverse direction Y. In a variant not shown, the first orthogonal direction may be the vertical direction Z.

[0088] In particular, the connecting elements 41, 42 are arranged on both sides of the optical projection element 20 and the light concentrator 12 in the first orthogonal direction.

[0089] Each connecting element 41, 42 includes a central portion 411, 421, a front portion 412, 422, and a rear portion 413, 423. The central portions 411, 421 and the rear portions 413, 423 are articulated by rear pivot connections C, B, the axis of which is orthogonal to the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y, and the central portions 411, 421 and the front portions 412, 422 are articulated by front pivot connections A, D, the axis of which is orthogonal to the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y. Throughout this specification, the front direction and the rear direction are considered with respect to the direction in which light is emitted along the optical axis O of the optical projection element 20 in the lighting module 1. The emission direction is opposite to the direction of the longitudinal axis X shown in the figure.

[0090] The light-emitting unit 10 is attached to the connecting elements 41, 42 through the rear portions 413, 423. In particular, the rear portions 413, 423 may be formed by elements of the light-emitting unit 10, such as by the heat sink 13 or the light collector 12.

[0091] The support 3 is attached to the connecting elements 41, 42 through the front portions 412, 422.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the front portions 412, 422 are fixedly mounted on the support 3. Note that, different from the front portions 412, 422, the central portions 411, 421 and the rear portions 413, 423 are movable relative to the support 3. The light-emitting module 1 includes two crossbars 5 that connect the front portions 412, 422 of each of the connecting elements 41, 42. The front portions 412, 422 and the crossbars 5 form the support of the optical projection element 20. Thus, for clarity, the optical projection element 20 shown in Figure 1 in front of the support 15 is actually arranged in the window 6 formed by the front portions 412, 422 and the crossbars 5. Thus, the optical projection element 20 is fixed to the front portions 412, 422 of the connecting elements 41, 42. Thus, the optical projection element 20 is arranged in front of the front pivot connectors A, D.

[0093] In Figure 1 the example shown, the front pivot connectors A, D and the rear pivot connectors B, C are formed by flexible connectors having semi-circular necks. As will be seen below, referring to Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the front pivot connectors A, D may also be formed by at least one cylindrical pin arranged on one of the central portions 411, 421 and the front portions 412, 422 and a hole arranged on the other of the central portions 411, 421 and the front portions 412, 422 that interacts with the pin, and the rear pivot connectors B, C may be formed by at least one cylindrical pin arranged on one of the central portions 411, 421 and the rear portions 413, 423 and a hole arranged on the other of the central portions 411, 421 and the rear portions 413, 423.

[0094] The front pivot connectors A, D and the rear pivot connectors B, C define the vertices of a parallelogram in the projection in the plane defined by the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y. In other words, the central portions 411, 421 have the same length and are parallel.

[0095] The first movement of the light-emitting unit is enabled by the main actuator H1. The kinematics of the light-emitting module 1 during the movement of the light beam F1 in the first orthogonal direction Y is shown in Figure 2 As shown in Figure 2As can be seen, the light-emitting unit 10 is connected to the main actuator H1 by an annular linear connecting member F along the optical axis O.

[0096] In Figure 2 a movement S1 is applied to the main actuator H1, and the main actuator H1 pushes the light-emitting unit 10, in particular the heat sink 13 on which the light collector 12 and the light source 11 are arranged. The light-emitting unit 10 follows the movement caused by the main actuator H1 and moves in a circumferential translation manner by means of the front pivot connecting members A, D and the rear pivot connecting members C, D. However, given the size of the light-emitting module, in particular the length of the central portions 411, 421 of the connecting elements 41, 42, this circumferential translation can be compared to a translation in the transverse direction Y. This movement is indicated by the arrow S3 in Figure 2 .

[0097] During the first movement of the light-emitting unit 10, the optical projection element 20 remains fixed. Specifically, by means of the front pivot connecting members A, D and the rear pivot connecting members C, D, only the rear portions 413, 423 and the central portions 411, 421 move by pivoting around the front pivot connecting members A, D and the rear pivot connecting members C, B, as shown by the arrow S2. Therefore, there is a relative movement between the light-emitting unit 10 and the optical projection element 20, such that the light beam F1 moves horizontally.

[0098] After the movement S1 of the main actuator H1, the light beam F1 is then located in the black area on the grid shown in Figure 2 , while previously, i.e., before actuating the main actuator H1, the light beam was located at the center of the grid. The light beam F1 thus moves in the transverse direction Y.

[0099] Figure 2 shows the case where the main actuator H1 pushes the light-emitting unit 10. It should be understood that the main actuator can also pull the light-emitting unit. In this case, the light beam F1 is displaced in the other direction, i.e., to the right in the grid shown in Figure 2 .

[0100] Figure 3 shows in a top view and a side view the positions of the optical projection element 20, the connecting elements 41, 42 and the light-emitting unit 10 when the movement S1 is applied to the main actuator H1. Thus, the translation of the light-emitting unit 10 in the transverse direction Y can be seen.

[0101] Note that in the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the first light beam F1 can only move in the first orthogonal direction and cannot move in the second orthogonal direction (such as the vertical direction Z). Specifically, since the front portions 412, 422 are fixedly mounted on the support 3, the light-emitting unit 10 cannot move vertically relative to the support 3 and the optical projection element 20.

[0102] Figures 4 to 11 Shows a lighting module 1 for a motor vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to the first embodiment have the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and unless otherwise stated, the description of these elements provided with reference to the first embodiment applies to the second embodiment with the necessary modifications. These elements will not be described again.

[0103] Different from the first embodiment in which the first light beam F1 can only move in the first orthogonal direction, in the second embodiment, the first light beam F1 can move both in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis O and in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis O. In the example shown, the first direction orthogonal to the optical axis O is the transverse direction Y, and the second direction Z orthogonal to the optical axis is the vertical direction Z. In a variant not shown, the first orthogonal direction may be the vertical direction Z, and the second orthogonal direction may be the transverse direction Y.

[0104] To allow the first light beam F1 to move in the second orthogonal direction Z, the lighting module 1' includes connection elements 41', 42' different from the connection elements 41, 42 of the first embodiment. The connection elements 41', 42' are configured and articulated so as to allow a second movement of the lighting unit 10 relative to the optical projection element 20 in addition to the first movement described above with reference to the first embodiment.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the front portions 412', 422' of each connection element 41', 42' are different from the front portions of each connection element of the first embodiment. The central portions 411, 421 and the rear portions 413, 423 are the same as the central and rear portions of the first embodiment. The front portions 412', 422' of each connection element 41', 42' are connected to the support 3 by additional articulations that allow the lighting unit 10 and the connection elements 41', 42' to rotate about a rotation axis located in front of the front pivot connections A, D and oriented in the first orthogonal direction Y. In particular, each front portion 412', 422' is hinged to the support 3 by pivot connections D', A' whose axes are parallel to the first orthogonal direction Y.

[0106] The lighting module 1' includes two crossbars 5' extending between the front portions 412', 422' of each connection element 41', 42'. These crossbars 5' make it possible to strengthen the connection elements 41', 42'.

[0107] The optical projection element 20 includes an intermediate transverse axis LL' that coincides with the rotation axes of the pivot connectors A', D'. Alternatively, the intermediate transverse axis LL' can be arranged at a distance less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, and even more preferably less than 5 mm from the rotation axis. Thus, during the second movement of the light-emitting unit 10, the distance between the light source 11 and the intermediate transverse axis LL' of the optical projection element 20 remains constant, which limits the deformation of the formed light beam F1.

[0108] For clarity, in Figure 4 the optical projection element 20 is shown in front of the support 3. The optical projection element 20 is arranged on the support 3, in front of the front pivot connectors A, D. Different from the first embodiment, the optical projection element 20 is not attached to the front portions 412', 422' of the connecting elements 41', 42'.

[0109] Figure 5 A kinematic view of the light-emitting module 1' when in the reference position or nominal position is shown. At this time, the light beam F1 is located at the center of the grid. Figure 8 The positions of the optical projection element 20, the connecting elements 41', 42' and the light-emitting unit 10 when the light-emitting module 1' is in the reference position are shown in a top view and a side view. The central portions 411, 421 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction X. Note that in the example shown, the rear portions 412, 423 and the front portions 412', 422' also extend parallel to the longitudinal direction X in the nominal position.

[0110] In Figure 6 the kinematics of the light-emitting module 1' during the movement of the light beam F1 in the first orthogonal direction are shown. Similar to the first embodiment, the first movement of the light-emitting unit 10 is enabled by the main actuator H1', however, in this second embodiment, the light-emitting unit 10 is connected to the main actuator H1' by an annular linear connector F' whose axis is perpendicular to the first orthogonal direction Y and the optical axis O. Thus, even when the light-emitting unit 10 moves according to the second movement (in other words, in the vertical direction Z), the main actuator H1' can still allow the light-emitting unit 10 to move according to the first movement.

[0111] Figure 9 The positions of the optical projection element 20, the connecting elements 41, 42 and the light-emitting unit 10 when a movement S1 is applied to the main actuator H1' are shown in a top view and a side view. Thus, a translation of the light-emitting unit 10 in the transverse direction Y can be seen. The light beam F1 moves from Figure 5 and Figure 8 the center of the grid shown to Figure 6 and Figure 9 the black area on the grid shown.

[0112] InFigure 7 Illustrated therein is the kinematics of the light-emitting module 1' during the movement of the light beam F1 in the second orthogonal direction. The second movement of the light-emitting unit 10 is enabled by the secondary actuator H2'. The light-emitting unit 10 is connected to the secondary actuator H2' by a ring-shaped linear connecting member E' whose axis is parallel to the first orthogonal direction Y. Thus, even when the light-emitting unit 10 moves according to the first movement, the secondary actuator H2' can still allow the light-emitting unit 10 to move according to the second movement.

[0113] In Figure 7 , a movement S4 is applied to the secondary actuator H2', and the secondary actuator H2' pushes the light-emitting unit 10, in particular the heat sink 13 on which the light collector and the light source 11 are arranged. The light-emitting unit 10 follows the movement caused by the secondary actuator H2' and moves. The light-emitting unit 10 follows the movement caused by the force S4 and rotates around the rotation axis formed by the pivot connecting members A', D'. This movement is indicated by the arrow S5 in Figure 7 .

[0114] During the second movement of the light-emitting unit 10, the optical element 20 remains fixed relative to the support 3. Only the connecting elements 41', 42' and the light-emitting unit 10 pivot around the pivot connecting members A', D' formed between the front portions 412', 422' and the support 3, and thus move relative to the support 3. Therefore, there is a relative movement between the light-emitting unit 10 and the optical projection element 20, such that the light beam F1 moves vertically.

[0115] After the movement S4 of the secondary actuator H2', the light beam F1 is then located in the black area of the grid shown in Figure 7 , while previously, i.e., before actuating the secondary actuator H2', the light beam was located at the center of the grid shown in Figure 5 . The light beam F1 thus moves in the vertical direction Z.

[0116] Figure 7 Illustrated is the case where the secondary actuator H2' pushes the light-emitting unit 10. It should be understood that the secondary actuator can also pull the light-emitting unit 10. In this case, the light beam F1 is displaced in the other direction, i.e., upward in the grid shown in Figure 7 .

[0117] Figure 10 Shown in a top view and a side view are the positions of the optical projection element 20, the connecting elements 41, 42 and the light-emitting unit 10 when the movement S4 is applied to the secondary actuator H2'. Thus, the rotation of the light-emitting unit 10 around the rotation axis formed by the pivot connecting members A', D' can be seen.

[0118] Figure 11The top view and side view show the positions of the optical projection element 20, the connecting elements 41, 42, and the light-emitting unit 10 when the light-emitting unit 10 moves according to a first movement by means of the main actuator H1' and according to a second movement by means of the secondary actuator H2'. The light-emitting unit 10 then translates in the lateral direction Y and pivots about the axis of rotation formed by the pivot connectors A', D'. In this example, the movement S1 of the main actuator H1' pulls the light-emitting unit 10, and the movement S4 of the secondary actuator H2' also pulls the light-emitting unit 10. The light beam F1 moves rightward and upward in the grid relative to Figure 5 and Figure 8 the reference position shown.

[0119] Figure 12 A variant embodiment of the light-emitting module 1' according to the second embodiment is depicted. According to this variant, the light-emitting module 1' includes an additional connecting element 43' arranged between two connecting elements 41', 42' referred to as lateral connecting elements. All other elements of the light-emitting module 1' according to this variant are the same as the elements Figures 4 to 11 described. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the light-emitting module 1' may include several additional connecting elements.

[0120] The additional connecting element 43' is arranged in the first orthogonal direction Y between two light collectors 12. The additional connecting element 43' extends longitudinally between the light-emitting unit 10 and the optical projection element 20 and is configured and articulated to allow a first movement and a second movement of the light-emitting unit 10 relative to the optical projection element 20. The additional connecting element 43' thus forms a partition within the light-emitting module 1'.

[0121] In particular, the additional connecting element 43' together with the lateral connecting elements 41', 42' defines optical cavities 7, 8 within the light-emitting module 1', which are delimited by two successive connecting elements 41', 42', 43'. Each optical cavity 7, 8 particularly includes a light collector 12 arranged between the two successive connecting elements 41', 42', 43' in question, and a light source 11 associated with each light collector 12.

[0122] The additional connecting element 43' thus prevents stray light between the optical cavities 7, 8 of the light-emitting module 1'. In particular, the additional connecting element 43' prevents the light emitted by the light source 11 of one optical cavity 7, 8 from reaching the other optical cavity 7, 8.

[0123] In this case, each optical cavity 7, 8 may include its own projection lens 27, 28. In particular, the optical projection element 20 may be formed by juxtaposing the projection lenses 27, 28 of each optical cavity 7, 8.

[0124] The additional connecting element 43' includes a central portion 431', a front portion 432' and a rear portion 433'. The central portion 431' and the rear portion 433' are hinged by a rear pivot connection J, the axis of which is orthogonal to the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y, and the central portion 431' and the front portion 432' are hinged by a front pivot connection I, the axis of which is orthogonal to the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y.

[0125] The front pivot connection I and the rear pivot connection J are flexible connections with semi-circular necks. The front portion 432', the central portion 431' and the rear portion 433' of the additional connecting element can thus be integrally formed. Producing the connecting element as a single piece makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the light-emitting module and reduce its overall volume. According to an alternative, the central portion 431' can at least include a front cylindrical pin and a rear cylindrical pin whose axes are orthogonal to the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction, and the front portion 432' can include a hole in which the front cylindrical pin engages to form the front pivot connection I, and the rear portion 433' can include a hole in which the rear cylindrical pin engages to form the rear pivot connection J. In particular, the rear portion 433' of the additional connecting element 43' can be formed by a part of the light-emitting unit 10, such as a light collector. Producing the connecting element as three separate parts makes it possible to facilitate the manufacture of the connecting element.

[0126] The front pivot connection I and the rear pivot connection J of the additional connecting element 43' define the vertices of a parallelogram in the projection in the plane defined by the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y with the front pivot connections A, D and the rear pivot connections C, D of each of the lateral connecting elements 41', 42'. Thus, the additional connecting element 43' can follow the deformation of the lateral connecting elements 41', 42' during the first movement of the light-emitting unit 10.

[0127] The rear portion 433' of the additional connecting element 43' is attached to the light-emitting unit 10. The front portion 432' of the additional connecting element can be connected, for example via a crossbar 5', to the front portions 412', 422' of the lateral connecting elements 41', 42'. Thus, the additional connecting element 43 can follow the deformation of the lateral connecting elements 41, 42 during the second movement of the light-emitting unit 10.

[0128] The additional connecting element 43' described with reference to the second embodiment can also be present in the light-emitting module 1 according to the first embodiment. The only difference will be the front portion 432' of the additional connecting element, which will be connected, for example via a crossbar 5, to the front portions 412, 422 of the lateral connecting elements 41', 42', or fixedly mounted on the support 3.

[0129] Figure 14 andFigure 15 depicts another variant of the light-emitting module 1' according to the second embodiment. In this variant, the front pivot connectors A, D are formed by cylindrical pins arranged on the central portions 411, 421 and holes arranged on the front portions 412', 422' that interact with the cylindrical pins on the central portions 411, 421. The rear pivot connectors B, C are formed by cylindrical pins arranged on the central portions 411, 421 and holes arranged on the rear portions 413, 423 that interact with the cylindrical pins on the central portions 411, 421. The cylindrical pins extend in the vertical direction Z. Alternatively, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the holes may be located on the central portions 411, 421, and the cylindrical pins may be located on the front portions 412', 422' and the rear portions 413, 423.

[0130] When the main actuator H1' is enabled, the cylindrical pins and the holes pivot relative to each other to allow a first movement of the light-emitting unit 10 relative to the support 3 and the optical projection element 20.

[0131] In this example, it should be noted that the light collector 12 forms part of a cover portion 121 that extends the light collector 12 towards the front and rear of the light-emitting module 1'. This cover portion 121 forms part of the light-emitting unit 10. The rear portions 413, 423 of the connecting elements 41', 42' are formed by the cover portion 121.

[0132] In Figure 15 the cover portion 121, the support 3, and the optical projection element 20 have been removed. Thus, two additional connecting elements 43' of the shown light-emitting module 1' can be seen more clearly. In this variant, the light-emitting module 1' thus includes three optical cavities 7, 8, 9, each of which is associated with a projection lens 27, 28, 29. The optical projection element 20 is formed by juxtaposing each of these projection lenses 27, 28, 29.

[0133] Figure 16 and Figure 17 each show alternatives of the lighting device in which the light-emitting module according to the present invention can be integrated. The lighting device can be a headlamp of a motor vehicle.

[0134] In Figure 16In [description], the light-emitting device 100 includes a housing 101 having a recess 102 forming a protective cover and an opening. The light-emitting device 100 further includes a closed outer lens 103 closing the opening. The light-emitting module 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the protective cover and is thus located between the wall forming the housing 101 and the closed outer lens 103. It should be understood that the light-emitting module 1 may be disposed in the protective cover without departing from the scope of the present invention. The support 3 of the light-emitting modules 1, 1' is formed by a part of the housing 101 or a part rigidly fastened to the housing 101.

[0135] In Figure 17 [description], the light-emitting device 100' includes a housing 101' having a recess 102' forming a protective cover and an opening. The light-emitting module 1' according to the second embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the protective cover. It should be understood that the light-emitting module 1 may be disposed in the protective cover without departing from the scope of the present invention. The optical projection element 20 formed by a projection lens or juxtaposed projection lenses of the light-emitting module 1' closes the opening of the housing 101'. The light-emitting device 100' thus does not include any closed outer lens, which allows the efficiency of the light-emitting device 100' to be increased by approximately 15%. The optical projection element 20 serves as a closed outer lens. Specifically, since the optical projection element 20 remains fixed when the light beam F1 moves according to the first movement or according to the first movement and the second movement, the optical projection element 20 can close the opening of the housing 101'.

Claims

1. A lighting module (1; for a motor vehicle 1'), the light emitting module (1; 1') comprises: * a light emitting unit (10), the light emitting unit comprising: - at least one light source (11), the at least one light source being configured to emit light rays (R1), - at least one light collector (12), the at least one light collector being associated with the at least one light source (11), * an optical projection element (20) having an optical axis (O), the light collector (12) being configured to collect the light rays (R1) emitted by the at least one light source (11) and direct the light rays towards the optical projection element (20), the optical projection element (20) being configured to project the light rays (R1) towards the exterior of the vehicle to form a light beam (F1), * a support (3), the optical projection element (20) being fixedly mounted on the support; * two connecting elements (41, 42; 41', 42'), each connecting element being connected on the one hand to the light emitting unit (10) and on the other hand to the support (3), each connecting element being configured and articulated to allow a first movement of the light emitting unit (10) relative to the optical projection element (20), the first movement allowing the light beam (F1) to move in a first direction (Y) orthogonal to the optical axis (O) of the optical projection element (20).

2. The light-emitting module (1; 1') according to claim 1, wherein, Each connecting element (41, 42; 41', 42') comprises a central portion (411, 421), a front portion (412, 422; 412', 422') and a rear portion (413, 423), the central portion and the rear portion being articulated by a rear pivot connection (B, C), the axis of the rear pivot connection being orthogonal to the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction, and the central portion and the front portion being articulated by a front pivot connection (A, D), the axis of the front pivot connection being orthogonal to the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction.

3. The light emitting module (1; 1') according to claim 2, wherein, The optical projection element (20) is arranged in front of the front pivot connection (A, D), and the light emitting unit (10) is attached to the rear portion (413, 423).

4. The light-emitting module (1; 1') according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The front pivot connection (B, C) and the rear pivot connection (A, D) define the vertices of a parallelogram in a projection in the plane defined by the optical axis (O) and the first orthogonal direction (Y).

5. The light-emitting module (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first movement of the light emitting unit (10) is intended to be enabled by a main actuator (H1'), the light emitting unit (10) being configured to be connected to the main actuator (H1') by an annular linear connection (F') whose axis is perpendicular to the first orthogonal direction (Y) and the optical axis (O).

6. The light-emitting module (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each connecting element (41', 42') is configured and articulated to allow a second movement of the light emitting unit (10) relative to the optical projection element (20), the second movement allowing the light beam (F1) to move in a second direction (Z) orthogonal to the optical axis (O) of the optical projection element (20) and orthogonal to the first orthogonal direction (Y).

7. The light-emitting module (1') according to claim 6 in combination with claim 2, wherein, The front part (412', 422') of each connecting element is connected to the support (3) by an additional hinge that allows the light-emitting unit (10) and the connecting element (41', 42') to rotate about a rotation axis located in front of the front pivot connection (A, D) and oriented along the first orthogonal direction (Y).

8. The light-emitting module (1') according to claim 7, wherein, The optical projection element (20) includes an intermediate transverse axis (LL') that coincides with the rotation axis.

9. The light-emitting module (1') according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The second movement of the light-emitting unit (10) is intended to be enabled by a secondary actuator (H2'), and the light-emitting unit (10) is configured to be connected to the secondary actuator (H2') by an annular linear connection element (E') whose axis is parallel to the first orthogonal direction (Y).

10. The light-emitting module (1; 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The light-emitting unit (10) includes at least two light collectors (12), at least one light source (11) associated with each light collector (12), and at least one additional connecting element (43'), the at least one additional connecting element being arranged between the at least two light collectors (12) in the first orthogonal direction (Y) and between the two connecting elements (41, 42; 41', 42') referred to as lateral connecting elements, the additional connecting element (43') extending longitudinally between the light-emitting unit (10) and the optical projection element (20) and being configured and hinged to allow the first movement of the light-emitting unit (10) relative to the optical projection element (20) or to allow the first movement and the second movement of the light-emitting unit (10) relative to the optical projection element (20).

11. A lighting device (100; 100') for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (101; 101') having a recess and a lighting module (1; 1') as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the lighting module (1; 1') being arranged in the recess.

12. The light-emitting device (100; 100') according to claim 11, wherein, The support (3) of the lighting module (1, 1') is formed by a part of the housing or a part rigidly fastened to the housing.

13. The light-emitting device (100') according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The housing (101') includes an opening arranged in front of the recess, and the optical projection element (20) closes the opening of the housing (101').

Images