Light module for motor vehicle headlight device

Abstract

Light module (4) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electrical connection device (41) configured to be arranged in a first position so as to be connected to a power source, and a holding tab (5) configured to reversibly hold the electrical connection device (41) in a second position, in particular during an assembly phase of the light module (4), the electrical connection device (41) comprising a connection member (7) configured to cooperate with the holding tab (5).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Light module for motor vehicle light device.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight and to a light device comprising said module. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a light device according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to a method for mounting the light module.

[0005] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with lighting devices, such as headlamps, particularly front ones, or headlights, intended to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle at night or in low light conditions. A lighting device comprises at least one light module consisting of a light source arranged on a printed circuit board and supplied with electrical energy via an electrical connector.

[0007] Conventionally, the electrical connector is arranged in a specific position for its operation, in particular to allow its connection to a power source. For example, in a known manner, the electrical connector may be fixed at a lower area of ​​the light module, in particular on a part of the module and / or a plate included in the light device, in order to allow an electrical connection from the front of said module.

[0008] However, such a position of the electrical connector is unsuitable for functional and / or photometric test phases usually implemented during the assembly of the light module, particularly at the end of the assembly line. Indeed, the connection and disconnection of a control machine on the electrical connector requires that the electrical connector be easily accessible by the control machine. However, this accessibility of the electrical connector to the control machine is only possible for certain positions of the electrical connector. If the electrical connector is not in one of these positions, then the control machine cannot reach it, and the test cannot be carried out. It may then be necessary to involve an operator or a technician to carry out such a control operation by manual intervention, which results in a loss of time and an increase in production costs.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention falls within this context and aims to propose a light module whose architecture is adapted to optimize its assembly and the test phase on an at least partially automated assembly line. In this sense, the invention proposes a light module for a motor vehicle lighting device comprising at least one printed circuit board and at least one light source arranged on said board. The light module comprises at least one electrical connection device configured to be connected to the at least one printed circuit board and comprising a primary connector configured to be movable and arranged in a first, operating position, so as to be connected to a power source.The light module also comprises a support and a holding tab connected to the support and configured to reversibly hold the primary connector in a second position, distinct from the first position, in particular during an assembly phase of the light module, the primary connector comprising a connecting member configured to cooperate with the holding tab.

[0011] In particular, the holding tab can be oriented so as to allow access, in particular a connection, to the primary connector by a control machine along a first direction when the primary connector is arranged in the second position, said first direction being distinct from a second direction, corresponding to a direction of access to the primary connector, when the latter is arranged in the first position.

[0012] In particular, the connecting member may comprise a groove or a gutter.

[0013] Optionally, the retaining tab and the support may be made of one material. Additionally or alternatively, the light module may comprise at least one reflector and / or one heat sink, the support being selected from said reflector or said heat sink.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the holding tab can be inclined relative to the support.

[0015] Optionally, the primary connector may be configured to be mounted in the first position by clipping and / or the primary connector may be configured to be mounted in the second position by sliding in a translational movement.

[0016] In particular, the light module may comprise an external structure delimiting said module, the holding tab being arranged and dimensioned so as to extend into a volume delimited by extreme points of the external structure so as not to generate additional bulk relative to said structure.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connection device may comprise the primary connector, configured to be arranged in the first position or in the second position, and at least one secondary connector configured to be connected to the at least one printed circuit board and connected to the primary connector via at least one cable.

[0018] The invention also relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting module according to the invention and a plate configured to carry at least said lighting module and to cooperate with the primary connector when the latter is arranged in the first position. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a lighting device and / or a lighting module according to the invention.

[0019] The invention finally relates to a method of assembling a light module according to the invention comprising:

[0020] - the temporary positioning of the primary connector of the electrical connection device in the second position by cooperation between the holding tab and the connecting member;

[0021] - a phase of functional and / or photometric testing of the operation of the light module by connecting a control machine to the primary connector arranged in the second position;

[0022] - moving the primary connector from the second position to the first position.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] Other details, characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, in relation to the various examples of embodiment illustrated in the following figures:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle comprising a lighting device equipped with a lighting module.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective representation of an exemplary embodiment of the light module according to the invention in which a connector of an electrical connection device is arranged in a reversible temporary position.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective representation of the light module according to the invention in which the connector of the electrical connection device is arranged in the reversible temporary position.

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the light module without the electrical connection device and including a retaining tab in the temporary position. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the light module seen from behind showing the positioning of the retaining tab.

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective representation of the cooperation between a body of the electrical connection device and the holding tab.

[0030] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective representation of the connector comprising a connecting member capable of cooperating with the holding tab. Figure 8 is a schematic sectional representation of the cooperation between the electrical connection device and the holding tab.

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective representation of the light device in which the connector of the electrical connection device is arranged in a final, operating position.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 equipped with a lighting device. In this case and in a non-limiting manner, the lighting device is a headlight 2. In the example considered, the headlight 2 is a front headlight.

[0034] By convention in the description below, the direction in which the motor vehicle 1 moves in a straight line is defined as being the longitudinal direction X, the axis representing the longitudinal direction X being oriented from front to rear. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and located in a plane parallel to the ground is called the transverse direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the directions X and Y, in other words orthogonal to the ground on which the vehicle 1 rests, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct reference frame XYZ is defined, represented in the figures requiring it.

[0035] Also, the terms "first", "second", "primary", "secondary" are intended to distinguish similar components and not to establish a hierarchy within said components. The projector 2 comprises a plate 3 and at least one light module 4 mounted movably relative to said plate 3 via a connecting interface. In the examples illustrated, the projector 2 comprises a single light module 4, it is nevertheless understood that the invention extends to a projector 2 comprising a plurality of light modules 4. The plate 3 comprises, in a known manner, a plastic material, for example a plastic material filled with glass fibers such as Polybutylene terephthalate, also called PBT.

[0036] By way of non-limiting example, the light module 4 may be a module emitting one or more light beam(s), in particular so as to emit segmented and / or selectively controllable light beams. For example, the light module 4 may be used in different modes, such as a “high beam” mode and / or a “low beam” mode, also referred to as a “low beam”. The “high beam” mode makes it possible to strongly illuminate the road far in front of the vehicle 1. The “low beam” mode provides more limited illumination of the road but nevertheless offers good visibility without dazzling other road users.

[0037] In general, the light module 4 according to the invention comprises at least one printed circuit board and at least one light source, not shown. The light module 4 also comprises at least one electrical connection device 41 configured to be connected to an electrical power source of the vehicle 1 and to supply electrical energy to the at least one printed circuit board and the at least one light source. The electrical connection device 41 comprises at least one primary connector 91. Optionally, the electrical connection device 41 may further comprise at least one cable 93 connected to the primary connector 91. The light module 4 also comprises, according to the invention, a support 42 and a holding tab 5 connected to said support 42 and configured to reversibly hold the primary connector 91 of the electrical connection device 41, as further explained below.

[0038] Conventionally, the at least one light source is of the semiconductor type, in particular of the light-emitting diode type. Optionally, the light module 4 may comprise a plurality of selectively activatable light sources. The at least one light source is arranged on the at least one printed circuit board, or PCB, from its English expression Printed Circuit Board. In particular, the at least one light source and the printed circuit board carrying it are arranged in a rear half, along the longitudinal direction X, of the light module 4.

[0039] The light module 4 also comprises at least one heat sink 43 and at least one reflector 44, assembled so as to define a structure, in particular an external structure, comparable to a housing of the light module 4. According to exemplary embodiments described in more detail below, the support 42 of the holding tab 5 is selected from the at least one heat sink 43 and the at least one reflector 44. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the support 42 may be included in the external structure of the light module 4.

[0040] The heat sink 43, also referred to as a radiator, is configured to allow the dissipation of the heat emitted by the at least one light source equipping the light module 4. For example, the heat sink 43 comprises a metallic material such as aluminum. According to a particular, non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light module 4 may comprise a plurality of heat sinks 43. The heat sink 43 comprises a plurality of walls delimiting at least in part the external structure of the light module 4. For example, the heat sink 43 comprises two side walls 43a opposite one another and delimiting the light module 4 along the transverse direction Y, as well as an upper wall and a lower wall connecting the side walls 43a together.

[0041] The at least one reflector 44 is configured to reflect light rays emitted by the at least one light source into a light beam. For example, the reflector 44 comprises a metallic material such as aluminum, or a plastic material, such as polycarbonate. For example, the reflector 44 comprises a collector, i.e., a reflective surface shaped and arranged to collect and reflect light rays, in particular comprising a truncated parabolic profile. The reflector 44 cooperates with the at least one heat sink 43 in order to define the structure of the light module 4.

[0042] The light module 4 further comprises an optical projection unit 6. Conventionally, the optical unit 6 comprises at least one lens configured to project at least one light beam from the at least one light source towards a roadway on which the vehicle 1 is traveling. The optical unit 6 is configured to be attached and mounted at a front portion of the light module 4. For example, the optical unit 6 is mounted on the at least one heat sink 43.

[0043] The holding tab 5 according to the invention is configured to reversibly hold the primary connector 91 of the electrical connection device 41. Indeed, conventionally, the primary connector 91 is arranged at a first location E1 in a first position, illustrated in FIG. 9, adapted to allow the connection of the light module 4 to the electrical power source when the light module 4 is installed in the vehicle 1, in particular in the operating situation of the headlight 2. The light module 4 illustrated represents a particular example of embodiment in which the primary connector 91 arranged in the first position is fixed at a first location E1 located in a lower zone of the light module 4 in order to allow an electrical connection from the front of said module.In particular, the primary connector 91 can be mounted on a part of the plate 3 and / or of the external structure of the light module 4, for example on the at least one heat sink 43.

[0044] Accessibility to the primary connector 91 is limited when it is arranged in the first position. In particular, such a position is unsuitable for carrying out functional and / or photometric tests usually implemented during the assembly phase of the light module 4, particularly at the end of the assembly line, for example by means of a control machine 8, as shown schematically in FIG. 3. Such a disadvantage is particularly observed when these tests are carried out in an automated manner.

[0045] The holding tab 5 advantageously makes it possible to reversibly arrange the primary connector 91 of the electrical connection device 41 in a second position, distinct from the first position, in particular during the assembly phase of the light module 4. The term "reversible" means that the second position is temporary and that the electrical connection device 41, particularly the primary connector 91, can be moved from and to the second position as required without risk of damaging the light module 4, in particular the holding tab 5, the support 42 or the primary connector 91 when the latter is moved. The primary connector 91 is thus movable, that is to say that it is able to be moved and arranged in one of the first or second positions.

[0046] The holding tab 5 comprises a base 51, at which it is connected to the support 42, and a connecting segment 52 configured to cooperate with the electrical connection device 41, in particular the primary connector 91. Here, the term "segment" means a part of a whole. Preferably, the holding tab 5, in particular the connecting segment 52, comprises a rectilinear or substantially rectilinear portion. Optionally, the holding tab 5 comprises at least one reinforcing member 53, for example arranged at the base 51.

[0047] In order to allow the primary connector 91 to be mounted in the second position, the latter comprises, as visible in FIGS. 2, 3 or 8, a connecting member 7 configured to cooperate with the holding tab 5. For example, the connecting member 7 is included or arranged in a body 73 of the primary connector 91. Preferably, the connecting member 7 and the body 73 are made in one piece. By way of non-limiting example, the body 73 and / or the connecting member comprises a plastic material, in particular a filled plastic material, such as polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, or PBT.

[0048] For example, the electrical connection device 41 comprises at least one cable 93 directly or indirectly connected to the light module 4 on the one hand and to the body 73 on the other hand, in particular at a connecting end of the body 73. Conversely, the connection to the power source or to the control machine 8 is made at a free end, separate from or opposite the connecting end. In this sense, in order to optimize accessibility to the primary connector 91 when the latter is arranged in the second position, the connecting member 7 is optionally arranged so as to have greater proximity to the connecting end than to the free end.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting member 7 comprises a groove or a gutter 71 configured to receive the holding tab 5, in particular at least the connecting segment 52. The groove or the gutter 71 makes it possible in particular to maintain and guide the movement of the holding tab 5 relative to the electrical connection device 41, particularly relative to the primary connector 91. The primary connector 91 is thus preferentially configured to be arranged or removed from the holding tab 5 according to a translational movement along a handling direction 100, illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8. Preferably, the groove or gutter 71 extends over a portion of the body 73, in particular over a portion of a dimension of the body 71 extending from the connecting end to the opposite free end of the body 71.

[0050] By way of non-limiting example, the connecting member 7 comprises two guide means 72 extending projecting from an outer surface 70 of the body 73 of the connector and bordering, or delimiting, the gutter 71 or the groove. Such guide means 72 thus form ribs relative to the outer surface 70. Alternatively, the groove or the gutter 71 can be formed by a groove defined in the body 73, either by molding or by removal of material, for example having a “T” profile.

[0051] Optionally, the holding tab 5 and / or the connecting member 7 may comprise at least one stop element 75 configured to limit the movement of the primary connector 91 relative to the holding tab 5 along at least one direction of a direction considered when they cooperate. For example, the guide means 72 may also act as stop elements 75 along one or more directions of a direction transverse, or even orthogonal, to the handling direction 100.

[0052] According to another example, additional or alternative, the base 51 can form a stop element 75. The base 51 then has at least one dimension, such as a thickness or a width, strictly greater than a dimension of the connecting segment 52, so as to form a stop for the primary connector 91 along a direction of the handling direction 100. In this case, the base 51 has a width strictly greater than a width of the connecting segment 52, such dimensions being defined here along the longitudinal direction X. Such a principle advantageously makes it possible, as illustrated in FIG. 8, to arrange the connector at a non-zero distance from the support 42 in particular in order to facilitate handling thereof.

[0053] Optionally again, in order to simplify the handling of the primary connector 91 from and to the second position and to allow its insertion and removal with minimal effort, the primary connector 91 is configured to be mounted in the second position by sliding in a translational movement along the handling direction 100. Also the holding tab 5 is configured so as to be devoid of a stop along at least one direction of the handling direction 100 so that the resistance likely to be observed for the insertion or removal of the connector is negligible. For example, for this purpose, the connecting segment 52, in particular a free end of the connecting segment 52 opposite the base 51, is flat or substantially flat.

[0054] Conversely, optionally but preferably, the primary connector 91 of the electrical connection device 41 is configured to be mounted in the first position by clipping so as to ensure a connection between the electrical connection device 41 and the power source sufficient to prevent their unexpected disconnection. Also, the primary connector 91 and / or the electrical connection device 41 may, in a known manner, comprise a fixing member 76, such as a clip, configured to cooperate with a complementary member arranged at the first location E1, for example in the light module 4 and / or in the plate 3. In particular, the body 73 of the connector is adapted so that the fixing member 76 extends at a non-zero distance from the connecting member 7 allowing it to be held in the second position.For example, the connecting member 7 and the fixing member 76 are arranged on distinct faces of the body 73 of the primary connector 91 and / or have distinct proximities relative to the free end of the body 73.

[0055] The retaining tab 5 comprises a metallic material and / or a plastic material, in particular filled with glass fibers, such as polycarbonate, also referred to as PC, or polybutylene terephthalate also known as PBT. The retaining tab 5 thus has a stiffness suitable for stable retention of the primary connector 91 relative to the light module 4. The retaining tab 5 is connected to the support 42. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment, the retaining tab 5 and the support 42 are integral. In other words, they form a single-piece assembly and cannot be separated from one another without resulting in their degradation or even destruction. According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the retaining tab 5 can be attached and fixed to the support 42, for example by welding or by means of a fixing means such as a screw.

[0056] As explained above, the support 42 is selected from at least one reflector 44 or at least one heat sink 43. Preferably, the holding tab 5 is arranged on a lateral part of the light module 4. In this case, the holding tab 5 is arranged on one of the lateral walls 43a of the at least one heat sink 43.

[0057] In particular, the position of the holding tab 5 is adapted so as to be arranged at a second location E2 located at a distance from the first location E1. In particular, the second location E2 of the holding tab 5 is advantageously adapted so that the holding tab 5 does not generate additional bulk relative to the first location E1, to the light module 4 and / or relative to mechanical elements involved in the assembly of the light module 4, such as support elements holding the light module 4 in position on the assembly line. According to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the first location E1 is located on a lower part of the module and the light module 4 is likely to be supported from below by mechanical elements such as feet 9 during its assembly, also the second location E2 is arranged laterally within the light module 4, at a distance from the first location E1.

[0058] In this sense also, the dimensions, orientation and / or inclination of the holding tab 5 can be optimized. Optionally, the holding tab 5 is oriented so as to allow access, in particular a connection, to the primary connector 91 by a control machine 8 along a first direction, when the primary connector is arranged in the second position, the first direction being distinct from a second direction, corresponding to a direction of access to the electrical connection device 41, more particularly to the primary connector 91 when the latter is arranged in the first position. For example, in this case, access to the primary connector 91 arranged in the first position is achieved along the longitudinal direction X, in particular from the front.Access to the primary connector 91 arranged in the second position is made along a distinct direction, for example vertical or inclined relative to the vertical direction Z. In this case, such access is made via the top of the light module 4. The base 51 of the holding tab 5 has a lower position than the connecting segment 52 along the longitudinal direction X and the connector is configured to be mounted thereon so that the free end of the body 73 has a higher position than the connecting end.

[0059] Optionally, the holding tab 5 may be inclined relative to the support 42. By "inclined" relative to the support 42 is meant that all or part of the holding tab 5, for example at least the connecting segment 52, is inclined relative to an outer face 40 of the support 42, facing the outside of the light module 4, carrying said tab. Alternatively or additionally, the inclination of the holding tab 5 may be evaluated relative to the vertical direction Y and / or to the longitudinal direction X. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the holding tab 5 has an inclination of between 0 and 60°, or even between 5 and 50° or even 10 and 45°, relative to the outer face 40 of the support 42, to the longitudinal direction X and / or to the vertical direction Z.As indicated previously, such an inclination makes it possible to prevent interference of the support 42 with the electrical connection device 41, in particular with the primary connector 91, or any machine likely to interact with it, in particular during the assembly phase, and makes it possible to limit, or even prevent, the generation of space taken up by the holding tab 5. The dimensions of the light module 4 are thus not affected and it is not necessary to adapt them to allow the positioning of said module on the plate 3 of the projector 2. The holding tab 5 can thus be obtained by limiting the architectural modifications required to accommodate its presence within the light module 4 and the projector 2 aimed at preventing interference between parts.

[0060] In particular, the holding tab 5 is positioned, sized and / or oriented so as to extend into a volume delimited by extreme points of the external structure delimiting the light module 4 so as not to generate additional bulk relative to said structure. In the example illustrated, in a non-limiting manner, such an external structure comprises the support 42. In other words, on the scale of the light module 4, the extreme points delimiting said module along the longitudinal X, vertical Z and transverse Y directions are not included in the holding tab 5 but are included in one or more separate element(s) forming the external structure.

[0061] Optionally, the second location E2 is defined so that the holding tab 5 extends at a non-zero distance from the plate 3 when the light module 4 is mounted thereon and the projector 2 is assembled.

[0062] Thus, the holding tab 5 makes it possible to temporarily position the primary connector 91 of the electrical connection device 41 on the light module 4 in particular in order to allow the connection and disconnection of the control machine 8 on the electrical connection device 41, and this in a precise and stable manner.

[0063] According to particular, optional exemplary embodiments, the light module 4 may comprise a plurality of sub-modules 4a, 4b and 4c. Each sub-module 4a-4c comprises at least one light source configured to produce a light sub-beam. The sub-beams specific to the different sub-modules are configured to be superimposed, juxtaposed and / or selectively activatable.

[0064] The electrical connection device 41 is then adapted and may comprise, in addition to the primary connector 91, at least one secondary connector 92 configured to be connected to the at least one printed circuit board of one of the sub-modules 4a-4c. The primary connector 91 is connected to the at least one secondary connector 92 via at least one cable 93, or by a cable harness 74, and is configured to be arranged in the first position or in the second position as previously explained, respectively at the first location E1 so as to be connected to the power source or at the second location E2 so as to cooperate with the holding tab 5.Also, it is understood that the preceding description applies mutatis mutandis to such an electrical connection device 41, the only difference considered being that the primary connector 91 is moved as described above while the at least one secondary connector 92 maintains a fixed position at the level of the at least one printed circuit board.

[0065] For example, each sub-module 4a-4c may comprise a printed circuit board of its own, carrying at least one light source of the sub-module in question. The electrical connection device 41 may then comprise a plurality of secondary connectors 92 each connected to the primary connector 91 by at least one cable 93. In the examples illustrated, the light module 4 comprises three sub-modules 4a-4c and three secondary connectors 92, each supplying power to one of the sub-modules. It is understood that such a number is in no way limiting.

[0066] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a light module 4 according to the invention. It is understood that said method can optionally be adapted mutatis mutandis according to the characteristics of the light module 4 considered set out above. The method comprises, in a first step, the temporary, reversible positioning of the primary connector 91 of the electrical connection device 41 in the second position by cooperation between the holding tab 5 and the connecting member 7. In particular, as indicated above, such cooperation is carried out by insertion of the primary connector 91 according to a translational movement along the handling direction 100, towards the support 42. For example, the insertion of the primary connector 91 is carried out by simple sliding. In particular, the holding tab 5 is inserted into the groove or gutter 71 of the connecting member 7.According to a particular embodiment, the primary connector 91 is moved until it is in contact with at least one of the stop elements 75, such as the base 51 of the connector.

[0067] The method then comprises a test phase(s), comprising at least one functional and / or photometric test(s), of the operation of the light module 4. This is carried out by connecting at least the control machine 8 to the electrical connection device 41, particularly to the primary connector 91 arranged in the second position.

[0068] Optionally, access to the primary connector 91 arranged in the second position is along a direction inclined relative to the support 42, to the longitudinal direction X and / or to the vertical direction Z.

[0069] Then, the method comprises moving the primary connector 91 of the electrical connection device 41 from the second position to the first position. The primary connector 91 is thus moved from the holding tab 5, or second location E2, to the first location E1. The removal of the primary connector 91 from the holding tab 5 is carried out according to a principle opposite to that explained above with reference to its insertion. According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the primary connector 91 is held on the first location E1 by clipping. The light module 4 is finally arranged on the plate 3 of the projector 2. The various electrical and mechanical connections are then carried out in a conventional manner.

[0070] Note that the step of moving the primary connector 91 from the second position to the first position can be carried out partially or completely before or after the positioning of the light module 4 on the plate 3. Also, such a step can be carried out manually, by an operator or technician, or automatically.

[0071] The direction of extension of the holding tab 5, as explained above, is preferably adapted to optimize the mounting method. In particular, the holding tab 5 is arranged at a distance from the first location E1, configured to receive the primary connector 91 when the latter is arranged in the first position, so as to facilitate the handling of the primary connector 91. For example, the holding tab 5 is advantageously arranged on a wall or a part of the light module 4 distinct from a wall or a part comprising the first location E1.

[0072] Optionally again, as illustrated in Figure 3, the holding tab 5 can be configured so as not to generate additional bulk within the light module 4 and relative to the mechanical elements then involved in the assembly line, such as the support elements, or feet 9 shown in dotted lines, holding the light module 4 in position or the control machine 8. For example, the holding tab 5 is arranged on a wall or part of the module distinct from a wall or part by which the light module 4 is held, for example by the feet 9, during the assembly phase. Thus, when the light module 4 is supported from below, by contact with a lower part of the light module 4, the tab is arranged on a separate part, for example a lateral part.

[0073] Optionally, the holding tab 5 is oriented so as to allow access, in particular a connection, to the control machine 8 along a first direction distinct from a second direction, corresponding to a direction of access to the primary connector 91 when the latter is arranged in the first position. For example, in this case, the connection to the power source implemented when the primary connector 91 is in the first position is made along the longitudinal direction X, in particular from the front, while the access, or the connection, to the primary connector 91 arranged in the second position is made along a distinct direction, for example vertical or inclined relative to the vertical direction Z, for example from the top of the light module 4.

[0074] Alternatively, such a principle may be applied so that access to the primary connector 91 made in the first position and in the second position is effected by opposite directions of the same direction. For example, for an electrical connection made from the rear when the connector is in the first position, access to the primary connector 91 arranged in the second position may be made from the front of the module, or vice versa. The holding tab 5 may then extend forward, for example along the longitudinal direction or so as to be partly inclined relative to the support 42 and to the longitudinal direction X. For example, the holding tab 5, and by extension access thereto, may have an inclination of between 0 and 60°, or even between 5 and 50° or even 10 and 45°, relative to the outer face 40 of the support 42, the longitudinal direction X and / or the vertical direction Z.

[0075] It is understood that the present method applies mutatis mutandis to an electrical connection device 41 comprising at least one secondary connector 92 as described above.

[0076] Thus, the present invention provides a light module comprising a holding tab allowing the electrical connection device to be temporarily and reversibly placed in a position suitable for mounting the light module and carrying out tests. The holding tab is advantageously obtained simply, at low cost and without affecting the architecture of the light module or a light device comprising it.

[0077] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means or configuration and to any technically operative combination of such means insofar as they ultimately fulfill the functionalities described and illustrated in the present document.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Light module (4) for a vehicle light device (1) comprising: - at least one printed circuit board and at least one light source arranged on said board; - at least one electrical connection device (41) configured to be connected to the at least one printed circuit board and comprising a primary connector (91) configured to be movable and arranged in a first operating position, so as to be connected to a power source; - a support (42); characterized in that it further comprises: - a holding tab (5) connected to the support (42) and configured to reversibly hold the primary connector (91) in a second position, distinct from the first position, in particular during an assembly phase of the light module (4), the primary connector (91) comprising a connecting member (7) configured to cooperate with the holding tab (5).

2. Light module (4) according to the preceding claim, in which the holding tab (5) is oriented so as to allow access, in particular a connection, to the primary connector (91) by a control machine (8) along a first direction when the primary connector is arranged in the second position, said first direction being distinct from a second direction, corresponding to a direction of access to the primary connector (91), when the latter is arranged in the first position.

3. Light module (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting member (7) comprises a groove or a gutter (71).

4. Light module (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - the retaining tab (5) and the support (42) are made of one material; and / or - the light module (4) comprises at least one reflector (44) and / or one heat sink (43), the support (42) being selected from said reflector (44) or said heat sink (43).

5. Light module (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the holding tab (5) is inclined relative to the support (42).

6. Light module (4) according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - the primary connector (91) is configured to be mounted in the first position by clipping; and / or - the primary connector (91) is configured to be mounted in the second position by sliding in a translational movement.

7. Light module (4) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an external structure delimiting the light module (4), the holding tab (5) being arranged and dimensioned so as to extend in a volume delimited by extreme points of the external structure so as not to generate additional bulk relative to said structure.

8. Light module (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection device (41) comprises the primary connector (91), configured to be arranged in the first position or in the second position, and at least one secondary connector (92) configured to be connected to the at least one printed circuit board and connected to the primary connector (91) via at least one cable (93).

9. Lighting device for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a light module (4) according to one of the preceding claims and a plate (3) configured to carry at least said light module (4) and to cooperate with the primary connector (91) when the latter is arranged in the first position.

10. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a light device according to the preceding claim and / or a light module (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Method for assembling a light module (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8 comprising: - the temporary positioning of the primary connector (91) of the electrical connection device (41) in the second position by cooperation between the holding tab (5) and the connecting member (7); - a phase of functional and / or photometric testing of the operation of the light module (4) by connecting a control machine (8) to the primary connector (91) arranged in the second position; - moving the primary connector (91) from the second position to the first position.

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