Light module for motor vehicles including articulated connecting elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (1) comprising a projection optical element (20) for projecting a light beam (F1) and two connecting elements (41, 42) configured and articulated to allow the light beam (F1) to be moved along a first direction (Y) and along a second direction (Z) orthogonal to the first direction (Y), the projection optical element (20) remaining fixed. The invention also relates to a light device comprising a mounting element (50) and at least two light modules (1a, 1b) according to the invention attached to the mounting element (50). (See Figure 8 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Light module for a motor vehicle comprising articulated connection elements

[0001] The present invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle. It relates in particular to a light module for forming a light beam and for moving this light beam in a first direction, and in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction. The present invention also relates to a light device for a motor vehicle comprising a mounting element and at least two light modules according to the invention attached to the mounting element. The mounting element makes it possible to transmit a first and a second movement to the light modules so that the light beam produced by each light module is moved in the first direction and in the second direction.

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, a vehicle light module well known to those skilled in the art comprises: - a light unit comprising at least one light source configured to emit light rays, and at least one collector associated with said at least one light source, - an optical projection element, the collector being configured to collect and direct said light rays emitted by said at least one light source towards the optical projection element, said optical projection element being configured to project said light rays towards the outside of said vehicle to form a light beam.

[0003] The light module is intended to be integrated into a light device such as a motor vehicle headlight. The light device generally comprises one or more masks which are positioned close to the light module, in particular for example around the optical projection element. These masks are styling pieces which make it possible to hide certain parts of the light module, such as for example the collector, from an external observer.

[0004] In order to be able to adapt the light beam formed by the light module to the motor vehicle on which the light device comprising the light module is mounted, and to the traffic conditions, it is possible to move the light module so as to allow horizontal and / or vertical movement of the light beam. The vertical movement of the light beam is particularly useful for taking into account defects in the vehicle bodywork which are linked to manufacturing tolerances, or for taking into account the vehicle's attitude which varies from one category of vehicle to another and which varies according to the vehicle load. The light beam can, for example, be folded down to avoid dazzling an occupant of an oncoming vehicle. The horizontal movement of the light beam is useful for adjusting the position of the light beam formed by the light module in relation to the median longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for example to compensate for body defects. The horizontal movement of the light beam is also useful when two light modules are arranged in the lighting system. Indeed, it is then necessary to adjust the two light modules together, to ensure good alignment of the light beam formed by each of the light modules in relation to each other and in relation to the median longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0005] When the light module is moved to adjust the light beam, all of the parts that compose it are set in motion, namely in particular said at least one light source, said at least one collector and said at least one optical projection element.

[0006] The mask(s) arranged near the light module are, on the contrary, immobile when the light module is moved. It is therefore necessary to provide a sufficiently large clearance between the mask(s) and the light module so that the light module does not come up against the mask(s) when it is moved.

[0007] In this context, the present invention aims to propose a light module for a motor vehicle which proposes to solve the mentioned drawback. In particular, the invention proposes a light module for a motor vehicle which makes it possible to move the light beam which it forms, while minimizing the necessary clearances between the light module and the masks arranged near the light module, and in particular near the optical projection element.

[0008] To this end, the invention proposes a light module for a motor vehicle, said light module comprising: *a light unit including: - at least one light source configured to emit light rays, - at least one collector associated with said at least one light source, *an optical projection element having an optical axis, said collector being configured to collect and direct said light rays emitted by said at least one light source towards the optical projection element, said optical projection element being configured to project said light rays towards the outside of said vehicle to form a light beam, * a support on which the optical projection element is fixedly mounted; *two connecting elements each connected on the one hand with the light unit and on the other hand with the support, each connecting element being configured and articulated so as to allow a first movement of the light unit relative to the optical projection element, said first displacement making it possible to move the light beam in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical projection element and so as to allow a second displacement of the light unit in relation to the optical projection element, said second displacement making it possible to move the light beam in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical projection element, and orthogonal to the first orthogonal direction.

[0009] Thus, by moving the light unit relative to the optical projection element, the light beam can be moved. Once the light module is mounted on a vehicle, it is therefore possible to adjust the position of the light beam so that it is adapted to the vehicle.

[0010] Furthermore, the optical projection element being fixedly mounted on the module support and the light unit and the connection elements being movable relative to the optical projection element, this means that the light unit and the connection elements are arranged to be movable relative to said support. The movement of the light unit without the movement of the optical projection element is made possible by the articulation of the connection elements. This articulation of the connection elements makes it possible to move only the light unit relative to the support, while the optical projection element remains fixed on the support, or in other words, it remains immobile relative to the support during the first and second movements.

[0011] Thus, by moving the light unit, the light beam can be moved without the optical projection element being moved. The light module therefore makes it possible to move the light beam that it forms, without moving the optical projection element. Consequently, it is possible to place a mask in the immediate vicinity of the optical projection element. Indeed, as the optical projection element is stationary during the adjustment of the light beam, the optical projection element will not come into contact with the mask during this adjustment.

[0012] The first direction orthogonal to the optical axis may for example be a vertical direction or transverse direction, defined when the light module is mounted on the motor vehicle.

[0013] The second direction orthogonal to the optical axis may for example be a vertical direction, in the case where the first direction is a transverse direction or be a transverse direction, in the case where the first direction is a vertical direction, the transverse and vertical directions being defined when the light module is mounted on the motor vehicle.

[0014] According to a characteristic of the invention, the connection elements are arranged on either side of the optical projection element and / or on either side of said at least one collector.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, each connection element comprises a central portion, a front portion and a rear portion, the central portion and the rear portion being articulated by a rear pivot connection with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first orthogonal direction, and the central portion and the front portion being articulated by a front pivot connection with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first orthogonal direction.

[0016] The front pivot links connecting the front and central portions of each connection element and the rear pivot links connecting the rear and central portions of each connection element allow the connection elements to be articulated.

[0017] According to a characteristic of the invention, the optical projection element is arranged in front of the front pivot links and the light unit is attached to the rear portions.

[0018] According to a characteristic of the invention, the front portion of each connection element is mounted to move relative to the support.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the invention, the front and rear pivot links define the vertices of a parallelogram, in projection in a plane defined by the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction.

[0020] According to an alternative, the pivot connections are flexible connections with semi-circular necks. The front, central and rear portions of each connection element can then be made in one piece. Thus, the production of the connection elements in a single piece makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the light module and to reduce its overall size.

[0021] According to another alternative, the front, central and rear portions are formed by three separate parts. According to one example, the central portion may comprise at least one front cylindrical pin and one rear cylindrical pin with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first orthogonal direction, and the front portion may comprise a hole in which the front cylindrical pin is engaged so as to form the front pivot connection, and the rear portion may comprise a hole in which the rear cylindrical pin is engaged so as to form the rear pivot connection. In particular, the rear portion of each connection element may be formed by a part of the light unit, such as for example the collector. Producing the connection elements in three separate parts makes it easier to manufacture the connection elements.

[0022] According to a characteristic of the invention, the front portion of each connection element is connected to the support by an additional articulation allowing the rotation of the light unit and the connection elements around an intrinsic axis of rotation located in front of the front pivot links and oriented in the first orthogonal direction.

[0023] It will be understood that the intrinsic axis of rotation of the light unit and the connection elements is specific to the light module. In the description, it will also be possible refer to this intrinsic rotation axis as "intrinsic rotation axis of the light unit".

[0024] For example, each front portion is articulated to the support by a pivot connection with an axis parallel to the first orthogonal direction.

[0025] Thus, the light module comprises the front and rear pivot links to allow the first movement of the light unit, and the pivot link formed by the front portions to allow the second movement of the light unit, which makes it possible to adjust the first movement and the second movement independently. The use of these pivot links thus makes it possible to obtain a less bulky light module than a module using ball joints.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light module comprises a transverse bar extending between the front portions of each connection element. This transverse bar makes it possible to stiffen the connection elements.

[0027] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light module comprises a transverse bar extending between the front portions of each connection element. This transverse bar makes it possible to stiffen the connection elements.

[0028] According to a characteristic of the invention, the optical projection element comprises a median transverse axis arranged at a distance of less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, and even more preferably less than 5 mm from the intrinsic rotation axis. Alternatively, the median transverse axis coincides with the intrinsic rotation axis. Thus, during the second movement of the light unit, the distance between said at least one light source and the median transverse axis of the optical projection element changes little, or even remains constant, which limits the deformation of the light beam formed.

[0029] According to a characteristic of the invention, each collector comprises a reflective surface. If necessary, the optical projection element can be configured to create the image of the reflective surface of each collector.

[0030] For example, the projection optical element comprises one or more object foci, the rear edge of each collector of the light unit being arranged close to the object focus or one of the object foci of the projection optical element.

[0031] According to a characteristic of the invention, the optical projection element is a projection lens. The optical projection element then comprises a single object focus, which can take the form of an object focus line. In this case, the optical axis of the optical projection element corresponds to the optical axis of the projection lens. Alternatively, the optical projection element is formed by a juxtaposition of projection lenses. Each projection lens forming the optical projection element then comprises an object focus. In this case, the optical axis of the optical projection element can then be considered as a mean optical axis. of the optical projection element.

[0032] Alternatively, the projection optical element may be formed by one or more mirrors or any other combination of lens(es) and mirror(s).

[0033] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light unit comprises at least two light sources, at least two collectors, at least one light source being associated with each collector, and at least one additional connection element arranged between the two collectors and between said two connection elements, called lateral connection elements, in the first orthogonal direction, the additional connection element extending longitudinally between the light unit and the optical projection element, and being configured and articulated so as to allow the first movement of the light unit relative to the optical projection element or the first and second movement of the light unit relative to the optical projection element.

[0034] According to a feature of the invention, the light unit comprises a slot intended to receive a locking screw for attaching the light module to a mounting element, the slot being configured to allow movement of the light unit relative to the mounting element when the locking screw is loosened, and to prevent movement of the light unit relative to the mounting element when the locking screw is tightened.

[0035] The mounting element may for example be formed by the support. In this case, this makes it possible, for example, to adjust the position of the light unit relative to the optical projection element of the light module in the factory. Indeed, the position of the light unit relative to the optical projection element can be adjusted when the locking screw is loosened. Once the position of the light unit is correctly positioned relative to the optical projection element, the locking screw is tightened. Thus, the light module is already ready to be mounted in a motor vehicle, for example by being arranged in a lighting device such as a headlight.

[0036] The mounting element may also be formed by a part independent of the support. This mounting element may sometimes be called a "support plate". In this case, the slot may allow micro-adjustment of the light module relative to the mounting element to which it is attached. This is particularly advantageous when several light modules are attached to the same mounting element.

[0037] There is further provided a motor vehicle lighting device comprising a first lighting module and a second lighting module, each according to the invention, and a mounting element to which each of the first and second lighting modules are attached at an attachment point.

[0038] In particular, the first light module and the second light module may be attached to the mounting element by their light unit.

[0039] According to a feature of the invention, the first light module is fixedly attached to the mounting element and the second light module comprises a slot for receiving a locking screw for attaching the second light module to the mounting element, the slot being configured to allow movement of the light unit relative to the mounting element when the locking screw is loosened, and to prevent movement of the light unit relative to the mounting element when the locking screw is tightened, so that the light unit of the second light module is adjustable relative to the mounting element.

[0040] The first light module can then also be called a reference module, since it remains stationary relative to the mounting element, while the second light module can be called an adjustable module because it is possible to adapt the position of its light unit relative to the mounting element.

[0041] It will be noted that the light device may comprise more than two light modules. For example, the light module may comprise a reference light module and a plurality of adjustable modules.

[0042] According to a characteristic of the invention, the mounting element comprises a hanging wall on which the light units of the first and second light modules are hung at their hanging point, and at least two arms extending from the hanging wall towards the optical projection elements of the first and second light modules, and configured and articulated to be able to transmit a first movement to the first and second light modules so as to allow the first movement of the light unit of each of the first and second light modules, and to be able to transmit a second movement to the first and second light modules so as to allow the second movement of the light unit of each of the first and second light modules.

[0043] Thus, the first and second movements of the mounting element are transmitted simultaneously to the first and second light modules, which makes it possible to activate the first movement and the second movement of the first and second light modules simultaneously. Thus, the light beam produced by each of the light modules are themselves moved simultaneously.

[0044] According to a characteristic of the invention, the arms of the mounting element each comprise a central part, a front part and a rear part, the central part and the rear part being articulated by a rear pivot connection with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first orthogonal direction, and the central part and the front part being articulated by a front pivot connection with an axis orthogonal to the axis optical and to the first orthogonal direction.

[0045] The front pivot links connecting the front and central portions of each arm of the mounting element and the rear pivot links connecting the rear and central portions of each arm of the mounting element allow the arms to be articulated.

[0046] According to a characteristic of the invention, the anterior and posterior pivot links define the vertices of a parallelogram, in projection in a plane defined by the optical axis and the first orthogonal direction.

[0047] According to a characteristic of the invention, the central portions of the connection elements of the first and second light modules have an identical length. The first movement of the light unit is thus facilitated.

[0048] According to a characteristic of the invention, the central parts of the arms of the mounting element and the central portions of the connection elements of the first and second light modules have an identical length. The transmission of the movement of the mounting element to the light unit of the first and second light modules is thus facilitated.

[0049] According to a characteristic of the invention, the front part of each arm is connected to the support of one of the first and second light modules by an additional articulation allowing the rotation of the mounting element around a main axis of rotation located in front of the front pivot connections.

[0050] For example, each front portion is hinged to the support by a pivot connection. The axis of the pivot connection is defined by the straight line joining the pivot connection of the front portions of the arms of the mounting element.

[0051] According to a characteristic of the invention, for the first and for the second light module, the distance between the attachment point and the intrinsic rotation axis of the light unit is identical to the distance between the attachment point and the main rotation axis of the mounting element. Throughout the description, a distance between a point and a straight line is determined by the length of the segment which joins the point perpendicularly to the straight line.

[0052] According to a characteristic of the invention, the distance between the attachment point of the first light module and the intrinsic rotation axis of the light unit of the first light module, and the distance between the attachment point of the second light module and the intrinsic rotation axis of the light unit of the second light module are identical.

[0053] According to a characteristic of the invention, the distance between the attachment point of the first module and the main axis of rotation of the mounting element is identical to the distance between the attachment point of the second module and the main axis of rotation of the mounting element.

[0054] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first movement of the element of mounting is intended to be activated by a first actuator, the mounting element being configured to be connected to the first actuator by an annular linear connection with an axis perpendicular to the first orthogonal direction and to the optical axis or with an axis parallel to the first orthogonal direction. Alternatively, the mounting element could be configured to be connected to the first actuator by a ball joint.

[0055] According to a characteristic of the invention, the second movement of the mounting element is intended to be activated by a second actuator, the mounting element being configured to be connected to the second actuator by an annular linear connection with an axis parallel to the first orthogonal direction.

[0056] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light device comprises a housing having a recess in which the first and second light modules are arranged.

[0057] According to a characteristic of the invention, the support of the first and second light modules are formed by a portion of the housing or a part integral with the housing.

[0058] According to a non-limiting characteristic, the housing comprises an opening arranged in front of the recess, and the light device comprises a closing glass closing the opening of the housing.

[0059] Alternatively, the housing comprises an opening arranged in front of the recess, the optical projection element of the first and second light modules closing the opening of the housing.

[0060] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

[0061] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a light module according to a mode embodiment of the invention, comprising a light unit, an optical projection element fixedly mounted on a support and elements for connecting the light unit to the support,

[0062] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a zoomed top view of a locking screw inserted into a slot in the light module of [Fig.l], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0063] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective kinematic diagram of the light module of [Fig.l], showing the light module in a nominal position,

[0064] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a top and side view of the light module of [Fig.l], when in a nominal position, as illustrated in [Fig.3],

[0065] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a top and side view of the light module of [Fig.l] during a first movement and a second movement of the light unit relative to the optical projection element,

[0066] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a top view of an alternative embodiment of the module of [Fig.l], in which the light module comprises an element of additional connection,

[0067] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of light rays generated by a light source of the light unit and directed by a collector of the light unit towards the projection optical element,

[0068] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a top and side view of a light device according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a mounting element and three light modules according to the invention, including a reference module and two adjustable modules, the referenced module being attached to the mounting element, and in an initial position, and the two adjustable modules being pre-positioned on the mounting element,

[0069] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a top and side view of the light device of [Fig.8], the two adjustable light modules being preset vertically and horizontally relative to the reference light module,

[0070] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a top and side view of the light device of [Fig.8], during a first movement of the mounting element,

[0071] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a top and side view of the light device of [Fig.8], during a second movement of the mounting element subsequent to the first movement of the mounting element illustrated in [Fig.10],

[0072] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a schematic top view of the lighting device of [Fig.8] comprising a housing with an opening, a closing glass closing the opening and the three lighting modules being arranged in the housing,

[0073] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a schematic top view of the lighting device of [Fig.8] comprising a housing with an opening, the three light modules being arranged in the housing, and the optical projection element of the light modules closing the opening of the housing.

[0074] Identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0075] [Fig.l] illustrates a light module 1 for a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. The light module 1 is intended to be mounted in a motor vehicle light device, such as a motor vehicle front headlight. The light device is itself intended to be mounted on a motor vehicle.

[0076] In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal direction X will be understood as being the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in which the light module is intended to be mounted, by means of the light device, the transverse direction Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X will be understood as being the transverse direction of said vehicle, and the vertical direction Z will be understood as being the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0077] The light module 1 comprises a light unit 10, an optical element of projection 20, a support 3 on which the projection optical element 20 is mounted and two connection elements 41, 42 of the light unit 10 to the support 3. In [Fig.l], the projection optical element 20 is shown in front of the support 3 for reasons of clarity, it being understood that the projection optics 20 is normally positioned on the support 3.

[0078] The light unit 10 comprises light sources 11 and collectors 12. The light sources 11 are all associated with one of the collectors 12. In the example illustrated, a collector 12 is associated with each light source 11, it being understood that it is also possible for several light sources 11 to be associated with the same collector 12, without departing from the scope of the invention. The light sources 11 are selectively activatable.

[0079] The light unit 10 also comprises a heat sink 13, making it possible to dissipate the heat produced by the light sources 11. The heat sink 13 comprises a plate 13b extending horizontally, that is to say in a plane comprising the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions and a plurality of fins 13a extending at the rear of the collectors 12. They could also extend below the collectors, or even both at the rear and below the collectors 11. The light sources 11 are arranged on the plate 13b. They can be arranged directly or indirectly. In the case where the light sources 11 are arranged indirectly, the light unit 10 may comprise a printed circuit arranged on the plate 13b and on which the light sources 11 are arranged. The collectors 12 are attached to the heat sink 13, in particular to the plate 13b of the heat sink 13.If desired, the printed circuit board may be sandwiched between the plate 13b and the headers 12.

[0080] Each light source 11 is configured to emit light rays towards the collector 12 with which it is associated. The collector 12 collects and directs the light rays towards the optical projection element 20. In particular, each collector 12 comprises a reflective surface 12a (visible in [Fig.7]). The reflective surface 12a of each collector 12 reflects the light rays emitted by the light source(s) 11 with which it is associated towards the optical projection element 20.

[0081] The optical projection element 20 has an optical axis O. In the example illustrated, the optical axis O of the optical projection element 20 is parallel to the longitudinal direction X. The optical projection element 20 is here a projection lens. As will be seen subsequently, in particular with reference to [Fig. 6], the optical projection element 20 may also be formed by a plurality of juxtaposed projection lenses. Alternatively, the optical projection element could be formed by one or more mirrors or any other combination of lens(es) and mirror(s).

[0082] The optical projection element 20 receives the light rays reflected by the collectors 12 and projects these reflected rays towards the outside of the light module 1, and towards the outside of the motor vehicle on which the light module 1 is intended to be mounted, to form a light beam F1.

[0083] The path of the light rays emitted by the light sources 11, reflected by the collectors 12 and projected by the optical projection element 20 is illustrated in [Fig. 7]. Each collector 12 has an elliptical or parabolic or free-form shape. The light source(s) 11 associated with the collector 12 are arranged at the first focus of the collector 12, or close to this first focus, for example at a distance of less than 10 mm. The light rays RI emitted by the light source(s) 11 are then collected and reflected by the reflective surface 12a of the collector 12 towards the optical projection element 20. For each collector 12, the optical projection element 20 then projects the collected and reflected rays onto the road and thus forms a light sub-beam. All of the light sub-beams are superimposed to form a light beam FL

[0084] The optical projection element 20 comprises an object focus 20.3 arranged in the vicinity of a rear edge of at least one of the collectors 12 of the light unit 10. Alternatively, the optical projection element 20 may have a focus line passing in the vicinity of a rear edge of each of the collectors 12. By "in the vicinity" is meant at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm. The optical projection element 20 thus forms an image of the reflective surface 12a of at least one, or even of each collector 12. The light sub-beams formed correspond to this image of the reflective surface 12a.

[0085] In particular, the rear edge of at least one collector 12 may comprise a specific cutout, the optical projection element 20 thus projects this cutout into the light sub-beam resulting from the reflection of light rays on this collector 12. For example, the light sub-beam may thus have an upper horizontal cutout formed by the projection of the cutout by the optical projection element 20.

[0086] The light beam F1 may for example be all or part of a dipped beam. The light beam F1 may also be all or part of a high beam beam. It is for example possible that certain collectors 12 contribute only to the formation of the dipped beam beam, while other collectors 12 contribute to the formation of a complementary high beam beam, which in combination with the dipped beam beam makes it possible to form the high beam beam. Thus, the light sources 11 may be selectively switched on or off to form a dipped beam beam or a high beam beam.

[0087] The optical projection element 20 is fixedly mounted on the support 3. In other words, the optical projection element 20 is always immobile relative to the support 3.

[0088] The optical projection element 20 and the support 3 on the one hand, and the light unit 10 on the other hand, are connected together by the connection elements 41, 42. The connection elements 41, 42 are each connected on the one hand with the light unit 10 and on the other hand with the support 3.

[0089] Each connection element 41, 42 is configured and articulated so as to allow a first movement of the light unit 10 relative to the optical projection element 20, and a second movement of the light unit 10 relative to the optical projection element 20. The first movement makes it possible to move the light beam F1 in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis O of the optical projection element 20, and the second movement makes it possible to move the first light beam F1 in a second direction orthogonal to the optical axis O.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the first orthogonal direction relative to the optical axis O is a transverse direction Y and the second orthogonal direction Z relative to the optical axis is a vertical direction Z. In a variant not illustrated, the first orthogonal direction could be the vertical direction Z, and the second orthogonal direction could be the transverse direction Y.

[0091] In particular, the connection elements 41, 42 are arranged on either side of the optical projection element 20 and the collectors 12 in the first orthogonal direction.

[0092] In order to enable the first light beam F1 to be moved in the first orthogonal direction Y, each connection element 41, 42 comprises a central portion 411, 421, a front portion 412, 422 and a rear portion 413, 423, the central portion 411, 421 and the rear portion 413, 423 being articulated by a rear pivot connection C, B with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis O and to the first orthogonal direction Y, and the central portion 411, 421 and the front portion 412, 422 being articulated by a front pivot connection A, D with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis O and to the first orthogonal direction Y. Throughout the description, the front and rear directions are given relative to the direction of emission of the light in the light module 1, along the optical axis O of the optical projection element 20. direction of emission is opposite to the direction of the longitudinal axis X shown in the figures.

[0093] In addition, the front pivot links A, D and rear pivot links B, C define the vertices of a parallelogram, in projection in a plane defined by the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y. In other words, the central portions 411, 421 are of the same length and parallel. In the example illustrated, the front pivot links A, D and the rear pivot links B, C are respectively aligned along the first direction orthogonal Y, however, they might also not be aligned along the first orthogonal Y direction.

[0094] In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the front pivot connections A, D and rear B, C are formed by flexible connections with semi-circular necks. Alternatively, the front pivot connections A, D could also be formed by at least one cylindrical pin arranged on one of the central portion 411, 421 and the front portion 412, 422 and a hole cooperating with the pin arranged on the other of the central portion 411, 421 and the front portion 412, 422, and the rear pivot connections B, C could be formed by at least one cylindrical pin arranged on one of the central portion 411, 421 and the rear portion 413, 423 and a hole arranged on the other of the central portion 411, 421 and the rear portion 413, 423.

[0095] The light unit 10 is attached to the connection elements 41, 42 by the rear portions 413, 423. The rear portions 413, 423 may in particular be formed by an element of the light unit 10, such as for example by the heat sink 13 or a collector 12.

[0096] In order to enable the first light beam F1 to be moved in the second orthogonal direction Z, the front portion 412, 422 of each connection element 41, 42 is connected to the support 3 by an additional articulation enabling the rotation of the light unit 10 and the connection elements 41, 42 around an intrinsic rotation axis A'D' located in front of the front pivot links A, D and oriented in the first orthogonal direction Y. In particular, each front portion 412', 422' is articulated to the support 3 by a pivot link D', A' with an axis parallel to the first orthogonal direction Y.

[0097] The optical projection element 20 comprises a median transverse axis LL' coinciding with the axis of rotation of the pivot connections A', D'. Alternatively, the median transverse axis LL' may be arranged at a distance of less than 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, and even more preferably less than 5 mm from the axis of rotation. Thus, during the second movement of the light unit 10, the distance between the light sources 11 and the median transverse axis LL' of the optical projection element 20 remains constant, which limits the deformation of the light beam Fl formed.

[0098] The projection optical element 20 is shown in front of the support 3 for the sake of clarity in [Fig.4]. The projection optical element 20 is positioned on the support 3, in front of the front pivot links A, D.

[0099] The light module 1 comprises two transverse bars 5 extending between the front portions 412, 422 of each connection element 41, 42. These transverse bars 5 make it possible to stiffen the connection elements 41, 42.

[0100] The light unit 10, and in particular an extension of the heat sink 13 comprises a slot 130 for receiving a locking screw 21 for attaching the light module 1 to a mounting member 50. In particular, since the slot 130 is provided on the light unit 10, the light module 1 can be attached to the mounting member 50 via the light unit 10.

[0101] The slot 130 is configured to allow movement of the light unit 10 relative to the mounting member 50 when the locking screw 21 is loosened, and to prevent movement of the light unit 10 relative to the mounting member 50 when the locking screw 21 is tightened.

[0102] The position of the light unit 10 relative to the projection optical element 20 of the light module 1 can be easily adjusted thanks to the cooperation between the locking screw 21 and the slot 130. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the locking screw 21 can be pre-screwed into the mounting element 50. It has a threaded portion 21a cooperating with a screw shank 22 positioned on the mounting element 50. The threaded portion 21a has a diameter smaller than the dimensions of the slot 130. Thus, when the locking screw 21 is loosened, the light unit 10, and in the illustrated case, the heat sink 13 can be moved vertically and transversely relative to the mounting element 50. For example, it is possible to use a tool to move the light unit 10 when the locking screw 21 is loosened.The light unit 10 can thus be moved according to the first movement and according to the second movement, which causes the movement of the light beam Fl according to the first direction Y and according to the second direction Z.

[0103] Once the light unit 10 is in the desired position relative to the projection optical element 20, the locking screw 21 is tightened. Thus, the light module is adjusted relative to the mounting element 50. The desired position may, for example, be a nominal position. It may be determined by evaluating the position of the light beam Fl projected onto a screen.

[0104] In the particular example illustrated in [Fig.l], the mounting element 50 is formed by a portion 30 of the support 3. When the locking screw is loosened, it is therefore possible to adjust the position of the light unit 10 relative to the support, and therefore relative to the optical projection element 20 of the light module 1. It is thus possible to position the light unit 10 in a predetermined position relative to the optical projection element 20, then to lock this position. This adjustment can for example be carried out in the factory, which makes it possible to obtain a light module adjusted and ready to be mounted in a motor vehicle, for example by being arranged in a lighting device such as a headlight.

[0105] As will be seen in particular with reference to Figures 8 to 11, the mounting element 50 can also be formed by a part independent of the support. This mounting element can sometimes be called a “support plate”. In this case, the slot 130 allows to carry out a micro-adjustment of the position of the light module 1 relative to the mounting element 50 to which it is attached. As will be seen later, this is particularly advantageous when several light modules are attached to the same mounting element.

[0106] [Fig. 3] illustrates a kinematic view of the light module 1 when it is in a reference position or nominal position. The light beam F1 is then in the center of the grid. [Fig. 4] illustrates in top view and in side view, the position of the optical projection element 20, the connection elements 41, 42 and the light unit 10 when the light module 1 is in the reference position. The central portions 411, 421 extend parallel to the longitudinal direction X. It will be noted that in the example illustrated, the rear portions 412, 423 and the front portions 412, 422 also extend parallel to the longitudinal direction X in the nominal position.

[0107] [Fig.5] illustrates in top view and in side view, the position of the optical projection element 20, the connection elements 41, 42 and the light unit 10 during the movement of the light beam F1 in the first orthogonal direction Y and the second orthogonal direction Z.

[0108] The first movement of the light unit 10 is activated by the application of a force SI by an actuator. This force SI pushes the light unit 10, in particular the heat sink 13 on which the collectors 12 and the light sources 11 are arranged. The light unit 10 follows the movement induced by the primary actuator H1 and is moved in a circular translation thanks to the front pivot connections A, D and rear C, D. However, in view of the dimensions of the light module 1, and in particular the length of the central portions 411, 421 of the connection elements 41, 42, this circular translation can be likened to a translation in the transverse direction Y. This translation movement is visible in the top view of the light module 1 shown in [Fig.5].

[0109] During the first movement of the light unit 10, the optical projection element 20 remains fixed. Indeed, thanks to the front pivot links A, D and rear C, D only the rear portions 413, 423 and the central portions 411, 421 are moved, by pivoting around the front pivot links A, D and rear C, B. There is therefore a relative movement between the light unit 10 and the optical projection element 20, so that the light beam F1 is moved horizontally.

[0110] Following the application of the force SI, the light beam Fl is then shifted transversely to the right on the grid illustrated in [Fig.5] relative to its initial position shown on the grid of [Fig.4]. It is understood that the force SI could be applied in the other direction on the light unit 10. In this case, the light beam Fl would be shifted in the other direction, i.e. to the left on the grid shown in [Fig.5].

[0111] The second displacement of the light unit 10 is activated by the application of a force S4 by an actuator. This force S4 pushes the light unit 10, in particular the heat sink 13 on which the collectors and the light sources 11 are arranged. The light unit 10 follows the displacement induced by the force S4, and is displaced according to a rotation around the axis of rotation formed by the pivot connections A', D'.

[0112] During the second movement of the light unit 10, the optical element 20 remains fixed relative to the support 3. Only the connection elements 41, 42 and the light unit 10 pivot around the pivot connections A', D' formed between the front portions 412, 422 and the support 3, and are therefore moved relative to the support 3. There is therefore a relative movement between the light unit 10 and the optical projection element 20, so that the light beam F1 is moved vertically.

[0113] Following the application of the force S4, the light beam Fl is then shifted vertically downwards on the grid shown in [Fig.5] relative to its initial position shown on the grid of [Fig.4]. It is understood that the force S4 could be applied in the other direction on the light unit 10. In this case, the light beam Fl would be shifted in the other direction, i.e. upwards on the grid shown in [Fig.5].

[0114] [Fig. 6] shows an alternative embodiment of the light module 1 illustrated in [Fig. 1]. According to this alternative, the light module 1 comprises an additional connection element 43 arranged between the two connection elements 41, 42, called lateral connection elements. All the other elements of the light module 1 according to this alternative are identical to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0115] The additional connection element 43 is arranged in the first orthogonal direction Y between two collectors 12. The additional connection element 43 extends longitudinally between the light unit 10 and the optical projection element 20, and is configured and articulated so as to allow the first and second movement of the light unit 10 relative to the optical projection element 20. The additional connection element 43 then forms a separator within the light module 1'.

[0116] In particular, the additional connection element 43 defines with the lateral connection elements 41, 42 optical cavities 7, 8 within the light module 1, an optical cavity 7, 8 being delimited by two successive connection elements 41, 42, 43. Each optical cavity 7, 8 comprises in particular the collector(s) 12 arranged between the two successive connection elements 41, 42, 43 considered, and the light source(s) 11 associated with each of the collectors 12.

[0117] The additional connection element 43 then prevents stray rays between the optical cavities 7, 8 of the light module 1. In particular, the connection element ad additional 43 prevents the light rays emitted by the light source(s) 11 of an optical cavity 7, 8 from reaching another optical cavity 7, 8.

[0118] In this case, each optical cavity 7, 8 may comprise a projection lens 27, 28 of its own. In particular, the optical projection element 20 may be formed by the juxtaposition of the projection lenses 27, 28 of each optical cavity 7, 8.

[0119] The additional connection element 43 comprises a central portion 431, a front portion 432, a rear portion 433, the central portion 431 and the rear portion 433 being articulated by a rear pivot connection J with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis O and to the first orthogonal direction Y, and the central portion 431 and the front portion 432 being articulated by a front pivot connection I with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis O and to the first orthogonal direction Y.

[0120] The front pivot connections I and rear J are flexible connections with semi-circular necks. The front 432, central 431 and rear 433 portions of the additional connection element can then be made in one piece. Producing the connection elements in a single piece makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the light module and to reduce its overall size. According to an alternative, the central portion 431 could comprise at least one front cylindrical pin and one rear cylindrical pin with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first orthogonal direction, and the front portion 432 could comprise a hole in which the front cylindrical pin would be engaged so as to form the front pivot connection I, and the rear portion 433 could comprise a hole in which the rear cylindrical pin would be engaged so as to form the rear pivot connection J.In particular, the rear portion 433 of the additional connection element 43 may be formed by a part of the light unit 10, such as for example the collector. The production of the connection elements in three separate parts makes it easier to manufacture the connection elements.

[0121] The front pivot links I and rear J of the additional connection element 43 define with the front pivot links A, D and rear C, D of each of said lateral connection elements 41, 42, the vertices of a parallelogram, in projection in a plane defined by the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y. Thus, the additional connection element 43 can follow the deformation of said lateral connection elements 41, 42 during the first movement of the light unit 10.

[0122] The rear portion 433 of the additional connection element 43 is attached to the light unit 10. The front portion 432 of the additional connection element can be connected to the front portions 412, 422 of the lateral connection elements 41, 42, for example via the transverse bar 5. Thus, the additional connection element 43 can follow the deformation of said lateral connection elements 41, 42 during the second movement of the light unit 10.

[0123] Figures 8 to 11 illustrate a lighting device 100 for a vehicle according to the invention. The light device 100 comprises three light modules according to the invention called first light module 1a, second light module 1b, third light module 1c. It is understood that the light device 100 could comprise only two light modules or more than three light modules without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0124] The lighting device 100 also comprises a mounting element 50, formed by a support plate 52 separate from the support 3 of the lighting modules 1a, 1b, 1c, on which the lighting modules 1a, 1b, 1c are attached at an attachment point 51a, 51b, 51c.

[0125] The first light module 1a is fixedly attached to the mounting element 50 by means of a fastening screw 21'. The first light module 1a differs from the light module 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 only in that it does not have a slot intended to cooperate with an adjustment screw to be attached to the mounting element 50. It is directly attached by the fastening screw 21' to the mounting element 50. Its position therefore cannot be adjusted relative to the mounting element 50. The first light module 1a is thus also called a reference module. Alternatively, the first light module 1a could have a slot intended to cooperate with a locking screw to attach the first light module 1a to the mounting element 50 and its position could be adjustable relative to this mounting element 50.

[0126] The second light module 1b and the third light module 1e are identical to the light module 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, except that the mounting element 50 is not formed by the support 3 of the corresponding light module but by the support plate 52 separate from the supports 3. The second light module 1b and the third light module 1e each have a slot 130, so that they are attached in an adjustable manner relative to the mounting element 50 by means of a locking screw 21. Thus, the light unit 10 of the second and third light modules 1b, 1e is adjustable relative to the mounting element 50. The second light module 1b and the third light module 1e can also be called adjustable modules.

[0127] It is thus possible to independently adjust the position of the second and third light modules 1b, relative to the mounting element 50.

[0128] The relative displacement of the first, second and third light modules 1a, 1b, 1e are respectively represented by the letter a, b and c on the grid shown in Figures 8 to 11. It can thus be seen that in [Fig.8], the light modules 1a, 1b, 1e are in an initial position in which the first module 1a is attached to the mounting element 50, and the second and third light modules 1b, 1e are pre-positioned on the mounting element 50, with their associated adjustment screw 21 which is not yet inserted, and therefore not visible. Alternatively, an adjustment screw 21 could be inserted into the slot 130 of the second and third light modules 1b, but loosened. This initial position is represented by the letters a, b, c positioned and superimposed in the center of the grid.

[0129] Since the adjusting screw 21 associated with each of the second and third light modules 1b, le is not tightened, it is possible to adjust the position of the light units 10 of the second and third light modules 1b, le by cooperation of the slot 130 of the second and third light modules 1b, le with the associated locking screw 21, so as to offset the light modules 1a, 1b, le relative to each other. An offset position is for example illustrated in [Fig.9]. On the grid, it can be seen that the second and third light modules 1b, le represented by the letters b and c have been offset relative to the first light module 1a represented by the letter a which has remained fixed in the center of the grid.

[0130] By means of this adjustment of the light modules 1b, 1c relative to the mounting element 50, the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c are positioned relative to each other, which allows the light beams Fl produced by each of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c to be aligned relative to each other.

[0131] The mounting element 50 comprises a hanging wall 53 on which the light units 10 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c are hung at their hanging point 51a, 51b, 51c, and at least two arms 55 extending from the hanging wall 53 towards the optical projection elements 20 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c. The arms 55 are configured and articulated to be able to transmit a first movement to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c so as to allow the first movement of the light unit 10 of each of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, and to also be able to transmit a second movement to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c so as to allow the second movement of the light unit 10 of each of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0132] In order to allow the transmission of the first movement of the mounting element 50 to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, the arms 55 of the mounting element 50 each comprise a central part 551, a front part 552 and a rear part 553. For each of the arms 55, the central part 551 and the rear part 553 are articulated by a rear pivot connection Bp, Cp with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis O and to the first orthogonal direction Y. The central part 551 and the front part 552 are articulated by a front pivot connection Ap, Dp with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis O and to the first orthogonal direction Y. In the example illustrated, the rear pivot connections Bp, Cp and the front pivot connections Ap, Dp are oriented along the vertical axis Z when the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c are arranged horizontally, i.e. that they have not rotated around the intrinsic rotation axis A'D' which will be described later, as is the case in Figures 8 to 10.

[0133] The anterior pivot links Ap, Dp and posterior links Bp, Cp define the vertices of a parallelogram, in projection in a plane defined by the optical axis O and the first orthogonal direction Y. In other words, the central portions 551 are of the same length and parallel.

[0134] In Figures 8 to 11, the central portions 411, 421 of the connection elements 41, 42 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c have an identical length, which makes it easier to transmit the first movement of the mounting element 50 to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c. The central parts 551 of the arms of the mounting element and the central portions 411, 421 of the connection elements 41, 42 have an identical length, which also makes it easier to transmit the first movement of the mounting element 50 to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0135] As illustrated in [Fig. 10], the first movement of the mounting element 50 is activated by a first actuator hl which applies a force PI oriented in a direction parallel to the optical axis O. The first actuator hl is connected to a central part 551 of an arm 55 of the mounting element 50 by a ball joint. When the first actuator hl is activated, it moves the central part 551 of the mounting element 50 to which it is connected. Thanks to the front pivot links Ap, Dp and rear pivot links Bp, Cp, the movement of the central part 551 induces the movement of the other central part, the rear parts 553 and the attachment wall 53 according to a circular translation.However, in view of the dimensions of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c and of the mounting element 50, and in particular of the central parts 551 and the central portions 411, 421, this circular translation can be likened to a translation in the transverse direction Y. This translation movement is visible in the top view of the light module 1 shown in [Fig.10].

[0136] During the first movement of the mounting element 50, the optical projection element 20 of the light modules 1a, 1b, remains fixed. Indeed, thanks to the front pivot links Ap, Dp and rear pivot links Bp, Cp, only the rear parts 553 and the central parts 551 of the arms 55 are moved, which causes the movement of the light units 10 which are moved without the associated optical projection element 20 being moved thanks to the front pivot links A, D and rear pivot links C, B. Thus, the transmission of the first movement of the mounting element 50 to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c allows the light unit 10 to be moved relative to the optical projection element 20 of each light module 1a, 1b, 1c, so that the light beam F1 of each light module 1a, 1b, 1c is moved horizontally.

[0137] Following the application of the force PI, the light beam Fl is then shifted transversely relative to its starting position. It should be noted that following the first movement of the mounting element 50, the light beams Fl emitted by each light module 1a, 1b, 1c are moved identically. In other words, their relative position is not modified. Thus, the first movement of the mounting element 50 causes the horizontal displacement of the overall light beam formed by the superposition of the set of light beams Fl of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, the shape of the overall light beam having been fixed when the adjustment screws 21 are tightened.

[0138] In [Fig. 10], the force PI was applied to the mounting element 50 when it was in the position of [Fig. 9]. It is then observed that the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c are offset transversely to the left on the grid illustrated in [Fig. 10] relative to their starting position shown on the grid of [Fig. 9]. It is also observed that the relative position of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c with respect to each other remains identical. This is illustrated by the fact that the letters a, b and c are simply translated horizontally to the left. The transverse offset of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c causes the transverse offset in an opposite direction, here to the right, of the overall light beam formed by the superposition of the light beam F1 formed by each of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c. It is understood that the force PI could be applied in the other direction on the mounting element 50.In this case, the light modules 1a, 1b, 1e would be shifted in the other direction, i.e. to the right on the grid shown in [Fig. 10], and the overall light beam would also be shifted in the other direction, i.e. to the left.

[0139] In order to allow the transmission of the second movement of the mounting element 50 to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, the front part 552 of each arm 55 is connected to the support 3 of one of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c by an additional articulation allowing the rotation of the mounting element 50 around a main axis of rotation Ap'Dp' located in front of the front pivot connections Ap, Dp. In particular, each front part 552 is articulated to the support 3 by a pivot connection Ap', Dp'. The axis of the pivot connection is defined by the straight line joining the pivot connection Ap', Dp' of the front parts 552 of the arms 55 of the mounting element 50.

[0140] The rotation of the mounting element 50 around the main rotation axis Ap'Dp' causes the rotation of the light unit 10 and the connection elements 41, 42 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c around their intrinsic rotation axis A'D'.

[0141] It will be noted that the supports 3 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c may be formed by several parts which are immobile relative to each other regardless of the movement of the mounting element 50 and the displacement of the light units 10. Alternatively, the supports of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c may form a single, single-piece part.

[0142] It will also be noted that the connection between the first actuator hl and the mounting element 50 is aligned with the main rotation axis Ap'Dp' of the mounting element 50 so that when the mounting element 50 has pivoted around the main rotation axis Ap'Dp', the first actuator hl can still cause the translation of the mounting element 50.

[0143] For each light module 1a, 1b, 1c, the distance dl between the attachment point 51a, 51b, 51c and the intrinsic rotation axis A'D' of the light unit 10 is identical to the distance d2 between the attachment point 51a, 51b, 51c and the main rotation axis Ap'Dp' of the mounting element 50. Thus, the second movement of the mounting element 50 causes a second similar movement of the light unit 10. In particular, the rotation of the mounting element 50 around the main rotation axis Ap'Dp' causes the same rotation of the light units 10 around their intrinsic rotation axis A'D'.

[0144] Furthermore, for each of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, the distances dl defined between the attachment point 51a, 51b, 51c of the light module 1a, 1b, 1c and the intrinsic rotation axis A'D' of the light unit 10 are identical. Thus, the second movements of the light units 10 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c induced by the second movement of the mounting element 50 are identical.

[0145] In addition, for each of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, the distances d2 defined between the attachment point 51a, 51b, 51c of the light module and the main rotation axis Ap'Dp' of the mounting element 50 are identical. Thus, the second movements of the light units 10 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c induced by the second movement of the mounting element 50 are identical.

[0146] The second movement of the mounting element 50 is activated by a second actuator h2 which applies a force P2 oriented along a vertical Z. The second actuator h2 is connected to the attachment wall 53 of the mounting element 50 by an annular linear connection with an axis parallel to the first orthogonal direction. When the second actuator h2 is activated, it moves the attachment wall 53 of the mounting element 50 according to a rotation around the main rotation axis Ap'Dp' formed by the pivot connections Ap', Dp'.

[0147] During the second movement of the mounting element 50, the optical projection element 20 remains fixed relative to the support 3. Indeed, thanks to the pivot connections Ap', Dp', only the arms 55 and the attachment wall 53 pivot around the main rotation axis Ap'Dp', which causes the rotation of the light unit 10 around the pivot connections A', D' while the optical projection element 20 remains fixed. Thus, the transmission of the second movement of the mounting element 50 to the light modules 1a, 1b, 1e allows the light unit 10 to be moved relative to the optical projection element 20 of each light module 1a, 1b, 1e, so that the light beam Fl of each light module 1a, 1b, 1c is moved vertically.

[0148] Following the application of the force P2, the light beam Fl is then shifted vertically relative to its starting position. It should be noted that following the second movement of the mounting element 50, the light beams Fl emitted by each light module 1a, 1b, 1c are moved identically. In other words, their relative position is not modified. Thus, the second movement of the mounting element 50 causes the vertical displacement of the overall light beam formed by the superposition of the set of light beams Fl of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, the shape of the overall light beam having been fixed when the adjustment screws 21 were tightened.

[0149] In [Fig. 11], the force P2 was applied to the mounting element 50 when it was in the position of [Fig. 10]. It is then observed that the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c are offset vertically downwards on the grid shown in [Fig. 11] relative to their starting position shown on the grid of [Fig. 10]. It is also observed that the relative position of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c relative to each other remains identical. This is illustrated by the fact that the letters a, b and c are simply translated vertically upwards. The vertical offset of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c causes the vertical offset in an opposite direction, here downwards, of the overall light beam formed by the superposition of the light beam F1 formed by each of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c. It is understood that the force P2 could be applied in the other direction on the attachment wall 53.In this case, the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c would be shifted in the other direction, i.e. downwards on the grid shown in [Fig. 11], and the overall light beam would also be shifted in the other direction, i.e. upwards.

[0150] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the lighting device 100 also comprises a housing 101 having a recess 102 forming a housing in which the mounting element 50 and the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c are arranged. The housing 101 also has an opening. The support 3 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c may be formed by a portion of the housing 101 or a part secured to the housing 101.

[0151] Figures 12 and 13 each represent an alternative of a lighting device 100 according to the invention. The lighting device 100 may be a front headlight of a motor vehicle.

[0152] In [Fig. 12], the light device 100 comprises a closing glass 103 closing the opening. The light modules 1a, 1b, 1c and the mounting element 50 are arranged in the housing, and are thus located between the walls forming the housing 101 and the closing glass 103.

[0153] In [Fig. 13], the optical projection element 20 of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c, formed by a projection lens or a juxtaposition of projection lenses, close the opening of the housing 101. In particular, the opening comprises several sub-openings which are each closed by the optical projection element of one of the light modules 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0154] The light device 100 is then devoid of a closing glass, which makes it possible to gain approximately 15% of efficiency for the light device 100. The optical projection elements 20 play the role of the closing glass. Indeed, as the optical projection elements 20 remain fixed when the light beams F1 are moved according to the first movement and the second movement, the optical projection element 20 can come to close the opening of the housing 101.

Claims

Claims

1. Light module (1) for a motor vehicle, said light module (1) comprising: *a light unit (10) comprising: - at least one light source (11) configured to emit light rays (RI), - at least one collector (12) associated with said at least one light source (11), *an optical projection element (20) having an optical axis (0), said collector (12) being configured to collect and orient said light rays (RI) emitted by said at least one light source (11) towards the optical projection element (20), said optical projection element (20) being configured to project said light rays (RI) towards the outside of said vehicle to form a light beam (Fl), * a support (3) on which the optical projection element (20) is fixedly mounted;*two connection elements (41, 42) each connected on the one hand with the light unit (10) and on the other hand with the support (3), each connection element being configured and articulated so as to allow a first movement of the light unit (10) relative to the optical projection element (20), said first movement making it possible to move the light beam (Fl) in a first orthogonal direction (Y) relative to the optical axis (O) of the optical projection element (20) and so as to allow a second movement of the light unit (10) relative to the optical projection element (20), said second movement making it possible to move the light beam (Fl) in a second orthogonal direction (Z) relative to the optical axis (O) of the optical projection element (20), and orthogonal to the first orthogonal direction (Y).;

2. Light module (1) according to claim 1, wherein each connection element (41, 42; 41', 42') comprises a central portion (411, 421), a front portion (412, 422; 412', 422') and a rear portion (413, 423), the central portion and the rear portion being articulated by a rear pivot connection (B, C) with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first orthogonal direction, and the central portion and the front portion being articulated by a front pivot connection (A, D) with an axis or- thogonal to the optical axis and to the first orthogonal direction.

3. Light module (1) according to claim 2, in which the front (B, C) and rear (A, D) pivot links define the vertices of a parallelogram, in projection in a plane defined by the optical axis (0) and the first orthogonal direction (Y).

4. Light module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the front portion (412', 422') of each connection element is connected to the support (3) by an additional articulation allowing the rotation of the light unit (10) and the connection elements (41', 42') around an intrinsic axis of rotation located in front of the front pivot connections (A, D) and oriented in the first orthogonal direction (Y).

5. The light module (1) of one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light unit (10) comprises a slot (130) for receiving a locking screw (21) for attaching the light module (1) to a mounting member (50), the slot (130) being configured to allow movement of the light unit (10) relative to the mounting member (50) when the locking screw (21) is loosened, and to prevent movement of the light unit (10) relative to the mounting member (50) when the locking screw (21) is tightened.

6. A lighting device (100) for a motor vehicle comprising a first lighting module (1a) and a second lighting module (2a), each according to one of claims 1 to 5, and a mounting element (50) on which each of the first and second lighting modules (1a, 2a) are attached at an attachment point (51a, 51b).

7. A light device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first light module (1a) is fixedly attached to the mounting member (50) and wherein the second light module (2a) is according to claim 5 such that the light unit (10) of the second light module (2a) is adjustable relative to the mounting member (50).

8. A lighting device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the mounting element (50) comprises a hanging wall (53) on which the light units (10) of the first and second light modules (1a, 2a) are hung at their hanging point (51a, 51b), and at least two arms (55) extending from the hanging wall (53) towards the optical projection elements (20) of the first and second light modules (1a, 1b), and configured and articulated to be able to transmit a first movement to the first and second light modules (1a, 1b) so as to allow the first movement of the light unit (10) of each of the first and second light modules (1a, 1b), and to be able to transmit a second movement to the first and second light modules (1a, 1b) so as to allow the second movement of the light unit (10) of each of the first and second light modules (1a, 1b).

9. The lighting device (100) of claim 8, wherein the arms (55) of the mounting element (50) each comprise a central portion (551), a front portion (552) and a rear portion (553), the central portion (551) and the rear portion (553) being articulated by a rear pivot connection (Bp, Cp) with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis (O) and to the first orthogonal direction (Y), and the central portion (551) and the front portion (552) being articulated by a front pivot connection (Ap, Dp) with an axis orthogonal to the optical axis (O) and to the first orthogonal direction (Y).

10. A light device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the front (Ap, Dp) and rear (Cp, Bp) pivot links define the vertices of a parallelogram, in projection in a plane defined by the optical axis (O) and the first orthogonal direction (Y).

11. A lighting device (100) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the central portions (411, 421) of the connection elements (41, 42) of the first and second lighting modules (1a, 1b) have an identical length.

12. A lighting device (100) according to claim 11 taken in combination with claim 10, wherein the central portions (551) of the arms (55) of the mounting element (50) and the central portions (411, 421) of the connecting elements (41, 42) of the first and second lighting modules (1a, 1b) have an identical length.

13. Lighting device (100) according to one of claims 9 to 12, in which the front part (552) of each arm (55) is connected to the support (3) of one of the first and second lighting modules (1a, 1b) by an additional articulation allowing the rotation of the mounting element (50) around a main axis of rotation (Ap'Dp') located in front of the front pivot connections (Ap, Dp).

14. A lighting device (100) according to claim 13, wherein for the first and second lighting modules (1a, 1b), the distance (dl) between the attachment point (51a, 51b) and the intrinsic rotation axis (A'D') of the lighting unit (100) is identical to the distance (d2) between the attachment point (51a, 51b) and the main rotation axis (Ap'Dp') of the mounting element (50).

15. A lighting device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the distance (dl) between the attachment point (51a) of the first light module (1a) and the intrinsic rotation axis (A'D') of the light unit (10) of the first light module (1a), and the distance (dl) between the attachment point (52a) of the second light module (2a) and the intrinsic rotation axis (A'D') of the light unit (10) of the second light module (1b) are identical.

16. A lighting device according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the distance (d2) between the attachment point (51a) of the first module (la) and the main rotation axis (Ap'Dp') of the mounting element (50) is identical to the distance (d2) between the attachment point (51b) of the second module (1b) and the main rotation axis (Ap'Dp') of the mounting element (50).

17. Lighting device according to one of claims 6 to 16, comprising a housing (101) having a recess (102) in which the first and second lighting modules (1a, 1b) are arranged.

18. A lighting device according to claim 17, wherein the housing comprises an opening disposed in front of the recess (102), the optical projection element (20) of the first and second light modules (1a, 1b) closing the opening of the housing (101).

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