Light subunit of a light unit for a mobile motor vehicle in isolation.

Abstract

Title of the invention: Light subunit of a light unit movable in isolation. The present invention relates to a light subunit (24, 26) of a light unit (18), the light subunit (24, 26) comprising a projection lens (36) extending along a principal elongation direction, a printed circuit board (40) on which is housed at least one light source and at least one reflecting device (38) configured to direct light rays emitted by the at least one light source towards the projection lens (36) along a principal propagation axis (42), characterized in that the reflecting device (38) as a whole is rotationally movable relative to the projection lens (36) about a front pivot axis (48) extending perpendicularly to the principal elongation direction of the projection lens (36) and perpendicularly to the principal propagation axis (42) of the light rays. (Figure 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Light subunit of a light unit for an isolated mobile motor vehicle.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of light modules, and in particular to light modules intended for use in motor vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to means for automatically or manually adjusting the orientation of light sources arranged within these modules, and in particular within light subunits of these modules, to enable the creation of an adaptive light beam.

[0002] Vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles, are commonly equipped with headlights that generate various lighting functions, including lighting functions to illuminate the roadway on which the motor vehicle is traveling. Among these lighting functions, there is a long-range lighting function that generates a beam of light known as "high beams" and illuminates the roadway when other road users are absent, and a medium-range lighting function that generates a beam of light known as "low beams" and illuminates the roadway while limiting the risk of dazzling other road users.

[0003] To achieve this, the headlights of motor vehicles are equipped with light modules in which light units each comprise at least one light subunit, each comprising a light source configured to emit light rays, optical elements associated with said at least one light source to collect and direct 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 outwards from the headlight and the motor vehicle, forming a regulatory light beam adapted to the performance of the light function.

[0004] It is known to have, within a light module, a light unit with a plurality of light subunits, whose function is to produce a portion of a lighting beam. The activation of several of these subunits allows the desired function to be achieved. This is notably due to the fact that lighting beams must comply with various regulatory constraints regarding shape, intensity, and flux distribution, and that it is advantageous in this context to have light subunits that form complementary portions of the beam. For example, it is known to have, in order to intensify the luminous flux at the center of a "high beam" type light beam, a light subunit in responsible for producing a very high intensity spot, which is projected into the center of the beam otherwise projected by a basic projection device.

[0005] The moderate-range lighting function conventionally includes a cutoff to limit the range of the beam of said moderate-range lighting function and prevent light from dazzling an oncoming driver. The corresponding beam cutoff edge conventionally includes a raised section, substantially centered on the optical axis, which delimits a lower cutoff, intended to illuminate the oncoming lane and configured to minimize dazzling drivers of vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, and an upper cutoff, on the other side of the raised section, intended to illuminate the lane directly in front of the vehicle implementing this lighting function further ahead. It is understood that, depending on the geographical location of the motor vehicle and the associated direction of travel, the lower and upper cutoff edges of this cutoff edge can be arranged on one side or the other of the raised section.

[0006] This type of cutoff beam can, as mentioned above, be produced jointly by a first light subunit, known by the English term "fiat," which generates a broad and diffuse portion of the cutoff beam, and by a second light subunit, which generates a sharp, intense, and centered portion of the cutoff beam, including the jump. Thus, the second light subunit can be considered as responsible for producing a beam that is projected at the center of the beam otherwise projected by a basic projection device formed by the first light subunit. The cut made by the second light subunit at the center of the beam is extended by the cut made by the first light subunit, which must be aligned with the lower end of the jump formed by the second light subunit.

[0007] The lighting functions, and in particular the illumination functions, must be properly adjusted to provide optimal road illumination and to limit glare for other road users. These adjustments can be made on the vehicle when it is stationary, for example on the assembly line or in a repair shop, or they can be made automatically while the vehicle is in motion or when it is started, based on information obtained from sensors on board the vehicle. In particular, these adjustments may consist of a beam height adjustment, which aims to tilt the light module around a horizontal axis, so as to project the light beam further or less far onto the road, and, for example, to adapt to an unusual vehicle load.These adjustments can also consist of creating an adaptive lighting beam, known in particular by the English acronym DBL for "Dynamic Bending Light", which . allows the light module to be rotated around a substantially vertical axis, so as to accompany the motor vehicle during a change of trajectory by modifying the lateral orientation of the lighting beam towards the new trajectory of the motor vehicle.

[0008] The light beam can thus be adjusted to have both vertical and lateral movement. The vertical movement is useful for taking into account the vehicle's attitude, which varies from one vehicle category to another and according to the vehicle's load, and for directing the light beam to avoid dazzling an occupant of an oncoming vehicle. The lateral movement is useful for adjusting the beam pattern between two light units, ensuring proper alignment of the light beam with the vehicle's axis and, where applicable, as mentioned above, allowing the light beam to follow the vehicle during a change of trajectory.

[0009] Furthermore, for reasons of space or aesthetics, it may be desirable to have a projection lens that remains fixed during vertical and / or lateral adjustment of the light beam. Implementing adaptive lighting functions and beam leveling means in this context of a fixed projection lens is then particularly complicated, since it is necessary to ensure that at least one light source and the optical elements remain, relative to the projection lens, in a position that allows the desired lighting function to be achieved. Implementing an adaptive lighting function can be particularly problematic within a lighting unit with a fixed projection lens, since it is necessary to ensure that the required movement of the optical elements is possible within the housing of the lighting module associated with this fixed projection lens..

[0010] In this context, the present invention relates to a luminous subunit of a luminous unit intended to be housed in a luminous module for a motor vehicle, the luminous subunit comprising: - a projection lens extending along a principal elongation direction, - a printed circuit board on which at least one light source is housed, and - at least one device for reflecting light rays emitted by at least one light source, the reflecting device comprising at least one reflector configured to direct the light rays towards the projection lens along a principal propagation axis, characterized in that the reflecting device is rotationally movable as a whole relative to the projection lens about a front pivot axis extending perpendicularly to the principal elongation direction of the lens projection and perpendicular to the main axis of propagation of the light rays.

[0011] The light subunit is an element of the light unit intended to generate, at least in part, a single light function at a given instant. More precisely, the light subunit can participate in the realization of one or more light functions, possibly in combination with other light subunits arranged within the light unit, by realizing a part of said light functions.

[0012] Within this light subunit, the projection lens is configured to optically process the light beam generated by the light source and directed towards the projection lens by the reflector, and to project onto the road scene a beam adapted to perform the desired lighting function. It is understood that the projection lens is a transparent surface intended to perform optical processing of the light rays, said projection lens being intended to process only the light rays emitted by the light subunit.The projection lens associated with the light subunit, within a light unit comprising a plurality of light subunits, may be separate from the other projection lenses or form with them a single projection block, it being understood that each projection lens only processes the light rays emitted by the corresponding light subunit.

[0013] According to the invention, the reflecting device is rotatable as a whole relative to the projection lens. The rotatable portion is not formed from a part of the reflecting device but rather from the entire device itself. In the case of the invention, where the reflecting device comprises a reflector positioned opposite the light source and a connecting portion located downstream of the ray path relative to the reflector, between this reflector and the projection lens, both the reflector and the connecting portion are rotated relative to the projection lens when the light subunit is adjusted.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the light subunit is configured such that a focal point of the reflecting device, and in particular a focal point of the reflecting means within this reflecting device, is positioned substantially at the center of the projection lens associated with the reflecting device in the light subunit. In particular, the reflector of this reflecting device may take an ellipsoidal shape with two foci, with a first focal point at which the light source is positioned and a second focal point here positioned substantially at the center of the projection lens. Regardless of the position of the reflecting device, the overall movement of the reflecting device ensures that this focal point, or second focal point, remains positioned substantially at the center of the lens. projection. In other words, the center of rotation of the reflecting device as a whole is such that the second focus remains positioned substantially at the center of the projection lens during this rotation.

[0015] Thus, when it is desired to give a lateral orientation to the beam projected onto the road from the output of the light module equipped with the light subunit according to the invention, the entire reflecting device is rotated while the projection lens remains fixed, thereby resulting in a reflector that changes its orientation relative to the lens. This facilitates the achievement of the desired lighting function, regardless of the lateral orientation given to the propagation of the light rays in the reflecting device, and particularly in a context where the reflecting device can also be pivoted around a horizontal axis for leveling control of the projected light beam.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the front pivot axis extends through the projection lens or is flush with the projection lens. In other words, the front pivot axis, which defines the axis of rotation of the entire reflecting device and the light source relative to the lens, is positioned as close as possible to the projection lens, taking into account the space constraints of the projector in which the light unit equipped with this light subunit is inserted.

[0017] The reflecting device and the front pivot axis are configured so that during the overall rotation of the reflecting device, the rays propagating within the reflecting device along the main propagation axis can pass mostly as close as possible to the center of the lens, so as to disturb the optical function as little as possible despite the fact that the source and the reflector are pivoted for the adaptive beam function and that the lens is kept fixed.

[0018] In other words, by positioning the front pivot axis as close as possible to a focal point of the rays on the projection lens, the light rays are directed precisely to the center of the lens, in an area where the light rays are not bent, so that an inclination of the rays of X° to the left or right of the optical axis of the lens results in a rotation of approximately X° to the left or right around the front pivot axis. Lateral movement can thus be controlled. In a case where the pivot axis is too far from the lens, the rays deflected by the reflector when it has pivoted strike the lens with an offset from the center of the lens, which has the effect of bending them.Since the optical properties of the lens cause the rays to bend more towards the optical axis, a rotation of Y° is required, a value greater than the X° value needed for the ray inclination to achieve the adaptive beam function.

[0019] As mentioned, this front pivot axis extends, according to the invention, through the projection lens or flush with it. It should be noted that "flush with the projection lens" means that the front pivot axis is as close as possible to the projection lens. In other words, the front pivot axis may be very slightly offset from the projection lens to allow for its operation, but this distance between the front pivot axis and the projection lens is less than or equal to 15 mm, preferably less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0020] According to the invention and this particular design of the light subunit, the pivoting of the light subunit can be controlled, particularly for adaptive lighting functions that require lateral displacement of the projected beam, for example, during a turn, which is specific to the light subunit. In the context of a light unit comprising a plurality of light subunits, the invention allows independent control of the pivoting of each light subunit.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the reflecting device is linked to a frame by forming with said frame at least one front pivot joint, the front pivot axis being formed at the level of said front pivot joint.

[0022] The frame extends parallel to the main elongation direction of the projection lens. In particular, it allows the implementation of two different rotational movements within the light subunit, to allow the moving elements of the light subunit to tilt around a horizontal axis to allow adjustment of the plane of the projected light beam, and to allow the moving elements of the light subunit to pivot around an axis, here the front pivot axis, perpendicular to the main elongation direction of the projection lens and perpendicular to the main propagation axis of the light rays, to allow lateral adjustment of the projected light beam.

[0023] When the light module is mounted on the vehicle, this front pivot axis can be substantially vertical, perpendicular to the horizontal axis along which the projection lens mainly extends.

[0024] In other words, the front pivot joint is configured so that, with the frame connected to the reflector at this front pivot joint, the printed circuit board, the reflector, and the frame are rotationally fixed around a horizontal axis defined by the frame's interaction with the housing of the light module. The frame moves with the reflector and the printed circuit board as they rotate around this horizontal axis. This movement can be achieved by a manual or dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the printed circuit board to be moved, for example, by pushing on it vertically.

[0025] In a context where the frame carries several light subunits, it is then possible to have a simultaneous and identical rotation of all the light subunits around the horizontal axis, by pushing vertically on one and / or the other of the printed circuit boards, whether there is a printed circuit board common to the light subunits or a specific printed circuit board for each light subunit.

[0026] The front pivot joint is also configured so that, with the frame connected to the reflector at this front pivot joint, the printed circuit board and the reflector can pivot around the pivot axis formed by this pivot joint, while the frame remains fixed. Again, this movement can be achieved by a manual or dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the printed circuit board to be moved, for example, by pushing on it laterally.

[0027] In the context mentioned above where the frame carries several light subunits, it is then possible to have an independent pivoting of each of the light subunits around its own front pivoting axis, by pushing laterally on one of the printed circuit boards, when there is a specific printed circuit board for each light subunit.

[0028] According to one feature of the invention, the reflecting device includes a connecting portion interposed between the reflector and the frame.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, the connecting portion comprises a first wall connected to the frame and a second wall also connected to the frame, the first and second walls being connected to the frame on opposite sides of said frame, the first wall being connected to the frame at a first front pivot joint and the second wall being connected to the frame at a second front pivot joint. The first and second walls extend from the frame and are connected to the reflector either directly or via a component, such as guide walls.Connection means are configured between these walls and the frame to allow rotation of the walls, which is integral with the rotation around a horizontal axis. These means also allow the walls, and therefore the entire reflecting device, to rotate relative to the frame around an axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis, referred to here as the front pivot axis or vertical axis. It is understood that the walls are thus connected to the frame via a vertical pivot joint, with this axis being strictly vertical only when the adjustment of the light module around the horizontal axis is at its nominal setting. For example, a finger formed at one free end of at least one of the first and second walls is housed in an opening in the frame with a shape complementary to that of the finger, to form the front pivot joint. Of course, the male / female connection could... to be reversed. The formation of the front pivot joint by an element of the reflecting device allows the latter to be directly mobile relative to the frame. Thus, the number of elements that interact with each other to ensure the pivoting of the reflecting device relative to the projection lens is limited.

[0030] According to one feature of the invention, the connecting portion comprises guide walls that help define a channel for the circulation of light rays emitted by at least one light source along the principal propagation axis. In this way, a single piece is provided, incorporating walls that allow for the implementation of means for rotating the reflecting device around a front pivot axis, and walls that form barriers to prevent light emitted by a light source from propagating towards a projection lens not associated with it. Where applicable, the guide walls are configured to absorb a portion of the light rays that strike them. In particular, the guide walls may be textured or have undulations on their inner face, facing the channel for the circulation of light rays.

[0031] In other words, within the reflection device, the connecting portion allows, via the guide walls, the channeling of the light rays emitted by the light source and directed by the reflector towards the projection lens so that the light rays emitted by the light source do not form parasitic rays at the level of another projection lens and conversely the projection lens is not parasitized by other light rays generated within the light unit.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, the reflector device is rotationally fixed to the printed circuit board around the front pivot axis. In other words, in an application where a printed circuit board is specifically dedicated to the light subunit, this printed circuit board can accompany the rotational movement around the front pivot axis, provided, of course, that the available space allows the printed circuit board to pivot without colliding with other elements of the light module equipped with this light subunit.

[0033] According to one feature of the invention, the reflecting device is movable relative to the printed circuit board around a rear pivot axis, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said printed circuit board and disposed at the point of a focus of the reflecting device, said focus being the focus on which at least one light source is positioned.

[0034] The rear pivot axis allows the pushing movement exerted on the printed circuit board when lateral adjustment is required to be transformed into a rotational movement of the entire reflector device around the front pivot axis, when the light subunit is configured so that the board Printed circuit boards move in translation and do not follow the rotational movement of the entire reflecting device. Positioning this rear pivot axis at the focal point of the reflecting device associated with the light source—that is, the first focal point in the case of an ellipsoidal reflector—ensures that the center of the light source remains in a constant position relative to this first focal point and that the rays remain directed towards the projection lens via the principal propagation axis of the light rays.

[0035] With reference to the foregoing, since the second focus of the reflecting device is centered on the projection lens associated with the reflecting device in the light subunit, it is understood that throughout the rotation of the reflecting device, an arrangement is maintained in which the rays emitted by the light source and reflected and guided by the reflecting device towards the projection lens are made to pass through this projection lens at its center, in a region where the rays are least bent towards the optical axis of the projection lens. As mentioned, one can thus approach a one-to-one (1:1) ratio between an angular deviation of the light beam projected at the output of the light subunit and an angular deviation of the light beam projected for an adaptive lighting function.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, the front pivot axis is parallel to the rear pivot axis. This allows the reflecting device to pivot around the front pivot axis by pushing laterally, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the two pivot axes, on the printed circuit board connected to this reflecting device via the rear pivot axis.

[0037] According to a feature of the invention, the main propagation axis is perpendicular to the front pivot axis and perpendicular to the rear pivot axis.

[0038] According to one feature of the invention, the reflector forms a rear pivot joint with the printed circuit board, the rear pivot axis being formed by said rear pivot joint.

[0039] According to one feature of the invention, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the front pivot axis, the principal propagation axis is movable relative to an optical axis of the projection lens by an angle of inclination between -15° and 15° on either side of said optical axis. Such an angle of inclination makes it possible to modify the orientation of the light function generated by the light subunit in order, for example, to adapt the orientation of the light function to changes in the trajectory of the motor vehicle. As mentioned above, according to the invention, a light subunit can be rotated to achieve a beam orientation projected by + / - 15° without this pivoting being hindered by the presence of an adjacent light subunit, in particular thanks to the fact that the front pivoting axis is as close as possible to the projection lens and that the reflected rays pass through a central portion of the projection lens.

[0040] According to a feature of the invention, the frame is mobile in rotation around a tilting axis extending parallel to the main elongation direction of the projection lens.

[0041] The frame is pivotally mounted relative to the projection lens around the pivot axis, which can extend through the projection lens, such that the vertical orientation of the light function generated by the light subunit can be adjusted, for example, by a vertical adjustment device. Thus, the light subunit comprises a fixed lens and a pivoting frame, which pivots the rest of the light subunit around a horizontal axis, that is, the entire subunit except for the lens, namely here the reflector, the printed circuit board, and the light source.

[0042] According to one feature of the invention, the projection lens is configured to project an image of a reflective surface of the reflector of at least one reflecting device, a focal point of the projection lens being positioned, in a nominal position of the light subunit, in the vicinity of a rear edge of the reflector. More particularly, the first focal point, or object focal point, of the projection lens is located less than 10 mm from the rear edge of the reflector, that is, from the edge furthest from the projection lens.

[0043] The invention also relates to a light module comprising at least one housing in which is housed at least one light subunit according to the present invention.

[0044] According to one feature of the invention, the light module comprises a light unit including a plurality of light subunits juxtaposed side by side, the projection lenses of said light subunits being juxtaposed side by side so as to form a projection element of the light module, each projection lens forming the projection element being associated with a single light subunit. Each projection lens is associated with a single light subunit such that the light unit can comprise a plurality of light subunits, each generating a distinct light function with a different optical treatment of the projection lens.

[0045] This aspect of the present invention is made possible in particular by the lateral movement of each light subunit which can be controlled independently with a fixed projection lens.

[0046] According to one feature of the invention, the projection element extends along a main extension direction and the light module includes the frame which is common to each light subunit, the frame extending mainly parallel to the main extension direction of the projection element.

[0047] The frame extends parallel to the principal elongation direction of the projection lens. As previously mentioned, the frame allows a luminous subunit to be rotated, with the exception of the projection lens, which remains fixed. This rotation is driven around a horizontal axis that is integral with the rotation of the frame, and with a rotational displacement around a vertical axis, or at least parallel to a plane of elongation of the frame, which is specific to the luminous subunit, again with the exception of the projection lens, which remains fixed. Here, the frame is common to each luminous subunit, and it is understood that the luminous module is then configured so that the luminous subunits rotate simultaneously with the frame around a horizontal axis and independently of each other around a vertical axis, or substantially vertical depending on the prior orientation of the frame, specific to each luminous subunit.

[0048] According to one feature of the invention, among the plurality of light subunits, the light module comprises a first light subunit configured to generate a first light function and a second light subunit configured to generate a second light function, the first light function being distinct from the second light function.

[0049] According to one feature of the invention, the first light subunit and the second light subunit are rotationally mobile relative to the projection element independently of each other, around their own pivot axis, each light subunit having its own printed circuit board.

[0050] Each light subunit includes at least one front pivot axis of its own and the opposite end of the movable light subunit is linked to a printed circuit board which is not hindered in its rotation around the front pivot axis, so that the movement of the first light subunit and the movement of the second light subunit can be independent of each other.

[0051] According to one feature of the invention, the first light subunit and the second light subunit are rotationally mobile relative to the projection element, around their own front pivot axis while being linked to each other, the light subunits sharing the same printed circuit board and pivoting at the same angle.

[0052] Here again, each luminous subunit includes at least one front pivot axis of its own. The movement of the printed circuit board is constrained This is achieved by ensuring that the light sources on this printed circuit board remain at the focal point of their respective reflectors, and that the reflectors of the light subunits rotate by the same angle around the front pivot axes. Here, the front pivot axes are positioned to form, with the light sources, a parallelogram projected onto a plane perpendicular to the front pivot axes. Thus, the printed circuit board moves by circular translation, allowing the light sources on this common printed circuit board to remain at the first focal point of their respective reflectors, regardless of the angle formed by all the reflectors during rotation around their individual pivot axes, since this angle is common to all the reflectors. It should be noted that, consequently, the printed circuit board does not change orientation during this pivoting of the reflectors..

[0053] According to one feature of the invention, the front pivot axis of the first light subunit, the rear pivot axis of the first light subunit, the front pivot axis of the second light subunit, and the rear pivot axis of the second light subunit are parallel to each other. It should be noted that, due to the parallelogram shape, the front pivot axes are not necessarily aligned on the front face. Indeed, the positioning of the front pivot axes is a consequence of the position of the light sources.

[0054] According to one feature of the invention, the light module may include a third light subunit configured to generate a third light function, the third light function being distinct from the first light function and the second light function.

[0055] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0056] [Fig. 1] schematically 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;

[0057] [Fig.2] schematically represents in top view a light unit housed in the light module represented by [Fig.1] comprising a basic projection device, a first light subunit and a second light subunit, according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0058] [Fig.3] schematically represents the light unit visible on [Fig.2], the first light subunit and the second light subunit being respectively in a first position of lateral movement;

[0059] [Fig.4] schematically represents the light unit visible on [Fig.2], the first light subunit and the second light subunit being respectively in a second lateral movement position;

[0060] [Fig.5] schematically represents a portion of a bond of a light subunit of the light unit visible on the [Fig.2];

[0061] [Fig.6] schematically represents a light unit housed in the light module represented by [Fig.1] comprising a basic projection device, a first light subunit and a second light subunit, according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention;

[0062] [Fig.7] schematically represents the light unit visible on [Fig.6], the first light subunit and the second light subunit being respectively in a first position of lateral movement;

[0063] [Fig.8] schematically represents a light unit housed in the light module represented by [Fig.1] comprising a basic projection device, a first light subunit and a second light subunit, according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0064] [Fig.9] schematically represents the light unit of [Fig.8], with the light subunits in a first orientation different from the standard orientation of [Fig.8];

[0065] [Fig. 10] schematically represents the light unit of [Fig.8], with the light subunits in a second orientation different from the standard orientation of [Fig.8];

[0066] [Fig. 11] schematically represents a vertical cross-sectional view of the light unit highlighting means for tilting a light subunit with respect to a tilting axis extending parallel to a principal elongation direction of a projection lens;

[0067] [Fig.12] is a view similar to that of [Fig.11], in which the light subunit is tilted so as to project the beam lower relative to the arrangement of [Fig. 11].

[0068] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0069] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer to the orientation of a light subunit according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction of forward movement of a vehicle equipped with the light subunit, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a frame of reference L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular, in a horizontal plane, to the direction of forward movement of the vehicle equipped with the light subunit, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the frame of reference 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 frame of reference L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a light module 2 intended to equip a motor vehicle to provide, in the embodiment shown, a lighting function with a light beam projected along an optical axis 64. The light module 2 comprises a housing 4 forming an enclosure in which a light unit is housed, which will be described in more detail in the following description. This housing 4 is made of a polymer or metallic material. The housing 4 is intended to be housed in a headlight of a motor vehicle and, for this purpose, has fastening 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 be directly embedded in the body of a motor vehicle.

[0071] The housing 4 is formed of an upper part 6 and a lower part 8 joined together, in the embodiment shown, by a screw fastening system 10, these screws being advantageously arranged at the rear of the light module 2, and by retaining means 11. These retaining means 11 are formed by first connecting elements 12 made on the contour of the upper part 6 and second connecting elements 14 made on the contour of the lower part 8 and complementary to the first connecting elements 12 to form, in the embodiment shown, a bayonet fastening.

[0072] The light module 2 includes a projection element 16 extending along a main extension direction, which in this embodiment is parallel to a transverse axis T, and is housed in the casing 4 at a front face of the casing 4 intended to face the road. This configuration allows, when the light module 2 is directly embedded in the vehicle body, the projection element 16 to be positioned in line with the body of the motor vehicle.

[0073] It is understood from the above that the projection element 16 is integral with the housing 4. More specifically, the position of the projection element 16 is fixed by The angle of the projection element 16 relative to the housing 4 cannot be changed. Furthermore, the housing 4 is fixed relative to the projector in which the light module 2 is housed, or relative to the vehicle body when the light module 2 is directly attached to it.

[0074] Figures 2 to 4 schematically illustrate a light unit 18 housed in the casing 4 of the light module 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The light unit 18 forms an enclosure, not shown here, in which are housed at least some light sources, not shown here, capable of generating at least one light function, in particular a lighting function, to ensure road visibility for vehicle users, especially in conditions of deep darkness. These light sources generate light rays constituting the at least one light function emitted from the light unit 18 towards the projection element 16.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 2], the light unit 18 is capable of generating a plurality of light functions. To this end, the light unit 18 is formed of at least one light subunit according to the present invention and intended to generate a light function.

[0076] More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the light unit 18 comprises a basic projection device 22, forming a laterally fixed light subunit, and two complementary light subunits, forming laterally mobile light subunits, of which a first light subunit 24 and a second light subunit 26.

[0077] The basic projection device 22 comprises a plurality of non-visible light sources arranged on a printed circuit board support 28. Each light source is associated with a reflector so as to generate a light function. Said reflector is capable of collecting and directing the light rays emitted by the associated light source towards the projection element 16, or more particularly towards a portion of the projection element dedicated to the basic projection device 22.

[0078] It is noteworthy that the basic projection device 22 differs from the light subunits 24, 26 in that the latter are capable of pivoting to adjust the projected beam both vertically and horizontally, whereas the basic projection device 22 is capable of pivoting to adjust the projected beam only vertically. More specifically, the light beam projected by the basic projection device 22 is a wide and diffuse beam, intended to form the basis of an overall beam performing a given lighting function, this basis being complemented by a narrow and intense beam projected by one of the light subunits. In order to allow horizontal adjustment of the overall beam Performing the given lighting function, the light subunit is made mobile to move the narrow beam while the basic projection device remains fixed. In this way, the basic projection device does not need to be adjusted laterally.

[0079] Here, the basic projection device 22 comprises a first set of reflectors 30 and a second set of reflectors 32, a set of reflectors possibly consisting of a single reflector. The first set of reflectors 30, together with first light sources arranged on the printed circuit board support 28 and a first portion of the projection lens, contribute to forming a single lighting function, here a high beam function, and the first light subunit 24 is implemented simultaneously to achieve this high beam function.The second set of reflectors 32, associated with second light sources arranged on the printed circuit board support 28 and a second portion of the projection lens, participates in forming the same light function, here a dipped beam type function, and the second light subunit 26 is implemented simultaneously for the realization of this dipped beam type light function.

[0080] As mentioned, the basic projection device 22 and the light subunits 24, 26 are fixed together and tilt about a horizontal axis, to allow simultaneous adjustment of the vertical travel of all these elements. In other words, when an adjustment of the angle of the projected beams is made, this adjustment applies to each beam that can be projected by the basic projection device 22 and the light subunits 24, 26. To this end, the basic projection device 22 and the light subunits 24, 26 are linked to a tilting frame 34 mounted to rotate about a tilting axis, which is in this case a horizontal axis.

[0081] More particularly, the tilting frame 34 is a movable element rotating around pins fixed to the projection element, i.e. pins fixed and not movable in the housing 4. The tilting axis which is defined by the orientation of the pins extends horizontally in a constant manner regardless of the displacements of the light subunits.

[0082] The basic projection device 22 is fixed to the frame 34 so that this device is only mobile in rotation around the horizontal tilting axis, while the light subunits 24, 26 are pivotally mounted on the frame so that the light subunits are able to follow the rotation around the horizontal tilting axis but are also able to pivot around a vertical rotation axis of their own.

[0083] The tilting frame, hereafter referred to more simply as the frame, 34 is also configured to help delimit, within the projection device of base 22, light ray circulation channels emitted by the light sources associated with the first group of reflectors 30 towards a projection lens 36 of the projection element 16 and light ray emitted by the light sources associated with the second group of reflectors 32 towards another projection lens 36 of the projection element 16.

[0084] Indeed, it is particularly noteworthy that the projection element 16 is formed of a plurality of projection lenses 36 juxtaposed next to each other so as to form the projection element 16. In the embodiment shown, each projection lens 36 extends along a principal elongation direction parallel to the principal extension direction of the projection element 16. It should be noted that alternatively the projection element 16 may have a slight curvature to follow a curve of the motor vehicle, the projection lenses 36 then being able to have a slight inclination with respect to each other to follow said curvature.

[0085] Each projection lens 36 is associated with a single reflector or a single group of reflectors generating a single light function so as to form the desired light function. It is thus understood that the light unit 18 is capable of forming a plurality of light functions by means of a projection element 16 formed of a plurality of projection lenses 16, each dedicated to performing a single light function. Furthermore, the compartmentalization of the light rays directed by the first group of reflectors 30 and by the second group of reflectors 32 by the frame 34 prevents light rays emitted at the level of the first group of reflectors 30 from reaching the projection lens 36 associated with the second group of reflectors 32, and vice versa.

[0086] As mentioned previously, the light unit 18 comprises one or more light subunits 24, 26, which differ from the basic projection device in that they can pivot to adjust the horizontal orientation of the projected beam. More specifically, each light subunit can pivot around a vertical axis independently of the other light subunits for adjusting the horizontal orientation of the projected beam, while the tilting around a horizontal axis for adjusting the angle of the projected beam is common and simultaneous for each light subunit.

[0087] At least one of the light subunits 24, 26 is formed of a reflecting device 38 associated with a non-visible light source arranged on a printed circuit board 40. The reflecting device 38 is configured to collect and direct light rays emitted by said associated light source towards a projection lens 36 associated with the reflecting device 38 along a principal propagation axis 42.

[0088] Here, the reflecting device 38 is more particularly formed of a reflector 44, configured to collect and direct the light rays emitted by the light source associated with the reflecting device 38 towards the projection lens 36, and a connecting portion 46 delimiting a channel for the circulation of said light rays from the reflector 44 to the projection lens 36. This connecting portion 46 makes it possible to prevent light rays emitted by a light source and deflected by a reflector 44 from reaching a projection lens associated with another reflecting device 38.

[0089] As mentioned, the reflection device 38 is movable relative to the projection lens 36 associated with said reflection device 38. We will first describe the pivoting of a light subunit around a vertical pivot axis for the lateral adjustment of the projected beam, in particular in the context of the implementation of an adaptive beam function, which notably allows at least part of the projected beam to be shifted inside a turn when the vehicle turns.

[0090] More specifically, the reflecting device 38 is rotationally movable relative to the projection lens 36 about a vertical front pivot axis 48, visible in [Fig. 5] and in Figures 11 and 12. In other words, when implementing an adaptive beam function, the reflecting device can pivot about a vertical axis, i.e., perpendicular to the road on which the vehicle is traveling, while the projection lens remains fixed. This front pivot axis 48 extends perpendicularly to the principal extension direction of the projection lens 36 and perpendicularly to the principal propagation axis 42 of the light rays directed by the reflecting device 38 towards the projection lens 36.

[0091] To enable this rotational mobility, the reflecting device 38 is linked to the frame 34, and more particularly to a wall of the frame 34 which extends parallel to the principal elongation direction of the projection lens 36 associated with the reflecting device 38 and which extends above or below this projection lens 36, so as to form at the junction between the reflecting device 38 and said frame 34 a front pivot joint 50. The front pivot axis 48 is formed by the axis of said front pivot joint 50.

[0092] As a reminder, the frame 34 is special here in that it is rotatable relative to the lens around a horizontal axis, that is, an axis parallel to the road on which the vehicle is traveling and perpendicular to the vertical pivot axis of the light subunit as just described. In this way, a common horizontal tilting axis is provided for all the light subunits 24, 26 and the projection device 22, and pivot axes specific to each light subunit are mounted on this tilting frame.

[0093] More specifically, and as can be seen in more detail in [Fig. 5], the connecting portion 46 of the reflecting device 38 comprises a first wall 52, which is connected to the frame 34 via a pivot joint, and a second wall 54, opposite the first wall 52, which is also connected to the frame 34 via a pivot joint. These first wall 52 and second wall 54 are joined to each other by lateral walls forming guide walls 55, which extend opposite each other from the first and second walls to the reflector 44.

[0094] As can be seen in particular in figures 11 to 12, the first wall 52 is linked to the frame 34 via a first front pivot joint 56 and the second wall 54 is linked to the frame 34 via a second front pivot joint 58, with a common axis to the axis of the first front pivot joint 56 to form the front pivot axis 48 of said front pivot joint 50. It is understood that these two walls 52, 54 of the portion of the joint are linked to the frame on opposite walls of the frame.

[0095] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the reflecting device 38 can be linked to the frame 34 at the level of a single front pivot joint 50. This front pivot joint 50 is then made so that the front pivot axis 48 is perpendicular to the main propagation axis 42 and to the main extension direction of the projection lens 36.

[0096] The guide walls 55, forming the link between the first and second walls 52, 54 on the one hand and the reflector 44 on the other, contribute to laterally delimiting a light circulation channel within which the light rays emitted by a light source and reflected by the reflector propagate towards the projection lens, along the principal propagation axis. These guide walls form a compartmentalization means that prevents stray rays exiting the reflector from passing into another adjacent light circulation channel and entering the projection lens in an area undesirable for achieving the desired lighting function. Where appropriate, these guide walls are configured to absorb a portion of the light rays that encounter them.In particular, the guide walls can be grained or have undulations on their inner face 550, thus preventing stray rays from reaching the projection lens.

[0097] In the example illustrated in particular in Figures 2 to 4, the printed circuit board 40 is specifically dedicated to a light subunit 24, 26 and is coupled to the reflector 38 so that it follows each of the rotational movements performed by the reflector, whether it be tilting around the horizontal axis for leveling the associated light module or rotation around the front pivot axis. In this way, it is easily ensured that the light source of the light subunit remains at the focus of the reflector of the reflector of that subunit.

[0098] The first light subunit 24 and the second light subunit 26, as shown in [Fig. 2], are in a nominal position. In this nominal position, the principal propagation axis 42 of the light rays from each of the light subunits 24, 26 coincides or is substantially coincident with an optical axis 64 of the projection lens 36 associated with the reflecting device 38 under consideration. It should be noted that, in the embodiment shown, the optical axis 64 of the projection lens 36 of the first light subunit 24 is parallel to the optical axis 64 of the projection lens 36 of the second light subunit 26.

[0099] As can be noted in the illustrated examples, the frame 34 is arranged substantially around the projection element, so that the front pivot links 56, 58 formed between this frame and a wall of the corresponding light subunit, and the resulting front pivot axis 48, extend at the level of the projection lens 36, i.e. through the projection lens or flush with the projection lens 36.

[0100] As mentioned previously, "flush with the projection lens" here means that the front pivot axis is as close as possible to the projection lens. In other words, the front pivot axis 48 may be very slightly offset relative to the projection lens 36, in particular with an offset towards the inside of the housing, to allow the front pivot axis to be implemented, but the longitudinal distance between the front pivot axis 48 and the projection lens 36 is less than or equal to 15 mm, and preferably less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0101] The arrangement of the front pivot axis 48 at the projection lens 36 ensures that, when the entire reflecting device is pivoted around this front pivot axis 48, the second focus of the reflecting device remains substantially in its original position, namely a position substantially at the center of the projection lens. The rays emitted by the light source and deflected by the reflecting device towards the projection lens, regardless of the reflecting device's position, maintain an orientation that allows them to pass through a central area of ​​the projection lens, that is, an area in which they are only slightly deflected optically with respect to the axis of ray propagation between the reflector and the projection lens.Regardless of the inclination of this propagation axis relative to the optical axis of the projection lens, we ensure that the rays are only slightly deviated as they pass through the projection lens relative to this principal propagation axis. This approaches a one-to-one ratio between the beam's angle of inclination exiting the projection lens and the angle of rotation of the reflecting device relative to the front pivot axis. This prevents the effects of ray bending that would occur if the principal propagation axis of the rays were to intersect the projection lens laterally. of this, and this allows minimizing the lateral movement of the light subunit 24, 26 to generate a lateral displacement of the projected beam.

[0102] It is possible to ensure a pivoting of the reflection device as a whole, within a luminous subunit, independently of the displacement of the other luminous subunits.

[0103] Such mobility of the light subunits 24, 26 makes it possible to independently control the pivoting around a fixed vertical axis, here the front pivoting axis 48, and therefore to control the inclination of the main propagation axis 42 with respect to the optical axis 64 of the associated projection lens 36, independently of one light subunit 24 to another light subunit 26.

[0104] Such independence between the light subunits 24, 26 of the same light unit 18 allows this light unit to generate a plurality of dynamic light functions, that is to say, to be able to manage an adaptive lighting function for one of the light functions without it being necessary to move the whole of the light unit.

[0105] Of course, in this context of independent pivoting of one light subunit to another, each light subunit has its own printed circuit board, and the pivoting movement of a light subunit is achieved by a pushing action carried out in a distinctive way on this printed circuit board.

[0106] By way of an example of an embodiment visible in [Fig. 3], this independence between the mobility of the first light subunit 24 and the mobility of the second light subunit 26 allows the first light subunit 24 to form a first inclination angle 72, between the principal propagation axis 42 of the light rays and the optical axis 64 of the associated projection lens 36, which is positive, here of approximately 15°, i.e., with the principal propagation axis 42 extending from a first lateral, or transverse, side of the optical axis 64, and allows at the same time the second light subunit 26 to form a second inclination angle 74, between the principal propagation axis 42 of the light rays and the optical axis 64 of the associated projection lens 36, which is negative, here also of approximately 15°, i.e., with the axis of main propagation 42 which extends from a second lateral, or transverse, side of the optical axis 64.It should be noted that the first side and the second side of the optical axis 64 are considered on either side of a plane comprising the front pivot axis 48 and the optical axis 64.

[0107] In another example visible in [Fig. 4], the first light subunit 24 is arranged so as to form a third angle of inclination 76, between the principal propagation axis 42 of the light rays and the optical axis 64 of the associated projection lens 36, which is -3°, while the second light subunit 26 is arranged so as to form a fourth angle of inclination 78, between the main propagation axis 42 of the light rays and the optical axis 64 of the associated projection lens 36, of +3°.

[0108] It is understood from examples of mobility of the light subunits 24, 26 represented by Figures 3 and 4 that the light subunits 24, 26 are able to move independently of each other relative to the projection lens 36 via the rotation of the reflector and the printed circuit board coupled to the reflector, which makes it possible to tilt the main propagation axis 42 of the light rays relative to the optical axis 64 by an angle ranging from 15° on one side to 15° on the other side of the optical axis 64. These values ​​are representative of European data for lateral deflection in the case of adaptive beam, but it should be noted that the light unit could be configured so that these values ​​of maximum lateral deflection on one side or the other of the light subunits can be different, provided that the independent lateral deflection of each light subunit is permitted.The possibility of having, in the same light unit 18, two light subunits 24, 26 having independent lateral displacements specific to each of said light subunits 24, 26 makes it possible to have a light unit 18 with which it is possible to orient the light function generated by each of the light subunits 24, 26 according to the need.

[0109] A first example of implementing such a light unit, equipped with two independently controllable light subunits. Here, the first light subunit 24 and the second light subunit 26 are intended to form a lighting function with a cutoff. More specifically, each light subunit is configured to form the upper part of a low-beam type light beam, with a retracted portion to avoid dazzling other road users, particularly those coming from the opposite direction. The lower part of such a light beam is formed by the basic projection device 22, and the light subunits function to project the upper part of this cutoff light beam.It is understood that this cutoff is positioned on one side or the other of the road depending on the geographical area where the vehicle is traveling and the applicable national legislation, and in particular depending on whether driving is on the right or left side of the road. For this purpose, for example, the first light subunit 24 is suitable for forming the upper part of a lighting beam with a cutoff on one side, or the left side, of the motor vehicle, and the second light subunit 26 is suitable for forming the upper part of a lighting beam with a cutoff on the other side, or the right side, each of these cutoffs being centered on the optical axis of the projection lens in a nominal position of the light subunits. It should be noted. that the terms right and left are considered in relation to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle when moving forward.

[0110] When the vehicle is traveling on a right-hand side of the road, the light subunit configured to project an upper portion of the beam with a cutoff on the left is activated, and vice versa. When the vehicle turns and the adaptive lighting function needs to be implemented, the corresponding light subunit is rotated by an appropriate angle so that the upper portion of the cutoff beam pivots at an angle of inclination of 72, 74. It is noteworthy that during this time, the lower portion of the beam remains fixed.

[0111] In this application context, it is advantageous to activate both light subunits simultaneously, with a lower orientation and, where applicable, a lower light intensity for the light subunit intended to produce the beam with the unwanted cutoff, here the cutoff on the right, although this example is not limiting. In this way, the shoulder of the road opposite the brightest side is still illuminated without dazzling oncoming road users. The portion of the beam with the cutoff on the right is offset at a different angle than the offset of the portion of the beam with the cutoff on the left, which makes it possible to create a dark zone between the two curves corresponding to the position on the road where an oncoming vehicle might be present, regardless of the angular orientation of the adaptive beam.

[0112] It should be understood that this implementation example is not exhaustive, and other applications could be implemented. For example, a first light subunit could be configured to form a high-intensity beam for the high beam, and a second light subunit to form a cutoff beam, either left or right depending on the vehicle's market area. Since these beam portions are applied to different lighting functions, these light subunits are activated separately.

[0113] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, which differs from what has just been mentioned in that the movement of the printed circuit board is a circular translation movement which allows it to follow the rotation movement of the reflecting device to maintain the light source at the first focus of the reflector of this reflecting device, while maintaining an orientation substantially parallel to its original orientation, which may be desirable for reasons of arrangement of the light module in which the light subunit is installed.

[0114] Here, the first luminous subunit 24 and the second luminous subunit 26 each comprise an additional linking means 66 connected to frame 34 by a The front articulated joint 68 is connected to the printed circuit board 40 by a rear articulated joint 70. The additional connecting means 66 is thus movable relative to the frame 34 around a front articulation axis formed by the front articulated joint 68 and movable relative to the printed circuit board 40 around a rear articulation axis formed by the rear articulated joint 70. More specifically, the additional connecting means 66 is rotationally movable relative to the frame 34 and rotationally movable relative to the printed circuit board 70.

[0115] The additional linking means 66 is here formed of an articulated arm acting as a connecting rod interposed between the frame 34 and the printed circuit board 40 associated with the light subunit.

[0116] As illustrated, the additional connecting means 66 is arranged relative to the reflecting device 38 such that the front pivot joint 50, the rear pivot joint 62, the front articulated joint 68, and the rear articulated joint 70 form the vertices of a parallelogram. It is understood that the distance between the front pivot joint 50, and more particularly the first front pivot joint 56, and the rear pivot joint 62 is equal to the distance between the front articulated joint 68 and the rear articulated joint 70. Also, the distance between the first front pivot joint 56 and the front articulated joint 68 is equal to the distance between the rear pivot joint 62 and the rear articulated joint 70.

[0117] Furthermore, the front pivot axis 48, the rear pivot axis 60, the front articulation axis and the rear articulation axis are parallel to each other.

[0118] As can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, the construction of this parallelogram allows the printed circuit board 40 of the corresponding light subunit to be moved relative to the projection lens 36 by means of a circular translation. This circular translation allows the light source associated with this light subunit to be moved laterally and the reflecting device as a whole to be oriented relative to the projection lens, which remains fixed, since the rear pivot joint 62 has moved laterally while the front pivot joint 50, here located on or flush with the projection lens 36, has remained fixed.The orientation of the reflection device as a whole allows, provided that the light source has remained at the level of the second focus of the reflector of this reflection device, to direct the light rays towards the projection lens at an angle to the direction of the optical axis 64 of the projection lens while ensuring that these rays are well centered on the projection lens and do not escape towards the projection lens of another light subunit, so that the optical properties, whether the cutoff or the intensity, are not impacted. luminous in particular, of the luminous function that the luminous subunit must help to ensure.

[0119] The application previously mentioned, with an overintensification beam and a cutoff beam, could also be implemented in a second embodiment of the invention shown in connection with figures 8 to 12, in which two adjacent light subunits share the same printed circuit board.

[0120] Each reflecting device 38 is movable relative to the common printed circuit board 40, on which is housed the light source associated with the reflecting device 38, around a rear pivot axis 60. For this purpose, the reflecting device 38, and more specifically the reflector 44 of said reflecting device 38, is linked to the printed circuit board 40 at the level of a rear pivot joint 62 forming the rear pivot axis 60.

[0121] To ensure that the pivoting of the reflecting device 38 relative to the projection lens 36 does not generate optical disturbances, the rear pivot axis 60 is parallel to the pivot axis 48. In addition, the main propagation axis 42 of the light rays is, regardless of the degree of pivoting of the reflecting device 38, perpendicular to the front pivot axis 48 and perpendicular to the rear pivot axis 60, and extends in a plane in which the front pivot axis 48 and the rear pivot axis 60 extend.

[0122] Furthermore, to ensure that during the lateral movement of the light subunit 24, 26, the part of the light function provided by this subunit remains coherent, it is necessary to ensure that the light source carried by the printed circuit board 40 remains at the first focus of the reflector 44. To this end, it is noteworthy that the rear pivot joint 62 is configured so that the rear pivot axis 60 passes through the light source located at the first focus of the reflector 44.

[0123] A gantry shape, such as illustrated by way of example in Figures 11 and 12, can in particular be implemented to achieve this positioning of the rear pivot axis 60.

[0124] Considering a luminous subunit 24 and its adjacent luminous subunit 26, particularly with regard to figures 8 to 10, one can observe the existence of a parallelogram conforming to what has been mentioned in reference to the variant of figures 6 and 7 and which allows the pivoting as a whole of a reflection device of a luminous subunit with respect to the fixed projection lens, with a circular translational displacement of the printed circuit board, the parallelogram being formed by the front pivot joint 50 and the rear pivot joint 62 of this luminous subunit, and by the front pivot joint 50 and the rear pivot joint 62 of the adjacent luminous subunit.

[0125] In this embodiment with several dependent subunits, the fact that the light sources must remain at the focus of their respective reflectors, and that the subunits must rotate around their respective front pivot axis by a common angle to ensure that their respective light functions move by a common value in the lateral direction, implies that the front pivot axes are positioned so as to form, with the light sources, a parallelogram projected onto a plane perpendicular to the front pivot axes. Consequently, the printed circuit board 40 does not change orientation during adjustment. Circular translation via a deformable parallelogram is therefore mandatory and occurs naturally due to the parallel arrangement of the front and rear pivot axes respectively carried by the light subunits.

[0126] As can be seen from figures 8 to 10, it can be said that the printed circuit board pivots around a front pivot axis, but at the same time it pivots around a parallel axis, namely a rear pivot axis, passing through a light source, of the same angular value but in the opposite direction, so that the printed circuit board 40 does not change its orientation relative to the projector housing.

[0127] It follows from this arrangement that the printed circuit board 40 is common to the two light subunits 24, 26, and that the lateral movement permitted by the pivoting of the reflecting devices around a fixed vertical axis is the same for each light subunit. In other words, in this second embodiment, each reflecting device 38 of a light subunit is able to pivot about its own front pivot axis 48 formed by its own front pivot point 50 on its own projection lens, but the pivoting of one of the light subunits in a pivoting direction results in an equivalent pivoting of the adjacent light subunit. The angle of inclination of the propagation axis 42 of the light rays from the two reflecting devices 38 with respect to the optical axis 64 of their respective projection lenses 36 is identical from one light subunit to the other.

[0128] Thus, it is remarkable in figures 8 to 10 that the inclination of each reflecting device 38 with respect to its projection lens 36 is similar such that the principal propagation axes 42 of each of the reflecting devices 38 are parallel to each other.

[0129] By way of example, the pivoting of the reflection device as a whole of each light subunit, and the resulting circular translational displacement of the printed circuit board 40 common to the adjacent light subunits, can make it possible to orient the main propagation axis 42 of the light rays of each of the reflecting devices from an angle of -15° ([Fig.9]) to an angle of +15° ([Fig. 10]), with respect to the optical axis 64 of the associated projection lens 36.

[0130] Figures 11 and 12 schematically represent a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a luminous subunit 24, 26 of the luminous unit 18, the cross-sectional plane extending parallel to the optical axis 64 of a projection lens 36 and parallel to the front pivot axis 48 of the reflector 38 of this luminous subunit. In these figures, the luminous subunit 24, 26 has a rear pivot connection between the reflector 44 and the printed circuit board, via a gantry mentioned previously, but it should be understood that the feature highlighted in the following paragraphs with reference to these figures is also provided by the luminous subunit shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0131] These figures 11 and 12 make particularly visible the feature of the invention according to which the light subunit 24, 26 is mobile in rotation about a pivot axis 48 which is generated by pivot links formed between the reflection device 38 of this subunit and the frame 34 associated with the projection lens 36, the frame 34 being itself mounted to pivot about the previously mentioned pivot axis and which extends parallel to the main elongation direction of the projection lens 36, at the intersection of the front pivot axis 48 and the main propagation axis 42 associated with this light subunit.

[0132] It is noteworthy that the tilting of the frame 34 is carried out in conjunction with the movement of the assembly formed by the reflecting device 38, the printed circuit board 40, and the associated light source, rotating around the tilting axis. This tilting, in either direction, allows the main propagation axis 42 to be inclined positively or negatively with respect to the optical axis 64 of the projection lens 36 and a horizontal plane, such an inclination thus allowing the vertical tilt of the light function emitted by the light unit 18 to be adjusted.

[0133] Thus, the independent pivoting of each light subunit as described above is possible regardless of the orientation of the light unit, i.e., the degree of vertical tilt of the light unit as a whole. Whether the light subunit is arranged in a standard configuration as in [Fig. 11], i.e., with a principal propagation axis 42 coinciding with the optical axis 64 of the projection lens, or whether this light subunit is tilted upwards or downwards as in [Fig. 12], i.e., with a principal propagation axis 42 that is tilted in a longitudinal and vertical plane relative to the optical axis 64 of the projection lens, the light subunit is always capable of being pivoted laterally, independently of the other light subunits, in accordance with what has been mentioned above.

[0134] As just described through various embodiment examples, the present invention achieves its objective by proposing a luminous subunit of a luminous unit capable of generating a luminous function whose lateral movement can be modified independently of other luminous functions generated within the luminous unit, this independence of the luminous subunit being made possible by pivoting a reflecting device of the luminous subunit around a front pivoting axis located as close as possible to the projection lens.

[0135] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Demands

1. A light subunit (24, 26) of a light unit (18) intended to be housed in a light module (2) for a motor vehicle, the light subunit (24, 26) comprising: - a projection lens (36) extending along a principal elongation direction, - a printed circuit board (40) on which at least one light source is housed, and - at least one reflecting device (38) for the light rays emitted by the at least one light source, the reflecting device (38) comprising at least one reflector (44) configured to direct the light rays towards the projection lens (36) along a principal propagation axis (42),characterized in that the reflecting device (38) as a whole is rotationally mobile relative to the projection lens (36) around a front pivot axis (48) extending perpendicularly to the principal elongation direction of the projection lens (36) and perpendicularly to the principal propagation axis (42) of the light rays.

2. Light subunit (24, 26) according to claim 1, wherein said front pivot axis (48) extends through the projection lens (36) or flush with the projection lens (36).

3. Light subunit (24, 26) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflecting device (38) is linked to a frame (34) by forming with said frame (34) at least one front pivot joint (50, 56, 58), the front pivot axis (48) being formed at said front pivot joint (50, 56, 58).

4. Light subunit (24, 26) according to the preceding claim, wherein the reflecting device (38) comprises a connecting portion (46) interposed between the reflector (44) and the frame (34).

5. Light subunit (24, 26) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting portion (46) comprises a first wall (52) connected to the frame (34) and a second wall (54) also connected to the frame (34), the first and second walls (52, 54) being connected to the frame on opposite walls of said frame (34), the first wall (52) being connected to the frame (34) at the level of a first front pivot joint (56) and the second wall (54) being linked to the frame (34) at the level of a second front pivot joint (58).

6. Light subunit (24, 26) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in combination with claim 3, wherein the frame (34) is rotationally movable about a tilting axis extending parallel to the principal elongation direction of the projection lens.

7. Light subunit (24, 26) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the projection lens (36) is configured to project an image of a reflective surface of the reflector (44) of at least one reflecting device (38), a focus of the projection lens being positioned, in a nominal position of the light subunit (24, 26), in the vicinity of a rear edge of the reflector (44).

8. Light module (2) for motor vehicle comprising at least one housing (4) in which is housed at least one light subunit (24, 26) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Light module (2) according to claim 8, comprising a light unit (18) comprising a plurality of light subunits (24, 26) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and juxtaposed side by side, the projection lenses (36) of said light subunits (24, 26) being juxtaposed side by side so as to form a projection element (16) of the light module (2), each projection lens (36) forming the projection element (16) being associated with a single light subunit (24, 26).

10. Light module (2) according to claim 9 in combination with claim 3, wherein the projection element (16) extends along a principal extension direction and the light module (2) comprises the frame (34) which is common to each light subunit (24, 26), the frame (34) extending mainly parallel to the principal extension direction of the projection element (16).

11. A light module (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein among the plurality of light subunits (24, 26), the light module (2) comprises a first light subunit (24) configured to generate a first light function and a second light subunit (26) configured to generate a second light function, the first light function being distinct from the second light function.

12. Light module (2) according to claim 11, wherein the first light subunit (24) and the second light subunit (26) are rotationally movable relative to the projection element (16) independently of each other, around their own pivot axis, each light subunit (24, 26) having its own printed circuit board (40).

13. Light module (2) according to claim 11, wherein the first light subunit (24) and the second light subunit (26) are movable relative to the projection element (16), around their own front pivot axis while being linked to each other, the light subunits (24, 26) sharing the same printed circuit board (40) and pivoting at the same angle.

Images