Light module for a motor vehicle, a light unit of which is movable relative to a projection lens.

Abstract

Title of the invention: Light module for a motor vehicle, a light unit of which is movable relative to a projection lens. The present invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle comprising a housing and a light unit (18) movable relative to the housing (4) and in which at least one light source (58) is housed, the light module (2) comprising a support (40) mounted so as to pivot relative to the housing (4) and configured to support the light unit (18), the light unit (18) comprising a plurality of walls (34), the walls (34) being connected by a first end (36) to the light unit (18) and by a second end (36) to the support (40), the support (40) comprising orifices (68) configured to receive a second end (38) of at least one of said walls (34), said orifices (68) comprising at least one notch (70) open on an end edge (72) of the support (40). (Figure 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Light module for a motor vehicle, a light unit of which is movable relative to a projection lens.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of light modules and in particular light modules intended to equip a motor vehicle. The present invention relates more particularly to a light unit housed in a housing of such a light module, the light unit being capable of generating light rays exiting the light module through a projection lens, the projection lens being fixed relative to the housing and the light unit movable relative to the housing.

[0002] Vehicles and in particular motor vehicles are commonly equipped with headlights for generating various light functions such as road lighting or vehicle signaling. To do this, the headlights of motor vehicles are equipped with light modules which each comprise at least one light source configured to emit light rays, optical elements associated with said at least one light source for collecting and directing said light rays, and at least one projection lens configured to shape these light rays collected and directed by the optical elements and to project them towards the outside of the headlight and the motor vehicle, forming a regulatory light beam suitable for performing the light function.

[0003] The light functions, and in particular the lighting functions, must be adjusted appropriately in order, on the one hand, to provide optimal lighting of the road and, on the other hand, to limit the glare of other road users. These adjustments are, for example, carried out on the assembly line when the light module is mounted in the headlight or carried out automatically according to information obtained during the movement of the vehicle by sensors arranged on said vehicle.

[0004] The light beam can thus be adjusted so as to have a vertical and lateral movement. The vertical movement is useful for taking into account the attitude of the vehicle which varies from one vehicle category to another and which varies according to the load of the vehicle and for bending the light beam to avoid dazzling an occupant of an oncoming vehicle. The lateral movement is useful for adjustment between two light modules and for ensuring good alignment of the light beam relative to the vehicle axis.

[0005] Particularly for reasons of space requirement or aesthetics, it may be desirable to have a projection lens which remains fixed during vertical adjustments. and lateral of the light beam. However, in this context of a fixed projection lens and a light unit, comprising at least one light source and the optical elements, which is movable relative to the projection lens, it is appropriate to ensure that the at least one light source and the optical elements remain, relative to the projection lens, in a relative position which allows the light function to be performed.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and proposes to overcome at least certain drawbacks of the prior art and in particular to propose a light module within which the movement of a light unit relative to a fixed projection lens in at least one direction is achieved without increasing the size of the light module.

[0007] Thus, the present invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle comprising - a case; - a projection lens fixed relative to the housing; - a light unit in which at least one light source is housed, light rays emitted by the at least one light source being capable of being projected by the projection lens along an optical axis of the light module, the light unit being movable relative to the projection lens along a first adjustment direction and a second adjustment direction; - a support supporting the light unit and pivotally mounted around a tilting axis relative to the projection lens, to allow movement of the light unit in the first adjustment direction; - a plurality of low walls each connected by a first end to the light unit and by a second end to the support, the low walls being configured to delimit at least one channel for circulation of the light rays emitted by said at least one light source in the direction of the projection lens, and the first end of each of the low walls being pivotally mounted relative to the light unit around a rear pivot axis, and the second end of each of the walls being pivotally mounted relative to the support around a front pivot axis, the front pivot axes and the rear pivot axes being parallel to each other, and the distances between the front pivot axis and the rear pivot axis for each of the walls being identical, the front pivot axes and the rear pivot axes allowing movement of the light unit in the second adjustment direction, perpendicular to the front and rear pivot axes, and substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, the support comprising orifices configured to receive the second end of said walls, said orifices comprising at least one open notch on an end edge of the support.

[0008] The light module according to the invention comprises a fixed projection lens and a mobile light unit. The light unit comprises one or more light sources configured to emit light rays, and may comprise optical elements for shaping the light rays. These optical elements make it possible to return the rays emitted by the light source(s) to the projection lens. For example, these optical elements may be configured to collect, guide, deflect the rays emitted by these light sources towards the projection lens of the light module. In particular, the light unit may be without a lens. Thus, only the projection lens of the light module makes it possible to project the light rays emitted by the light source(s) onto the road.

[0009] The projection lens forms the element of the light module through which the light rays are able to exit the light module to be projected towards the road. Thus, the projection lens is configured to shape the light rays emitted by the at least one light source, and optionally collected and oriented by one or more optical elements of the light unit, and to project them towards the outside of the light module. This projection lens is an element performing a processing of the light rays to make them compliant with various regulations. More specifically, this projection lens makes it possible to modify in particular the trajectory of the light rays emitted by the light unit and oriented a first time if necessary by one or more optical elements arranged in the light unit, and arranged upstream of this projection lens, so as to generate a beam of light rays according to desired parameters.

[0010] It is understood from the above that the projection lens is an optical element playing a role in the formation of the light function formed by the light rays which pass through the projection lens and that without this projection lens, the production of a regulatory beam is not possible. In other words, the projection lens cannot be confused with a transparent glass intended to form a mechanical protection of an optical device housed in a projector and not carrying out any specific optical treatment of the light rays to form a regulatory light function.

[0011] Furthermore, the projection lens is arranged at a distance from the light unit and is not part of the latter. For example, the projection lens is configured so that the object focus of the latter is positioned at the level of the light unit, for example at the level of the light source of this light unit or at the level of optical elements interposed between the light source and the projection lens, when the light module is assembled. More specifically, the light unit may comprise at least one light source and a collector having a reflective surface for directing the light rays generated by the light source towards the projection lens. The object focus of the projection lens is arranged less than 10 mm from a rear edge of the collector, i.e. the furthest edge of the projection lens.

[0012] The light module is associated with a device for adjusting the position of the light unit. This adjustment device is capable of allowing the movement of the light unit in the first adjustment direction or the second adjustment direction. In particular, the adjustment device is capable of moving the light unit in a substantially vertical or substantially transverse direction, by pushing on a given portion of the light unit to allow the movement of the light unit in the first adjustment direction or the second adjustment direction.

[0013] More particularly, the first adjustment direction is induced by the tilting of the support. The second adjustment direction is induced by the pivoting of the walls around the front and rear pivot axes. The first adjustment direction is defined by the orientation of the tilting axis of the support, this first adjustment direction being perpendicular to the tilting axis. The second adjustment direction is defined by the orientation of the pivot axes of the walls. Indeed, this second adjustment direction is perpendicular to the pivot axes. In addition, this second adjustment direction is also substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. It is the movement of the walls around their pivot axis which makes it possible to move the light unit in the second adjustment direction. For example, the light unit is movable laterally, in a horizontal plane, if the pivot axes are vertical.

[0014] The function of the walls is to guide the rays emitted by a light source towards a defined portion of the projection lens. They thus delimit two by two light circulation channels.

[0015] In this case, and in particular when the light unit is laterally offset, it is appropriate for the light circulation channels to remain suitably oriented to continue to send the light onto the appropriate portion of the projection lens. For this purpose, the walls are fixed at a first end to the light unit, and in particular to upper and lower parts of the light unit, which also participate in defining the channels, and they are fixed at a second end, opposite the first end, to a support which remains fixed during the movement of the light unit in the second adjustment direction. In particular, this second end of the walls is housed in two opposing walls of the support.

[0016] The notch advantageously formed in the support so as to open onto an end edge is delimited in part by a peripheral edge, said peripheral edge being open on the end edge so as to form a passage for the wall.

[0017] The invention aims to allow the walls to be mounted in the support without deforming the latter, that is to say without having to modify the structure of the latter, when inserting the second end of the walls into the orifices, and in particular the notches of the support. The notch shape given according to the invention to at least one of the housings of this second end of the wall makes it possible to clip the wall into the support without modifying the support. It will be understood that it is possible to have a slight elastic deformation of the support when inserting the second end of the walls, but this deformation is temporary. Once the second end of a wall is inserted into the support, the support returns to its initial shape. However, it is not necessary to provide a support formed in several parts.

[0018] In particular, the support may comprise opposing walls. In this case, it is possible to insert the second end of the low walls without having to separate the two opposing walls from each other, that is to say without punctually modifying the spacing between the opposing walls.

[0019] According to a characteristic of the invention, the end edge of the support extends in a plane substantially parallel to the pivot axes. In other words, the end edge extends in a vertical plane, substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the wall into the notches formed in this end edge.

[0020] According to a feature of the invention, the support comprises a tilting element at each lateral end of the support, the tilting elements being aligned so as to define the tilting axis. The tilting elements may take the form of a stud. The tilting direction may be parallel to the second adjustment direction. However, it is also understood that this tilting direction may have an angle relative to the second adjustment direction. In a particular case, the tilting direction may correspond to the transverse direction.

[0021] In particular, it is understood that an angle strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 20° is possible between the second adjustment direction and the tilting axis, in particular to take into account the fact that the tilting axis is not necessarily parallel to the second adjustment direction consisting of the lateral adjustment direction. Indeed, in particular for stylistic reasons, it may be necessary to have to tilt the projection lens in top view, so that it follows the curve of the vehicle body, and the tilting axis of the support and the light unit must be inclined by the same value. The second adjustment direction, corresponding here the lateral adjustment direction is then secant to the direction of this tilting axis.

[0022] According to a characteristic of the invention, the notch is arranged in the support so as to form a narrowing neck at the level of said end edge. In this way, it is necessary to force-fit the wall, by elastically deforming the support at the level of the edges delimiting the passage section of this narrowing neck. This deformation is done in the direction of insertion of the wall within the orifice so that it is simple to implement by an operator. The narrowing neck makes it possible to connect a wall to the support by snap-fastening and therefore to maintain this wall relative to the support at least while the rest of the light module is assembled.

[0023] According to a characteristic of the invention, the orifices configured to receive the second end of the wall comprise two notches arranged in opposing walls of the support. In other words, the orifices configured to receive the second end of the wall comprise said notch open on an end edge of the support and another notch or additional notch, the notch and the additional notch being arranged in opposing walls of the support.

[0024] According to a characteristic of the invention, the orifices configured to receive the second end of the wall comprise said notch open on an end edge of the support and a hole fully bordered by a peripheral edge, the notch and the hole being formed on two opposite walls of the support.

[0025] In this alternative of the invention, the notch can in particular be formed in an upper wall of the support and the hole in a lower wall of the support.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the invention, the walls comprise a central portion extending in a main elongation plane, between the first end and the second end, and fingers projecting from the central portion in a direction parallel to the direction of the front and rear pivot axes.

[0027] According to a characteristic of the invention, the walls comprise at their first end at least one first finger configured to be housed in a housing made in the light unit, and at their second end at least one second finger, the second finger being configured to be housed in the at least one notch.

[0028] According to a characteristic of the invention, the walls comprise at least one shoulder between a finger and the central portion at one and / or the other of the first and second ends of the wall, the shoulder being configured to constrain the movement of the wall relative to the support in at least one direction. Where appropriate, the walls comprise a shoulder between a finger and the central portion at each of the first and second ends of the wall.

[0029] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light module comprises a connecting device between the support and the light unit, the connecting device being configured to make the light unit and the support integral during the movement of the light unit in the first adjustment direction and to allow a degree of freedom of the light unit relative to the support during the movement of the light unit in the second adjustment direction.

[0030] According to a characteristic of the invention, the connecting device comprises at least two pins arranged on the support and / or on the light unit and at least two slots arranged on the support and / or on the light unit, said pins being intended to be housed in said slots.

[0031] According to a characteristic of the invention, the lights have an oblong shape configured to cooperate with the shape of the pins.

[0032] According to a characteristic of the invention, the axis of the oblong-shaped lights is substantially parallel to the second adjustment direction.

[0033] According to a characteristic of the invention, the support extends in a main elongation direction, at least one of said pins and / or one of said slots being produced at each of the lateral ends of the support relative to said main elongation direction, with the at least one slot or pin which is interposed between an orifice capable of receiving a second end of a low wall and a side wall of the support.

[0034] The main elongation direction of the support is the direction of the tilting axis around which the support is caused to tilt within the light module.

[0035] The support has the shape of a frame with walls facing each other which carry the orifices and the notches, these walls being connected to each other at their lateral ends by a lateral wall which carries studs forming the tilting member of the support. The fact of having a pin / light assembly of the connecting device which is included between an orifice and a lateral wall of the support makes it possible to stiffen the frame of the support. In the event of force on the stud and the lateral wall of the support, it is the stud of the connecting device which is able to absorb the forces rather than the frame of the support.

[0036] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light unit is formed in two parts in which said at least one light source is housed when said parts are assembled, each of the parts cooperating with the support and being linked to each other, at least one of said parts comprising a light and / or a pin configured to cooperate with a light and / or a pin of the support.

[0037] According to a characteristic of the invention, the first part of the light unit is formed by means of reflecting the light rays and the second part of this light unit is formed by a radiator, it being understood that this could be reversed without departing from the context of the invention.

[0038] According to a characteristic of the invention, each wall is connected to the light unit with the first end of the wall which is engaged on each of the parts forming the light unit.

[0039] According to a characteristic of the invention, the support extends between the projection lens and the light unit with a front end edge facing the projection lens and a rear end edge facing the light unit. The end edge in which the notches are formed for receiving the walls and facilitating the assembly of the light module is the rear end edge.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method of assembling a light module conforming to any one of the aforementioned characteristics, the light unit of the light module being formed of a first part and a second part intended to be secured to each other so as to define an internal volume in which at least said at least one light source and the walls are housed, the assembly method implementing: - at least a first step during which the walls are connected by their second end to the support in the orifices formed in the support so that the walls are pivotally mounted in said orifices around their front pivot axis, this first step being particular in that the walls are inserted into said orifices formed by notches opening onto an end edge of the support by a translational movement perpendicular to said pivot axis; - at least a second step during which the walls are linked by their first end to the first part of the light unit; - at least a third step during which the walls are connected by their first end to the second part of the light unit and during which the first part of the light unit and the second part of the light unit are secured to each other.

[0041] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0042] [Fig. 1] represents a general view of a light module according to the present invention and comprising a housing forming an envelope of the light module and on which a projection lens is fixedly mounted;

[0043] [Fig.2] represents a general view of a light unit housed in the housing of the light module visible in [Fig.l];

[0044] [Fig.3] represents a sectional view of the light unit revealing circulation channels separated from each other by low walls;

[0045] [Fig.4] represents a detailed view of a low wall and a support arranged at a end of the light unit and having notches for receiving the wall;

[0046] [Fig.5] represents a sectional view of the light unit highlighting the arrangement of the wall of [Fig.4] on the one hand to the support and on the other hand to the light unit;

[0047] [Fig.6] is a view of the support alone, making more particularly visible the notches formed on an end edge of the support.

[0048] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art.

[0049] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0050] In the detailed description which follows, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of the light module according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction of advance of a vehicle equipped with the light module, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a reference frame L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular, in a horizontal plane, to the direction of advance of the vehicle equipped with the light module, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the reference frame L, V, T and this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis V of the reference frame L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.

[0051] [Fig. 1] represents a light module 2 intended to equip a motor vehicle to provide, in the embodiment shown, a light lighting function. This function is performed along an optical axis 100 of the light module 2. This optical axis 100 is notably visible in [Fig. 3]. The light module 2 comprises a housing 4 forming an envelope in which a light unit is housed, which will be described in more detail in connection with [Fig. 2]. This housing 4 is formed from a polymer material or a metallic material. The housing 4 is intended to be housed in a headlight of a motor vehicle and for this purpose has fixing means not shown here. It should be noted that in another embodiment of the invention, the housing 4 of the light module 2 is intended to di- directly embed itself in the bodywork of a motor vehicle.

[0052] The housing 4 is formed of an upper part 6 and a lower part 8 secured to each other by holding means 10. These holding means 10 are formed by first connecting elements 12 produced on the contour of the upper part 6 and second connecting elements 14 produced on the contour of the lower part 8 and complementary to the first connecting elements 12.

[0053] The light module 2 comprises a projection lens 16 housed in the housing 4 at a front face of the housing 4 intended to be turned towards the road. Such a configuration makes it possible, when the light module 2 is directly embedded in the bodywork of the vehicle, to arrange the projection lens 16 in the extension of the bodywork of the motor vehicle.

[0054] It is understood from the above that the projection lens 16 is integral with the housing 4. More specifically, the position of the projection lens 16 is fixed relative to the housing 4 and the inclination of the projection lens 16 relative to the housing 4 cannot be modified. In addition, the housing 4 is fixed relative to the projector in which the light module 2 is housed or relative to the body of the vehicle when the light module 2 is directly connected to the latter.

[0055] [Fig. 2] represents a light unit 18 housed in the housing 4. The light unit 18 forms an enclosure in which are housed at least light sources, not shown here, capable of generating a light function, in particular a lighting function, to ensure visibility of the road by the users of the vehicle in particular in conditions of extreme darkness. These light sources generate light rays constituting said light function emitted from the light unit 18 in the direction of the projection lens 16.

[0056] The light unit 18 is associated with an adjustment device which makes it possible to modify the position of the light unit within the housing 4 of the light module, and therefore to modify the position of the light unit relative to the fixed projection lens 16. In particular, the light unit is movable relative to the projection lens 16 in a first adjustment direction and in a second adjustment direction. In the example illustrated, the first adjustment direction corresponds to a vertical adjustment direction and the second adjustment direction corresponds to a lateral adjustment direction.

[0057] As seen in [Fig. 2], the light unit 18 is formed in two parts, a first part 20 and a second part 22 secured to each other by means of at least one fixing element 24, which here has the form of elastic snap-fastening means. In the example illustrated, the fixing element 24 is formed of a lug 26 made in the second part 22 of the light unit 18 and an elastically deformable tab 28, made in the first part 20, to come engaged on the lug 26. It is understood that the position of the lug and the tab on the first and second parts could be interchanged and that other fixing elements, such as screwing means for example, could be implemented without departing from the context of the invention.

[0058] The first part 20 of the light unit 18 comprises a plurality of collectors 30 configured to collect the light rays emitted by at least one light source and direct them towards the projection lens 16.

[0059] The second part 22 of the light unit 18 comprises heat dissipating elements 32 making it possible to evacuate the heat generated within the light unit 18, for example, by the light sources, and more broadly by a printed circuit board housed in the light unit 18 and comprising a plurality of electronic components participating in the operation of the light unit 18.

[0060] The light module also comprises a plurality of walls 34, of which only one end 38, hereinafter called the second end 38, is visible in [Fig. 2], each of these walls 34 being configured to delimit at least one circulation channel 35 of a portion of the light rays emitted by one of the light sources. More specifically, the light module 2 comprises a plurality of circulation channels 35 which are delimited by at least one wall 34, the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 of the light unit 18. In the embodiment shown, the light module 2 comprises three walls 34 participating in delimiting four circulation channels 35. Each circulation channel 35 allows the light rays emitted by the light sources to circulate to the projection lens 16.

[0061] Each wall 34 is, as will be described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, secured by a first end 36 to the light unit 18 and by a second end 38 to a support 40. The support 40 is an element of the light module 2 pivotally mounted relative to the housing 4, and therefore relative to the projection lens 16 and configured to support the light unit 18.

[0062] The support 40 extends in a main elongation direction which in the embodiment shown in [Fig.2] is substantially parallel to the axis T. The support 40 has a frame shape with an upper wall 42 and a lower wall 44 connected at their ends by side walls. The upper wall 42 and the lower wall 44 are opposite each other and each extend mainly in said main elongation direction of the support 40, facing each other.

[0063] The upper wall 42 and the lower wall 44 of the support 40 are connected to each of the ends of the support 40 defined with respect to the main elongation direction by side walls which each carry a tilting element 46. It is understood that the support 40 comprises two tilting elements 46, one at each lateral end of the support 40, each tilting element 46 taking the form of a stud which extends from the corresponding side wall towards the outside of the frame forming the support 40. The studs forming these tilting elements 46 are aligned with respect to each other so as to define a tilting axis 48 around which the support 40 and the light unit 18 are able to pivot, when the tilting elements are engaged between the upper part 6 and the lower part 8 of the housing 4.

[0064] More particularly, as can be seen in [Fig. 3], the tilting elements 46 are respectively engaged between a first fixing lug 50 secured to the upper part 6 of the housing 4 and a second fixing lug 51 secured to the lower part 8 of the housing 4.The second fixing lugs 51 form a stop against transverse movement of the support, by coming against the side wall of the support, and a stop against longitudinal movement, that is to say in the direction of the fixed projection lens, and against vertical movement, by forming with the first fixing lugs a cylindrical sheath for receiving the tilting elements. The fixing lugs 50, 51 are thus configured to form a pivot connection for each tilting element 46, so as to allow the movement of the support 40 only in rotation around the tilting axis 48.

[0065] As mentioned previously, the support 40 supports the light unit 18. For this purpose, the light module 2 comprises a connecting device between the support 40 and the light unit 18. The connecting device makes it possible in particular to make the light unit 18 and the support 40 integral during the movement of the light unit in the first adjustment direction.

[0066] The pivoting of the support about the tilting axis 48 allows a movement of the light unit 18 in the first adjustment direction. In particular, the light unit 18 then also pivots about the tilting axis. The distance between the projection lens 16 and the light unit 18, in particular the collectors 30, remains substantially identical, because the tilting axis 48 is close to the projection lens 16, for example at a distance of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm.

[0067] The connecting device also allows a degree of freedom of the light unit 18 relative to the support 40 during movement of the light unit in the second adjustment direction. This connecting device will be described more particularly below.

[0068] [Fig. 3] represents a sectional view of the light module 2 making it possible to highlight the circulation channels 35 delimited by the walls 34 as well as light sources 58 associated with collectors 30 to direct the light rays emitted by the light sources 58 in the direction of the projection lens 16. More specifically, this [Fig. 3] makes it possible to highlight the fact that the walls 34 are linked on the one hand to the light unit 18 and on the other hand to the support 40.

[0069] It should be noted that the description which follows and which is specific to a wall 34 of the plurality of walls 34 applies mutatis mutandis to each wall 34. As mentioned previously, the walls 34 are connected by their first end 36 to the light unit 18 and by their second end 38 to the support 40.

[0070] More particularly, at the first end 36 of the wall 34, the wall 34 is housed in the light unit 18 and more specifically in a housing made in the first part 20 of the light unit 18 and in the second part 22 of the light unit 18. As will be described in more detail in [Fig. 4], the first end 36 has fingers which can be housed in complementary shaped orifices made in each of the parts of the light unit so as to block the longitudinal and transverse translational movement of the wall 34 relative to the light unit 18, and the fact of being engaged between each of the parts 20, 22 forming the light unit 18 blocks the vertical movement of the wall 34. The fingers have a circular shape so that the wall 34 can pivot relative to the light unit around a rear pivot axis 74' formed by the alignment of the fingers arranged at this first end 36 of the wall.In particular, the rear pivot axis 74' of each wall 34 is formed by the first end 36 of the walls 34.

[0071] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate more particularly the connection of the second end 38 of the wall 34 with the support 40, and in particular the characteristic of the invention according to which the support 40 comprises orifices configured to receive this second end 38 of a wall 34, at least some of these orifices being open on an end edge 72 of the support 40 to allow insertion of the second end 38 of the wall into this orifice with a translational movement without it being necessary to separate the walls forming the frame of the support 40 from each other.

[0072] The walls 34 comprise a central portion 60 extending in a main elongation plane which, in the embodiment shown and in the nominal adjustment position, extends parallel to the longitudinal L and vertical V axes. This central portion 60 may have a specific coating for guiding the light in the circulation channel that the wall helps to delimit. The central portion 60 is extended, in a direction parallel to the main elongation plane of this central portion 60, by end portions 61. Each end portion 61, whether that associated with the first end 36 or the second end 38 of the wall, comprises fingers 62 which extend vertically beyond the central portion 60, to form a projection capable of being inserted into a suitable housing on the light unit 18 or the support 40.

[0073] Among the fingers 62 that each wall 34 comprises, the walls 34 comprise at their first end 36 at least one first finger 64 intended to come house in a housing made in the first part 20 or the second part 22 of the light unit 18. Advantageously, two first fingers 64 extend on either side of this end portion 61.

[0074] Among the fingers 62 that each wall 34 comprises, the walls 34 comprise at their second end 38 at least one second finger 66 intended to be housed in orifices 68 made in the support 40.

[0075] According to the invention, and as is also visible in [Fig. 6], the support 40 comprises, among the orifices 68 made in the support 40 and intended to receive the second fingers 66, at least one notch 70. The notch 70 is made in the upper wall 42 of the support 40 and / or in the lower wall 44 of the support 40. In the example illustrated, notches 70 are formed in each of the walls of the support, but it should be noted that the advantage of positioning the second end of the wall in the support by an insertion not requiring the walls of the support to be separated from each other would also be achieved with notches made in only one of the walls of the support and non-opening orifices formed in the other wall of the support.

[0076] More specifically, each wall 42, 44 of the support 40 has an internal face and an external face, facing away from the other wall, these faces extending between a front end face 71, longitudinally delimiting the support and oriented towards the projection lens 16 when the light module is assembled, and an end edge 72 oriented towards the light sources 58, which can also be called a rear end edge.

[0077] The notch 70 is configured such that the orifice 68 intended to receive the second finger 66 of the wall opens onto the end edge 72. This end edge 72 thus has a cutout with a passage giving access to the receiving orifice of the wall. Considering the transverse dimension, the passage is narrower than the dimension of the receiving orifice so that the shape of the notch helps to form a narrowing neck at the level of said end edge 72. In other words, the passage section SI, referenced in [Fig.6], for a finger of the wall at the level of the end edge 72 is less than the available space S2 at the center of the receiving orifice and therefore less than the dimension of the finger of the wall. This configuration of the passage sections SI, S2 involves forcibly housing one of the second fingers 66 in the notch 70, by elastically deforming the edges delimiting the cutout in the end edge.

[0078] More particularly, when a second finger 66 is introduced into the notch 70, the edges defining the passage section SI at the end edge 72 deform so as to allow the introduction of said finger into the notch 70. Then, by the effect of the elastic return force, the material of the support resumes its shape. original and the passage section SI at the end edge 72 resumes its original dimension while maintaining the second finger 66 in the notch 70.

[0079] This embodiment with a narrowing neck which involves snap-fitting the wall within the orifices is useful for maintaining the wall in position relative to the support during assembly, by defining a position without play of the finger of the wall in the notch.

[0080] As has been mentioned, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support 40 comprises a notch 70 arranged in accordance with the above on one of the walls 42, 44 of the support 40 and a hole arranged on the other wall 42, 44 of the support 40.

[0081] This hole is, unlike the notch 70, entirely bordered by a peripheral edge so that it does not open onto the end edge 72 which therefore extends continuously from one lateral end to the other of the support.

[0082] It is understood from the above that, in the example illustrated, for fixing a low wall 34, the support 40 comprises two orifices 68, one made on the upper wall 42 and the other made on the lower wall 44 of the support 40 such that these orifices 68 are opposite each other.

[0083] Thus, when the wall 34 is secured to the support 40 by the cooperation of the second fingers 66 and the orifices 68, the wall 34 is able to pivot about a front pivot axis 74. More particularly, each wall 34 secured to the support 40 is able to pivot about a front pivot axis 74. The front pivot axis 74 of each wall 34 is formed by the second end 38 of the walls 34.

[0084] The set of front 74 and rear 74' pivot axes thus formed are parallel to each other. It should be noted that the end edge 72 extends in a plane parallel to said pivot axis 74, so that the wall 34 can be inserted into the orifices 68 by a translational movement perpendicular to this pivot axis.

[0085] Furthermore, the distance between the front pivot axis 74 and the rear pivot axis 74' is identical for each of the walls. When considering two walls, the projection of the front pivot axes 74 and the rear pivot axes 74' in a plane perpendicular to these front and rear pivot axes then form a parallelogram. Furthermore, the walls 34 are parallel to the optical axis 100 when the light unit 18 is in a middle position, also called the nominal position, i.e. before the light unit 18 is moved in the second adjustment direction. This specific arrangement of the front pivot axes 74 and rear pivot axes 74' thus makes it possible to move the light unit in the second adjustment direction. This second adjustment direction is perpendicular to the front pivot axes 74 and rear pivot axes 74', and substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 100.

[0086] More particularly, the walls 34 are parallel to the longitudinal direction L when the light unit 18 is in the nominal position. This specific arrangement of the front 74 and rear 74' pivot axes thus allows the second adjustment direction to coincide with a substantially transverse direction T.

[0087] It should be noted that the light unit 18 does not have a rotational movement as a whole when it is moved in the second adjustment direction, namely during lateral adjustment. Only the walls 34 are pivotable. The movement induced for the light unit 18 is a circular translation, that is to say a translation along a circular trajectory, without the angular orientation of the light unit 18 relative to the projection lens 16 changing during this movement. The shape of the pins 52 and the lights 54 of the connecting device makes it possible to accompany this circular translation movement.

[0088] It should also be noted that the maximum pivot angle of the walls 34 is sufficiently small so that the circular translational movement of the light unit 18 can be assimilated to a rectilinear translational movement in the transverse direction. Thus, during the movement of the light unit in the second adjustment direction, the projection lens 16 is not defocused relative to the light unit 16. For example, the pivot angle of the walls is less than 15°, preferably less than 5°, relative to the median position, also called the nominal position, of the walls 34, defined when the walls are parallel to the optical axis 100, and in the example illustrated to the longitudinal direction L.

[0089] The wall 34 comprises, at each of the first and second ends 36, 38, a shoulder 76 formed at the base of the finger 62 and intended to come into abutment against the support 40 when the shoulder 76 is at the level of the second end 38 of the wall or into abutment against the light unit 18 when the shoulder 76 is formed at the level of the first end 36 of the wall 34. This shoulder 76 makes it possible to ensure the position of the wall 34 in the direction of the pivot axis or the pivot axis.

[0090] At the level of the support 40, the shoulders 76 formed at the base of the two second fingers 66 are opposite the internal faces of the walls of the support.

[0091] As mentioned previously, the light module 2 comprises a connecting device between the support 40 and the light unit 18. In the embodiment notably represented by [Fig. 2], the connecting device is formed by the cooperation of pins 52 made on the support 40 and lights 54 made on the light unit 18. It should be noted that the distribution of the pins 52 and the lights 54 on the support 40 and on the light unit 18 as presented is not limiting of the invention. Also, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pins 52 could be made on the light unit 18 and / or on the support 40 and the lights on the support 40 and / or on the light unit 18 since the cooperation of the pins 52 and the lights 54 makes it possible to make the support 40 and the light unit 18 integral in tilting relative to the housing 4.

[0092] Although this is not visible in [Fig.2] or in [Fig.4], the pins 52 are distributed on the upper wall 42 of the support 40 and on the lower wall 44 of the support 40. More specifically, the pins 52 are distributed on external faces of the upper and lower walls 42, 44, that is to say on the faces which are turned away from the other wall. The pins 52 are configured to form a projection of the support 40 over a height substantially equal to the thickness of the first part 20 or of the second part 22 of the light unit 18 in which these pins are housed.

[0093] The lights 54 are distributed over the first part 20 and over the second part 22 of the light unit 18. When assembling the light module 2, the parts of the light unit are positioned successively on the support so as to house the pins 52 made on the support 40 in the lights 54. When positioning the second part, the first and second parts 20, 22 are fixed to each other by means of the fixing element 24 previously mentioned so as to make the assembly formed by the support 40 and the first and second parts 20, 22 of the light unit 18 integral.

[0094] The pins 52 have an elongated shape whose elongation axis is substantially parallel to the lateral adjustment direction of the light unit. This elongation axis may be inclined relative to the direction of the tilting axis 48 by an angle strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 20°, in particular to take into account the fact that the tilting axis is not necessarily parallel to the second direction consisting of the lateral adjustment direction.

[0095] The elongated shape of the pins 52 serves to increase the retaining surface of the parts of the light unit 18 relative to each other. It should be noted that the position of the light unit 18 is ensured by the narrowing neck formed by a notch 70 which makes it possible to retain the second end of the wall 34 in the corresponding orifice 68 and that the cooperation of the pins 52 and the lights 54 serves as a retaining device in the event of unwanted unclipping. It is thus notable that the pins 52 are not in contact with the edges delimiting the corresponding lights, a clearance making it possible to reduce the friction of the system.

[0096] The lights 54 have an oblong shape complementary to the shape of the pins 52. A complementary oblong shape is understood to mean that the small dimension of the oblong shape is substantially the same as the small dimension of the elongated shape of the pins 52, the pins 52 having a degree of freedom in translation along the large dimension of the oblong shape. It is understood that to allow this freedom in translation, the angle formed between the axis of elongation of the pins 52 and the tilting axis 48 is equal to the angle formed between an axis of elongation of the oblong shape of the lights 54 and the tilting axis 48.

[0097] In the embodiment shown, the connecting device comprises four pins 52 at the level of the upper wall 42 and four complementary lights 54, and an equivalent number of pins at the level of the lower wall 44, but it should be noted that this number could vary without departing from the context of the invention, since the position of the light unit 18 relative to the support is ensured in accordance with what has been described, namely a drive of the light unit 18 in the event of tilting of the support 40 for a vertical adjustment in particular and a degree of freedom left in translation to allow a lateral sliding of the light unit relative to the support 40.

[0098] The pins 52 produced on the same wall 42, 44 of the support 40 are spaced from each other, the spacing between the pins being able to be regular and of a constant distance DI. The value of this distance, and therefore the number of pins 52, is determined in particular as a function of the material chosen to produce the light unit in order to ensure that the walls 20, 21 of the light unit can absorb the stresses exerted during the tilting drive of the support on the light unit 18.

[0099] Among the pins 52 of the connecting device, a pin 52 is preferably arranged at each end of the support 40 in the main elongation direction of the support 40, as close as possible to the side wall carrying the tilting element 46. Such an arrangement of the pins 52 makes it possible to limit the bending of the support 40 as much as possible. This preferential configuration is notably visible in [Fig.2] and [Fig.6].

[0100] As mentioned, the light module 2 comprises an adjustment device formed, in the embodiment shown, of a lateral adjustment means, not shown here, and of a vertical adjustment means 56.

[0101] The vertical adjustment means 56 makes it possible to generate a movement of the light unit in the first adjustment direction. In particular, the vertical adjustment means 56 makes it possible to pivot relative to the housing 4 the assembly formed by the support 40 and the light unit 18 around the tilting axis 48, by pushing or pulling on an area of ​​the light unit arranged longitudinally opposite the support 40 and the tilting axis 48. Thus, by means of the vertical adjustment means 56, the user of the motor vehicle or even an operator assembling the light module 2 can adjust the light function emitted by the light module 2.

[0102] The lateral adjustment means makes it possible to generate a movement of the light unit 18 in the second adjustment direction. In particular, the vertical adjustment means makes it possible to translate the light unit 18 relative to the housing 4. The movement translation of the light unit 18 is a circular translation movement, that is to say a translation along a circular trajectory. More particularly, as explained above, this circular translation movement can be likened to a rectilinear translation along a transverse direction. Thus, during lateral adjustment of the light module 2, the light unit 18 is driven in displacement in a substantially transverse direction, substantially parallel to the axis T, by the lateral adjustment means. The displacement of the light unit 18 follows a curved trajectory due to the connection of the walls at the level of the support 40 and a pivot axis of these walls formed by the cooperation of fingers of the wall with appropriate orifices of the support, as will be detailed in figures 4 and 5 in particular.

[0103] At this stage, it should be noted that the complementary shape of the pins 52 and the lights 54 allows, when the assembly formed by the light unit 18 and the support 40 is driven in rotation around the tilting axis 48 by the vertical adjustment means 56, the light unit 18 to accompany the support 40.

[0104] During lateral adjustment, the support 40 is constrained by the fixing lugs 50 of the housing 4 and cannot accompany the movement of the light unit 18. As a result, the cooperation between the pins 52 and the lights 54 must tolerate the lateral movement of the light unit 18 relative to the support 40. For this purpose, the oblong shape of the lights 54 extends over an elongation dimension greater than the elongation dimension of the elongated shape of the pins 52. Thus, during lateral adjustment of the light unit 18, the pins 52 are able to move in the lights 54 in a direction which is substantially parallel to the direction of lateral adjustment.

[0105] The specific shape of at least some of the orifices formed in the support 40 to receive the second fingers of the walls 34 makes it possible to implement an assembly of the light module which is simpler for the operator, since he does not have to separate the walls of the support from each other to insert the fingers into their corresponding orifices.

[0106] The operator must firstly connect the walls 34, at their second end 38, to the support 40 and then in a second and third time connect these walls to the parts of the light unit which are attached to each other while trapping the support to form the tilting axis. The two parts of the light unit are attached to each other by making the pins 52 and the lights 54 of the connecting device cooperate.

[0107] The specific support according to the invention makes it possible to simplify the first step, insofar as the operator only has to perform one translational movement to position the second ends of the walls in the orifices. The translation is done in a single direction, perpendicular to the direction of the tilting axis 76. The elastic deformation of the support at the level of the passage section of the notch in the end edge 72 is easily done, in the continuity of the insertion movement by translation, without it being necessary to make another movement to separate the walls from each other.

[0108] The present invention achieves the aim it set for itself by proposing a light module whose projection lens is fixed relative to a housing and whose light unit is capable of changing orientation, with means for assembling this light unit which are simple to implement. The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Claims

1. Light module (2) for a motor vehicle comprising - a housing (4); - a projection lens (16) fixed relative to the housing (4); - a light unit (18) in which at least one light source (58) is housed, light rays emitted by the at least one light source (58) being able to be projected by the projection lens (16) along an optical axis (100) of the light module (2), the light unit being movable relative to the projection lens (16) along a first adjustment direction and a second adjustment direction; - a support (40) supporting the light unit (18) and pivotally mounted about a tilting axis (48) relative to the projection lens (16), to allow movement of the light unit along the first adjustment direction; - a plurality of low walls (34) each connected by a first end (36) to the light unit (18) and by a second end (38) to the support (40), the low walls (34) being configured to delimit at least one circulation channel (35) of the light rays emitted by said at least one light source (58) in the direction of the projection lens (16), and the first end (36) of each of the low walls (34) being pivotally mounted relative to the light unit (18) around a rear pivot axis (74'), and the second end (38) of each of the walls (34) being pivotally mounted relative to the support (40) around a front pivot axis (74), the front pivot axes (74) and the rear pivot axes (74') being parallel to each other, and the distances between the front pivot axis (74) and the rear pivot axis (74') for each of the walls (34) being identical, the front pivot axes (74) and the rear pivot axes (74') allowing movement of the light unit in the second adjustment direction, perpendicular to the front pivot axes (74) and rear pivot axes (74'), and substantially perpendicular to the optical axis (100), the support (40) comprising orifices (68) configured to receive the second end (38) of said walls (34), said orifices (68) comprising at least one notch (70) open on an end edge (72) of the support (40).

2. A light module (2) according to claim 1, wherein the support (40) comprises a tilting element (46) at each lateral end of the support (40), the tilting elements being aligned so as to define the tilting axis (48).

3. A light module (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notch (70) is arranged in the support (40) so as to form a narrowing neck at said end edge (72).

4. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the orifices (68) configured to receive the second end (38) of the wall (34) comprise two notches (70) arranged in walls (42, 44) opposite the support (40).

5. A light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the walls (34) comprise a central portion (60) extending in a main elongation plane, between the first end (36) and the second end (38), and fingers (62) projecting from the central portion (60) in a direction parallel to the direction of the front (74) and rear (74') pivot axes.

6. Light module (2) according to claim 5, in which the walls (34) comprise at their first end (36) at least one first finger (64) configured to be housed in a housing made in the light unit (18), and at their second end (38) at least one second finger (66), the second finger (66) being configured to be housed in the at least one notch (70).

7. A light module (2) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the walls (34) comprise at least one shoulder (76) between a finger (62) and the central portion (60) at one and / or the other of the first and second ends (36, 38) of the wall (34), the shoulder (76) being configured to constrain the movement of the wall (34) relative to the support (40) in at least one direction.

8. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a connecting device between the support (40) and the light unit (18), the connecting device being configured to make the light unit (18) and the support (40) integral during the movement of the light unit in the first adjustment direction and to allow a degree of freedom of the light unit (18) relative to the support (40) during the movement of the light unit in the second adjustment direction.

9. A light module according to claim 8, wherein the device connection comprises at least two pins (52) arranged on the support (40) and / or on the light unit (18) and at least two lights (54) arranged on the support (40) and / or on the light unit (18), said pins (52) being intended to be housed in said lights (54).

10. Light module (2) according to claim 9, wherein said lights (54) have an oblong shape configured to cooperate with the shape of said pins (52).

11. Light module (2) according to claim 10, wherein the axis of the oblong-shaped lights (54) is substantially parallel to the second adjustment direction.

12. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, in which the support (40) extends in a main elongation direction, at least one of said pins (52) and / or one of said lights (54) being produced at each of the lateral ends of the support (40) relative to said main elongation direction, with the at least one light or pin which is interposed between an orifice (68) capable of receiving a second end (38) of a wall and a lateral wall of the support (40).

13. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the light unit (18) is formed in two parts (20, 22) in which said at least one light source (58) is housed when said parts (20, 22) are assembled, each of the parts (20, 22) cooperating with the support (40) and being linked to each other, at least one of said parts (20, 22) comprising a light (54) and / or a pin (52) configured to cooperate with a light (54) and / or a pin (52) of the support (40).

14. A light module (2) according to claim 13, wherein each wall (34) is connected to the light unit (18) with the first end (36) of the wall (34) being engaged on each of the parts (20, 22) forming the light unit (18).

15. A method of assembling a light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the light unit (18) of the light module (2) being formed of a first part (20) and a second part (22) intended to be secured to each other so as to define an internal volume in which at least said at least one light source (58) and the walls (34) are housed, the assembly method implementing: - at least a first step during which the walls (34) are linked by their second end (38) to the support (40) in the orifices (68, 70) formed in the support (40) so that the walls (34) are pivotally mounted in said orifices around their front pivot axis (74), this first step being particular in that the walls (34) are inserted into said orifices formed by notches opening onto an end edge (72) of the support by a translational movement perpendicular to said pivot axis (74); - at least a second step during which the walls (34) are linked by their first end (36) to the first part (20) of the light unit (18); - at least a third step during which the walls (34) are connected by their first end (36) to the second part (22) of the light unit (18) and during which the first part (20) of the light unit (18) and the second part (22) of the light unit (18) are secured to each other.

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