Light module comprising a device for adjusting the orientation of a light beam

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (2) for a vehicle, comprising a casing defining a housing with the following arranged therein: at least one light source, an optical element configured so as to generate a light beam, and a device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam in an adjustment direction, the optical element being mounted so as to be movable about an axis of rotation (A-A'), said adjustment device (18A) being connected to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with an adjustment member or tool external to the module. According to the invention, the adjustment device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam comprises a screw (28) and a ball head (30) with a slide (31) linked to the optical element, the screw (28) being provided at one of its ends with a swivel appendage which is hingedly mounted in the slide (31).

Description

Description Title of the invention: A light module comprising a device for adjusting the orientation of a light beam technical field [1] The present invention relates to the field of lighting, in particular motor vehicle lighting. The invention relates specifically to a vehicle lighting module comprising an optical element configured to generate a light beam, and a device for adjusting the direction of the light beam. Without limiting the scope of the present invention, the lighting module may be mounted on the roof of a vehicle, in particular on the roof of a truck cab, within a lighting or signaling element and / or within a headlight of the latter (such as a long-range headlight). State of the art [2] In the field of automotive lighting, light modules mounted in a vehicle's headlight are commonly known for projecting regulated beams of light. This type of light module typically comprises a housing defining a compartment within which are arranged: at least one light source, an optical element arranged opposite said at least one light source and configured to generate a light beam, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam in at least one direction (typically the vertical direction). The light source(s) is or are typically a light-emitting diode (LED). The optical element is, for example, an optical reflector or a lens.When the optical element is a reflector, the light source or sources project light onto the reflector, and the light is then reflected onto a lens in order to be projected by the latter into the external environment of the vehicle, particularly onto the road. [3] The beam orientation adjustment device, which is linked to a part of the optical element, allows the height of the light beam emitted by the module to be varied so that it is neither too high nor too low. By actuating the adjustment device, a movement is transmitted to the optical element (typically a rotational movement), which results in an adjustment of the height of the light beam. [4] A luminous module is known, comprising a housing defining a compartment within which are arranged: a light source, an optical reflector mounted to rotate relative to the light source and positioned opposite it, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam generated by the optical reflector. The device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam comprises, for example, a rod with longitudinal gear splines. The longitudinal gear splines mesh with curved rack and pinion systems provided at the rear of the reflector, to rotate the reflector about an axis of rotation when the device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam is actuated.To enable this actuation, the rod is attached to a geared mechanism, which is itself connected to a receiving head for an adjustment tool external to the module. The receiving head protrudes from the housing through an opening in the latter. An operator can thus insert the adjustment tool into the receiving head of the device, which passes through the front or rear of the vehicle, thereby rotating the rod and consequently the reflector around the axis of rotation, and thus changing the direction of the light beam. [5] However, a drawback of the adjustment device used in such a light module is that the adjustment of the light beam's orientation that it allows is relatively imprecise. Furthermore, in the event of mechanical vibrations applied to the light module, the light beam is likely to move, thereby disrupting its orientation and potentially generating beam shaking and oscillation. [6] Other known light modules include a rotating optical element (such as a lens or reflector) and a beam orientation adjustment device consisting of a worm gear system. The worm gear generally engages with a threaded hole on the optical element or on a mounting plate for the optical element, allowing the beam orientation to be adjusted along a specific direction. However, a drawback of this type of light module is that it requires a limit stop for the worm gear. The presence of such a stop necessitates the use of a disengagement mechanism to prevent the worm gear from contacting the stop. This damages the product. This increases the production cost of the light module, as well as its size. [7] Other known adjustment systems implement beam orientation adjustment at three distinct points, for example, via three independent screws. The optical element is then suspended on three capsules, each capsule being linked to one of the adjustment screws. However, in the event of strong mechanical vibrations applied to the light module, the light beam is likely to move, thereby deregulating its orientation and potentially generating beam shaking and oscillation. Alternatively, the adjustment screws can be configured to act on the inclination of the light sources themselves. Adjusting each screw then allows the beam orientation to be set in a distinct direction. US patent document 2004 / 0202007 A1, for example, describes a light module equipped with such an adjustment system.The light module comprises a housing containing several light sources (in the form of LEDs). The light sources are mounted on a common metal support. This metal support is designed to be tiltable in two directions (vertical and horizontal) within the housing. A reflector is positioned opposite the light sources inside the housing, and the housing is closed by a translucent cover to allow light to escape. The light module also includes a beam adjustment system consisting of three screws. Each screw is connected to the common metal support of the light sources via a plate / nut assembly. Each screw has a head for an external adjustment tool, the head of which protrudes from the rear of the housing through an opening in the housing.At least two of the screws allow adjustment of the orientation of the light beam in both vertical and horizontal directions. [8] However, a drawback of the adjustment system described in this patent document is that, in an environment where numerous mechanical vibrations act on the module (which is the case, for example, when the light module is mounted on the roof of a truck), the light beam is likely to move due to the weight of the various elements constituting the module, thereby disrupting the beam's orientation and even generating a phenomenon of Beam vibration and oscillation. The beam orientation adjustment offered by such a system is therefore relatively imprecise. Furthermore, in a space-constrained environment (such as the roof of a truck cab), it is not possible to use standard components and systems for adjusting the module's beam orientation. Description of the invention [9] The present invention improves the situation.

[0010] An objective of the invention is to propose a vehicle lighting module comprising an optical element (of the lens or reflector type) mounted to rotate freely, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam generated by the optical element, allowing precise and stable adjustment of the orientation of the light beam (and therefore less sensitive to the phenomenon of beam shaking), while allowing a more compact and economical structure for the lighting module.

[0011] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle light module, the light module comprising a housing defining a compartment inside which are arranged: at least one light source, an optical element arranged opposite said at least one light source and configured so as to generate a light beam, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam according to an adjustment direction, the optical element being mounted movable around an axis of rotation, said adjustment device being linked to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with an adjustment tool or member external to the module, so as to rotate the optical element around the axis of rotation and to modify the orientation of the light beam according to the adjustment direction.

[0012] According to the invention, the light beam orientation adjustment device comprises a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule, the screw extending through an opening in the housing, being provided at one end with a receiving head for the tool or adjustment element external to the module and at its other end with a hemispherical pin-type spherical appendage, the spherical appendage being articulated in the slide of the sliding ball joint capsule, the sliding ball joint capsule being linked to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with the element optical when the screw is driven in translation, to drive in rotation the optical element around the axis of rotation, the ball joint of the screw being guided in translation in the slide.

[0013] The sliding ball joint capsule provides a sliding contact ball joint between the ball joint of the adjustment device's screw and the optical element. The optical element configured to generate the light beam is, for example, a reflector or a lens, although this is not a limitation within the scope of the present invention. When the optical element is a lens, the light module is more compact. When the optical element is a reflector, the optical and luminous performance of the light module is improved. In the context of the present invention, the device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam is a device for adjusting the tilt of the optical element around the axis of rotation. The direction for adjusting the orientation of the light beam is typically the horizontal direction (corresponding to a vertical axis of rotation), or the vertical direction (corresponding to a horizontal axis of rotation).

[0014] Thanks to this configuration of the beam adjustment device, which includes a screw and a sliding ball joint, the beam direction adjustment is more precise and stable, resulting in a more compact and economical structure for the lighting module. This is particularly advantageous in environments such as the roof of a truck cab, where space is very limited (shallow depth, limited travel, and restricted access areas for the beam direction adjustment tool).

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said beam orientation adjustment device is a first adjustment device configured to adjust the beam orientation along a first adjustment direction, typically the horizontal direction. The optical element is mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation and about a second axis of rotation. The light module further comprises a second beam orientation adjustment device along a second adjustment direction, typically the vertical direction. The second adjustment device is linked to the optical element and configured to cooperate with an adjustment tool or member external to the module, so as to rotate the optical element about the second axis of rotation. rotation and adjustment of the light beam's orientation along the second adjustment direction. Thanks to this second adjustment direction, independent of the first, even more precise beam direction adjustment is possible. This is particularly useful when the light module is integrated into a vehicle's roof, especially in a long-range headlight mounted on a truck cab roof. In such a configuration, it is necessary to adjust the beam's orientation both vertically (to properly illuminate the road ahead) and horizontally (to prevent any misalignment between the two headlights).

[0016] The first and second adjustment devices are advantageously configured such that the angular displacement obtained for the optical element in each of the first and second adjustment directions is between -2° and +2°.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second adjustment device comprises a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule, the screw extending through an opening in the housing and being provided at one end with a receiving head for the tool or adjustment element external to the module and at its other end with a hemispherical pin-type spherical appendage, said spherical appendage being articulated in the slide of the sliding ball joint capsule, the sliding ball joint capsule being fixed to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with the optical element when the screw is driven in translation, to drive the optical element in rotation around the second axis of rotation, the spherical appendage of the screw being guided in translation in the slide.This allows for a second, particularly compact adjustment device, which is very advantageous, for example, in an environment such as the roof of a truck cab where available space is very limited.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second adjustment device comprises a sliding piece, a screw, and a sliding ball joint capsule, the sliding piece being mounted to move in rectilinear translation along the extension direction of the screw and cooperating with the sliding ball joint capsule, the screw being fixed through an opening in the housing and being screwed into the sliding piece, the screw being provided at one of its ends with a tool receiving head. or an external adjustment mechanism to the module, the sliding ball joint capsule being fixed to the optical element and configured to cooperate with the optical element when the screw is rotated on its own axis, thus rotating the optical element around the second axis of rotation. While providing a particularly compact second adjustment device (which is very advantageous in an environment such as the roof of a truck cab where available space is very limited), this allows the screw tightening mechanism to be offset (thanks to the presence of the sliding part), which can, for example, be useful for layout issues or spatial constraints on the screwing area.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding part is provided with a hemispherical pin-type ball joint appendage protruding from one of its faces, said ball joint appendage being articulated in the slide of the sliding ball joint capsule, and being guided in translation in said slide when the screw is driven in rotation on itself and the optical element is driven in rotation around the second axis of rotation.

[0020] The sliding ball joint capsule of the second adjustment device provides a sliding contact ball joint between the ball joint appendage of the second adjustment device and the optical element.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light module further comprises a heat sink connected to the optical element via a mechanical link having a degree of freedom in rotation around the rotation axis, the heat sink being mounted movable around the rotation axis.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat sink comprises a first support portion arranged within the housing defined by the casing and a second heat dissipation portion connected to the first support portion and projecting from the first support portion to the outside of the casing through an opening in the casing. The sliding ball joint capsule of the light beam orientation adjustment device is attached to the first portion of the heat sink. The second portion of the heat sink preferably extends over the top of the light module casing through the opening. Such a configuration offers improved heat dissipation and enhanced thermal flux performance, while also reducing weight.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, said first part of the heat sink is configured to cooperate with an internal face of the housing via a mechanical link having one degree of freedom in rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, said mechanical link is a mechanical link with a boss and a hollow counterpart, said boss being provided on a face of the first part of the heat sink opposite said internal face of the housing, said hollow counterpart having a shape complementary to that of the boss and being provided on said internal face of the housing, the axis of rotation passing through the boss and through the hollow counterpart.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical element is mounted for rotation on the first part of the heat sink, around the second axis of rotation. This makes the light module even more compact.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part of the heat sink is provided with two male cones extending laterally and horizontally on either side of the heat sink, and the optical element is provided with two female cones projecting laterally and horizontally from an upper face of the optical element. Each female cone has a shape complementary to that of one of the male cones and is clipped onto said male cone to allow the optical element to be rotated on the first part of the heat sink around the second axis of rotation, said second axis of rotation passing through the male and female cones. Such a clip-on mounting configuration between male and female cones provides a tight fit (by clamping the optical element to the heat sink) while allowing the optical element to rotate relative to the first part of the heat sink.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element is made of a plastic material, preferably polycarbonate (also called PC). Preferably, when the optical element is a reflector made of a polycarbonate-type plastic material, the reflector has an aluminized coating (capable of reflecting light) on its inner surface. Preferably, the coating is applied to the reflector via a vacuum coating process.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light module further comprises a piece forming an aesthetic mask for the light module, said piece being arranged within the housing defined by the casing.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, said part has a first part forming an aesthetic contour or screen for the light module and visible from outside the light module, and a second part arranged within the housing defined by the casing and connected to the first part, the second part of the part forming a support for the heat sink.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part of the piece includes guiding means configured to allow flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink around the axis of rotation.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said guiding means are further configured to prevent any movement of the heat sink in any direction intersecting with the plane of rotation defined by the rotational movement around the axis of rotation, allowing rotational guidance of the heat sink only in said plane of rotation.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the guiding means consist of at least one elastic tab cooperating with a base, the elastic tab and the base forming a clamping means. The elastic tab is configured to exert an elastic force against a portion of the first part of the heat sink inserted between the base and the elastic tab. This configuration allows the heat sink to be placed and suspended on the second part of the mask, thus providing the system with good resistance to mechanical vibrations (which are frequent on the roof of a truck cab). The heaviest elements of the lighting module (in particular the heat sink) are thus securely supported and held (by suspension) within the housing, via the second part of the mask acting as a support.The mask, thus configured, also facilitates the assembly of the various optical elements of the light module within the housing, and subsequently secures these elements effectively. The elastic tab(s) then absorb any play and dispersion that may occur due to vibrations (play-free mounting). Preferably, the light module housing is configured to exert slight compression on at least one of these elastic tabs, the housing / tab assembly. Elastic element(s) / heat sink then form a suspension system with elastic legs or blades. Such a backlash-free system allows for automatic compensation of tolerances and thus much better resistance to mechanical vibrations.

[0033] Another object of the invention relates to a vehicle lighting and / or signaling element, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module according to the invention.

[0034] Here, the term "vehicle" means any type of vehicle such as a motor vehicle, moped, motorcycle, warehouse storage robot, or any other device capable of carrying at least one passenger or intended for the transport of persons or objects. Preferably, but not limitingly for the purposes of this invention, the vehicle is a truck.

[0035] Another object of the invention relates to a vehicle projector comprising a light module or a lighting and / or signaling element according to the invention.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the projector is integrated on the roof of a vehicle, in particular on the roof of a truck-type vehicle cab. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0038] [Fig 1] is a perspective view of a lighting and / or signaling element comprising a light module according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig 2] is a perspective view, from the rear, of the lighting and / or signaling element of figure 1;

[0040] [Fig 3] is a perspective view of the light module in Figure 1, in which some components and parts have been omitted;

[0041] [Fig 4] is another perspective view of the light module of figure 1, from the rear, in which some components and parts have been omitted, the light module comprising a sealing bellows, closing optics, a mask, and first and second devices for adjusting the orientation of the light beam;

[0042] [Fig 5] is a perspective view of the light module in Figure 4, taken from a different angle and in which the sealing bellows has been omitted;

[0043] [Fig 6] is a perspective view of the light module in Figure 5, in which the mask and closing optics have been omitted;

[0044] [Fig 7] is an enlarged perspective view of the first light beam orientation adjustment device in Figure 4; and

[0045] [Fig 8] is an enlarged perspective view of the second light beam orientation adjustment device in Figure 4.

[0046] In this document, unless otherwise specified, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," or "transverse," "lower," "upper," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," and "side" are defined with respect to the orientation of the light module 2 according to the invention, intended to be mounted in a vehicle lighting and / or signaling element 1. In particular, in this application, the term "vertical" designates an orientation perpendicular to the horizon, while the term "horizontal" designates an orientation parallel to the horizon.

[0047] Furthermore, anything referred to as "rear" or "front" is designated relatively, in reference to the face of the lighting and / or signaling element. 1. The closest point to the exterior of the vehicle. Thus, anything designated "rear" is located on the side furthest from the exterior of the vehicle along its principal direction of travel, while anything designated "front" is located on the side closest to the exterior of the vehicle along its principal direction of travel. However, with regard to the vehicle's lights, these are designated "front" or "rear" according to the rear-to-front orientation of the vehicle, that is, according to its conventional direction of travel. Detailed description

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 depict a vehicle lighting and / or signaling element 1 comprising the light module 2 according to the invention. The lighting and / or signaling element 1 can typically be part of a vehicle headlight (not shown in the figures). The light module 2 is preferably integrated onto the roof of the vehicle and comprises a housing 4, preferably hermetically sealed. Preferably, but not limiting the scope of the present invention, the vehicle is a truck and the light module 2 is integrated onto the roof of the truck cab. In this case, the lighting and / or signaling element 1 comprising the module luminous 2, for example, is part of a long-range headlight installed on the roof of the truck cab.

[0049] The housing 4 is conventionally closed by an optic 10. The optic 10 is typically a glass element (or alternatively a lens), which is clipped onto the housing 4. The housing 4 defines a compartment 12 within which are arranged several light sources (for example, three light sources, such sources not being shown in the figures for clarity), an optical element 16 configured to generate a light beam, and at least one device 18A, 18B for adjusting the orientation of the light beam along a direction of adjustment. The housing 4 is, for example, made of a plastic material, preferably polypropylene reinforced with 30% glass fibers (also called PP GF 30, from the English "Glass Fiber").According to the specific embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the optical element 16 is a reflector, and the light module 2 comprises two beam orientation adjustment devices 18A and 18B, both arranged within the housing 12 defined by the casing 4. A first adjustment device 18A is configured to allow adjustment of the light beam orientation along a first adjustment direction. This first adjustment direction is preferably horizontal. A second adjustment device 18B is configured to allow adjustment of the light beam orientation along a second adjustment direction. This second adjustment direction is preferably vertical. In an alternative not shown, the optical element 16 may be a lens. In this case, the light module no longer includes the optics 10.Preferably, as seen in figures 1 to 4, the light module 2 also includes, arranged within the housing 12, a heat sink 17 and a mask 19. The light module 3 also includes a sealing bellows 21 arranged around the heat sink 17, on the housing 4.

[0050] In the specific embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the light sources, which are light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) 20, itself positioned beneath and attached to the heat sink 17. The heat sink 17 thus closes the top of the housing 4, with the light sources extending into the recess 12 defined by the housing 4.

[0051] The reflector 16 is positioned opposite the light sources. More precisely, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the reflector 16 is positioned below the light sources and has a concave inner face 23 facing these light sources (the reflector 16 thus has an overall parabolic shape). In this way, the light sources illuminate the concave inner face 23 of the reflector 16, which causes optical reflection of the light rays on the reflector 16 and generates the light beam. The light beam is then directed towards the optic 10. The reflector 16 typically has grooves 24, for example, vertical grooves 24, also called "cavity grooves." Such vertical or cavity grooves 24 ensure that the light is evenly distributed across the entire field of the light module 2.The reflector 16 is mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation A-A' (which is a vertical axis) and about a second axis of rotation B-B' (which is a horizontal axis). To achieve this, the reflector 16 is, for example, connected to the heat sink 17 via a mechanical linkage that provides a degree of rotational constraint about the first axis of rotation A-A'. In other words, the reflector 16 is fixed to the heat sink 17 for any movement of the latter in the horizontal plane, via retaining and securing means 29 provided on the reflector 16 and / or on the heat sink 17 (for example, in the form of retaining tabs 29). The heat sink 17 is thus mounted to rotate about the first axis of rotation A-A'.To achieve this, in the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, a portion 26 of the heat sink 17 is configured to cooperate with an inner (upper) face of the housing 4 via a mechanical linkage having one degree of freedom in rotation about the first axis of rotation A-A'. The mechanical linkage is, for example, a mechanical linkage with a boss 27 and a hollow counterpart. A boss 27 is indeed provided for this purpose on an upper face of the portion 26 of the heat sink 17, and the upper inner face of the housing 4 is fitted with a hollow counterpart (not visible in the figures) having a shape complementary to that of the boss 27 and cooperating with the boss 27 to allow the rotation of the heat sink 17 (and therefore of the reflector 16) about the first axis of rotation A-A', in the horizontal plane. The first axis of rotation AA' thus passes through the boss 27 and the hollow counterpart, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

[0052] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 6, the reflector 16 is provided with two upper female cones 25 that project laterally and horizontally on either side of the reflector 16, from its upper face. The heat sink 17 is provided, on its portion 26, with two male cones (not visible in the figures) that extend laterally and horizontally on either side of the heat sink 17. The reflector 16 is pivotally mounted on the two male cones of the heat sink 16 (around the second axis of rotation B-B'), via its female cones 25. More precisely, each female cone 25 has a shape complementary to that of one of the male cones and is clipped onto this male cone for the rotational mounting of the reflector 16 on the heat sink 17, around the second axis of rotation B-B'.The reflector 16 is configured so that the female cones 25 are mounted and fitted onto the male cones of the heat sink 17 by pinching (the female cones 25 thus always remaining in contact with the male cones). As illustrated in Figure 6, the second axis of rotation BB' passes through the male and female cones 25 (as well as through an axis along which the light sources are aligned – such an axis not being visible in the figures). This ensures that the focal point of the reflector 16 remains aligned with the focal point of the light sources, particularly when the reflector 16 is rotated around the second axis of rotation B-B'.

[0053] The reflector 16 is, for example, made of a plastic material, preferably polycarbonate. The reflector 16 typically has an aluminized coating (capable of reflecting light) on its concave inner face 23. Preferably, the coating is applied to the reflector 16 via a vacuum coating process.

[0054] The first adjustment device 18A is a manual adjustment device linked to the reflector 16. The first adjustment device 18A is configured to cooperate with an external adjustment tool or element (not shown in the figures for clarity) to rotate the reflector 16 around the first axis of rotation A-A' and thus change the orientation of the light beam along the first adjustment direction (the horizontal direction in the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8). The adjustment tool or element configured to cooperate with the first adjustment device 18A is, for example, a screwdriver.

[0055] The first adjustment device 18A comprises a screw 28 and a ball joint capsule 30 with a slide 31. The screw 28 extends through an opening 32 in the housing 4 (here, an opening 32 provided on a rear face of the housing 4) and is fitted at one end with a head 34 for receiving the tool or adjustment element external to the light module 2 (the head 34 extending through the opening 32), and at its other end with a hemispherical pin-type ball joint 36. As illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the ball joint 36 is hinged in the slide 31 of the ball joint capsule 30 with a slide 31. In this way, the mechanical connection between the screw 28 and the ball joint capsule 30 with a slide 31 is a ball joint, with sliding contact within the slide 31.The ball joint capsule 30 with slide 31 is linked to the reflector 16 and is configured to cooperate with the reflector 16 when the screw 28 is driven in translation (by rotation about itself), to rotate the reflector 16 around the first axis of rotation A-A'. The ball joint appendage 36 of the screw 28 is then guided in translation within the slide 31, the direction of translational guidance extending (regardless of the position of the screw 28) in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A-A' (in this case, a horizontal plane). More precisely, as illustrated in Figure 7, the ball joint capsule 30 with slide 31 has a base 37 fixed to the part 26 of the heat sink 17 (the latter being itself fixed to the reflector 16), the slide 31 projecting from the base 37.

[0056] The second adjustment device 18B is a manual adjustment device linked to the reflector 16. The second adjustment device 18B is configured to cooperate with an external adjustment tool or element (not shown in the figures for clarity) to rotate the reflector 16 around the second axis of rotation B-B' and thus change the orientation of the light beam along the second adjustment direction (the vertical direction in the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8). The adjustment tool or element configured to cooperate with the second adjustment device 18B is, for example, a screwdriver (which is, for example, the same as the one used to operate the first adjustment device 18A).

[0057] The second adjustment device 18B comprises a screw 38 and a sliding ball joint capsule 40 4L. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and 8, the second adjustment device 18B also comprises a sliding piece 42. The screw 38 is fixed through an opening 44 in the housing 4 (here, an opening 44 provided on a rear face of the housing 4) and is screwed into the sliding piece 42. The sliding piece 42 has a threaded portion 46 located in its upper region, into which the screw 38 is inserted. The screw 38 is movable within the opening 44 solely by rotation about its own axis (i.e., without translation). The screw 38 has, at one end, a head 48 for receiving the tool or adjustment element external to the light module 2 (the head 48 extending through the opening 44). The ball joint capsule 40 with slide 41 is attached to the reflector 16 and is configured to cooperate with the reflector 16 when the screw 38 is driven in rotation on itself, to drive the reflector 16 in rotation around the second axis of rotation B-B'.To achieve this, as illustrated in figure 8, the ball joint capsule 40 with slide 41 has a base 47 attached to an external face 49 of the reflector 16, the slide 41 projecting from the base 47. The sliding piece 42 is mounted to move in rectilinear translation along the extension direction of the screw 38 and cooperates with the ball joint capsule 40 with slide 4L. More precisely, the sliding piece 42 is provided with a hemispherical pin-type ball joint appendage 50 projecting from one of its faces (here a lower face, which allows the screwing direction to be offset vertically relative to the support made by the ball joint appendage 50 on the ball joint capsule 40).As illustrated in Figure 8, the ball joint 50 is mounted articulated in the slide 41 of the ball joint capsule 40 with slide 4L. The ball joint 50 is then guided in translation in the slide 41 when the screw 38 is driven in rotation about itself and the reflector 16 is driven in rotation about the second axis of rotation B-B', the direction of guidance in translation extending (whatever the position of the screw 38) in a plane perpendicular to the second axis of rotation B-B' (in this case a vertical plane).

[0058] In an alternative not shown, the second adjustment device 18B may consist of only a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule. In this case, the second adjustment device 18B does not have a sliding part, and the screw / sliding ball joint capsule assembly functions as for the first adjustment device 18A, the sliding ball joint capsule being fixed to the reflector 16 (for example, to an external face 49 of the reflector 16).

[0059] The first and second adjustment devices 18 A, 18 B are preferably configured such that the angular deflection obtained for the reflector 16 in each of the first and second adjustment directions is between - 2° and + 2°.

[0060] The heat sink 17 comprises a first support portion 26 and a second heat dissipation portion 52. The first support portion 26 is arranged within the housing 12 defined by the casing 4, and the second heat dissipation portion 52 is connected to the first support portion 26 and protrudes from the first support portion 26 outside the casing 4, through a top opening 54 provided in the casing 4 (the opening 54, which is, for example, oblong, is visible in Figure 3). The second portion 52 of the heat sink 17 then extends over the top of the casing 4, through the opening 54. The first portion 26 of the heat sink 17 is, for example, substantially flat and extends in the horizontal plane. Preferably, as seen in figures 4 to 7, the first part 26 of the heat sink 17 is provided with a central pin 56 projecting downwards from its lower face.The central pin 56 (which extends here in the vertical direction) is configured to cooperate with a horizontal indentation 57 projecting laterally from a top face of the reflector 16. This allows indexing in the horizontal plane of the reflector 16 with respect to the heat sink 17. The heat sink 17 dissipates the heat emitted by light sources arranged within the housing 4. The heat sink 17 is, for example, a radiator, typically an aluminum radiator.

[0061] The mask 19 comprises a first part 58 and a second part 60 connected to the first part 58. The first part 58 of the mask 19 (which extends forward) forms an aesthetic outline or screen for the light module 2, visible from outside the vehicle. Due to its shape, the first part 58 of the mask 19 allows only the reflector 16 to be visible from the outside. As illustrated in Figure 3, the first part 58 of the mask 19 is mounted in a lateral opening 62 of the housing 4 located opposite the optic 10. The second part 60 of the mask 19 (which extends rearward) is arranged within the housing 12 defined by the housing 4 and forms a support for the heat sink 17 (the mask 19 rests on internal supports defined by the housing 4 and itself forms an intermediate support for the heat sink 17). More specifically, the second part 60 of the mask 19 includes configured guiding means 64 to allow flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink 17 around the first axis of rotation A-A'. The mask 19 is for example made of a plastic material, preferably polycarbonate.

[0062] The guide means 64 are configured to prevent any movement of the heat sink 17 in any direction intersecting the plane of rotation defined by the rotation about the first axis of rotation A-A'. This allows rotational guidance of the heat sink 17 only in this plane of rotation. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, the guide means 64 consist of two pairs of elastic tabs 66 and bases 68. Each elastic tab 66 cooperates with a respective base 68 provided in the second part 60 of the mask 19. Each elastic tab 66, together with its corresponding base 68, forms a clamping means. The first part 26 of the heat sink 17 is inserted between the bases 68 and the elastic tabs 66.Each elastic tab 66 is thus configured to exert an elastic force against a portion of the first part 26 of the heat sink 17 inserted between the elastic tab 66 and the corresponding base 68 (this portion being made up of the two retaining tabs 29 of the first part 26 of the heat sink 17 in the particular embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 8 – another such portion being provided on the other side of the heat sink 17 to cooperate with the other elastic tab 66 / base 68 pair). This configuration allows for flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink 17 around the first axis of rotation A-A', while also allowing the heat sink 17 to be placed and suspended on the second part 60 of the mask 19, which gives the system good resistance to mechanical vibrations.The housing 4 is advantageously configured to exert a slight compression on the two elastic tabs 66 of the mask 19, the whole forming a suspension system with elastic tabs or blades.

[0063] The sealing bellows 21 is positioned around the second part 52 of the heat sink 17, and is, for example, arranged in an oblong groove in the housing 4 (not visible in the figures) provided for this purpose. A central sleeve of the sealing bellows 21 follows the contour of the second part 52 of the heat sink 17. A retaining collar 74 can be used to allow the mounting and secure retention of the sealing bellows 21 in the groove around the second part 52 of the heat sink 17. The sealing bellows 21 is for example made of silicone.

[0064] During operation, a user equipped with the adjustment tool or device (typically a screwdriver) inserts this tool or device into the receiving head 34 of the screw 28 of the first adjustment device 18A. By rotating the screw 28, it translates towards the slide 31 of the ball-joint capsule 30. This movement causes the heat sink 17, and therefore the reflector 16, to rotate around the first axis of rotation A-A', the ball-jointed appendage 36 of the screw 28 being guided in translation within the slide 31. This allows the orientation of the light beam generated by the reflector 16 to be adjusted along the first direction of adjustment (here, the horizontal direction). The user can then use the same adjustment tool or device and insert it into the receiving head 48 of the screw 38 of the second adjustment device 18B.By rotating the screw 38, it rotates on its own axis (since it is fixed through the opening 44 of the housing 4) and drives the sliding piece 42 in a straight line towards the slide 41 of the ball-joint capsule 40. This movement causes the reflector 16 to rotate around the second axis of rotation B-B', the ball-jointed appendage 50 of the sliding piece 42 then being guided in translation within the slide 4L. This allows the orientation of the light beam generated by the reflector 16 to be adjusted along the second adjustment direction (here, the vertical direction). These two steps for manually adjusting the orientation of the light beam can, of course, be reversed.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example and extends to other variants.

Claims

Demands

1. Light module (2) for vehicle, the light module (2) comprising a housing (4) defining a housing (12) within which are arranged: at least one light source, an optical element (16) arranged opposite said at least one light source and configured so as to generate a light beam, and a device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam along an adjustment direction, the optical element (16) being movable about an axis of rotation (A-A'), said adjustment device (18A) being linked to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with an adjustment tool or device external to the module (2), so as to rotate the optical element (16) about the axis of rotation (A-A') and to change the orientation of the light beam along the adjustment direction;characterized in that the light beam orientation adjustment device (18A) comprises a screw (28) and a sliding ball joint capsule (30) (31), the screw (28) extending through an opening (32) in the housing (4), being provided at one end with a head (34) for receiving the tool or adjustment element external to the module (2) and at its other end with a hemispherical pin-type ball joint appendage (36), the ball joint appendage (36) being articulated in the slide (31) of the sliding ball joint capsule (30) (31), the sliding ball joint capsule (30) (31) being linked to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with the optical element (16) when the screw (28) is driven in translation, to drive the optical element (16) in rotation about the axis of rotation (A-A'), the appendage ball joint (36) of the screw (28) being guided in translation in the slide (31).;

2. A light module (2) according to claim 1, wherein said beam orientation adjustment device (18A) is a first adjustment device configured to adjust the beam orientation along a first adjustment direction, typically along the horizontal direction, wherein the optical element (16) is movable about a first axis of rotation (A-A') and about a second axis of rotation (B-B'), and wherein the light module (2) further comprises a second beam orientation adjustment device (18B) along a second adjustment direction, typically along the vertical direction, the second adjustment device (18B) being linked to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with an adjustment tool or member external to the module (2), in order to rotate the optical element (16) around the second axis of rotation (B-B') and to modify the orientation of the light beam according to the second adjustment direction.

3. Light module (2) according to claim 2, wherein the second adjustment device (18B) comprises a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule, the screw extending through an opening in the housing and being provided at one end with a receiving head for the tool or adjustment member external to the module (2) and at its other end with a hemispherical pin-type spherical appendage, said spherical appendage being articulated in the slide of the sliding ball joint capsule, the sliding ball joint capsule being fixed to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with the optical element (16) when the screw is driven in translation, to drive the optical element (16) in rotation about the second axis of rotation (B-B'), the spherical appendage of the screw being guided in translation in the slide.

4. A light module (2) according to claim 2, wherein the second adjustment device (18B) comprises a sliding piece (42), a screw (38), and a sliding ball joint capsule (40) (41), the sliding piece (42) being mounted to move movably in rectilinear translation along the extension direction of the screw (38) and cooperating with the sliding ball joint capsule (40) (41), the screw (38) being fixed through an opening (44) in the housing (4) and being screwed into the sliding piece (42), the screw (38) being provided at one of its ends with a receiving head for the tool or adjustment element external to the module (2), the sliding ball joint capsule (40) (41) being fixed to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with the optical element (16) when the screw (38) is rotated about itself, to rotate the element optics (16) around the second axis of rotation (B-B').

5. Light module (2) according to claim 4, wherein the sliding piece (42) is provided with a hemispherical pin-type ball joint (50) projecting from one of its faces, said ball joint (50) being articulated in the slide (41) of the sliding ball joint capsule (40) (41), and being guided in translation in said slide (41) when the screw (38) is driven in rotation about itself and the optical element (16) is driven in rotation about the second axis of rotation (B-B').

6. Light module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light module (2) further comprises a heat sink (17) connected to the optical element (16) via a mechanical linkage having one degree of freedom in rotation about the first axis of rotation (A-A'), the heat sink (17) being mounted movable about the first axis of rotation (A-A').

7. Light module (2) according to claim 6, wherein said heat sink (17) has a first support part (26) arranged within the housing (12) defined by the housing (4) and a second heat dissipation part (52) connected to the first support part (26) and projecting from the first support part (26) outside the housing (4), through an opening (54) provided in the housing (4), the sliding ball joint capsule (30) with slide (31) of the first device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam being attached to the first part (26) of the heat sink (17).

8. Light module (2) according to claim 7, wherein said first part (26) of the heat sink (17) is configured to cooperate with an inner face of the housing (4) via a mechanical linkage having one degree of freedom in rotation about the first axis of rotation (A-A').

9. Light module (2) according to claim 8, wherein said mechanical linkage is a mechanical linkage with a boss (27) and a hollow counterpart, said boss (27) being provided on a face of the first part (26) of the heat sink (17) opposite said inner face of the housing (4), said hollow counterpart having a shape complementary to that of the boss (27) and being provided on said inner face of the housing (4), the first axis of rotation (A-A') passing through the boss (27) and through the hollow counterpart.

10. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 when they depend on claim 2, wherein the optical element (16) is mounted movably in rotation on the first part (26) of the heat sink (17), around the second axis of rotation (B-B').

11. Light module (2) according to claim 10, wherein the first part (26) of the heat sink (17) is provided with two male cones extending laterally and horizontally on either side of the heat sink (17), and the optical element (16) is provided with two female cones (25) projecting laterally and horizontally from an upper face of the optical element (16), each female cone (25) having a shape complementary to that of one of the male cones and being clipped onto said male cone, for the rotational mounting of the optical element (16) on the first part (26) of the heat sink (17), around the second axis of rotation (B-B'), said second axis of rotation (BB 1 ) passing through the male and female cones (25).

12. Light module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light module (2) further comprises a part (19) forming an aesthetic mask for the light module (2), said part (19) being arranged within the housing (12) defined by the casing (4).

13. Light module (2) according to claim 12 when it depends on claim 6, wherein said part (19) has a first part (58) forming an aesthetic contour or screen for the light module (2) and visible from outside the light module (2), and a second part (60) arranged within the housing (12) defined by the casing (4) and connected to the first part (58), the second part (60) of the part (19) forming a support for the heat sink (17).

14. Light module (2) according to claim 13, wherein the second part (60) of the part (19) comprises guide means (64) configured to permit flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink (17) around the first axis of rotation (A-A').

15. Light module (2) according to claim 14, wherein said guiding means (64) are further configured to prevent any movement of the heat sink (17) in any direction secant with the plane of rotation defined by the rotational movement around the first axis of rotation (A-A'), allowing rotational guidance of the heat sink (17) in said plane of rotation only.

16. A light module (2) according to claim 15 when it depends on claim 7, wherein said guiding means (64) consist of at least one elastic tab (66) cooperating with a base (68), the elastic tab (66) and the base (68) forming a pinching means, said elastic tab (66) being configured to exert an elastic stress against a portion (29) of the first part (26) of the heat sink (17) inserted between the base (68) and the elastic tab (66).

17. Vehicle projector comprising a light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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