Optical module including a movable optical unit relative to a fixed projection lens.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical module (2) comprising a housing (4) and an optical unit (6) movable relative to the housing (4), wherein the optical module (2) comprises a projection lens (8) fixed to the housing (4) and an adjustment device for adjusting the position of the optical unit (6) within the housing along two mutually orthogonal directions, wherein the adjustment device comprises a lateral adjustment means and a vertical adjustment means (12), the vertical adjustment means (12) comprising a drive means (14) connected to the optical unit (6) on one side via a ball-and-socket connection (26) and connected to the housing (4) or an adjustment element connected to the housing (4) on the other side via a ball-and-socket connection (30).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical modules, in particular to the field of optical modules intended to be provided on motor vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical unit housed in the housing of such an optical module, the optical unit being capable of generating light rays that exit the optical module through a projection lens, the projection lens being fixed relative to the housing, and the optical unit being movable relative to the housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, are generally equipped with headlamps that make it possible to generate different light functions, such as a function for illuminating the road or a function for signaling the presence of the vehicle. For this purpose, each headlamp of a motor vehicle is provided with an optical module that respectively comprises at least one light source configured to emit light rays, an optical element associated with the at least one light source for collecting and directing said light rays, and at least one projection lens configured to shape the light rays collected and directed by the optical element, project them out of the headlamp and the motor vehicle, and form a light beam that meets the regulations suitable for performing the light function.

[0003] Light functions, in particular illumination functions, must be appropriately adjusted, on the one hand to provide optimal illumination of the road, and on the other hand to limit glare for other road users. These adjustments are, for example, carried out on an assembly line when the optical module is assembled into the headlamp, or are carried out automatically on the basis of information obtained while the vehicle is traveling by sensors arranged on said vehicle.

[0004] Therefore, the light beam can be adjusted to have vertical and lateral movement. Vertical movement is useful for adapting to the vehicle's attitude, which varies depending on the type of vehicle and changes depending on the vehicle's load, and is also useful for lowering the light beam to avoid dazzling other road users, especially occupants of oncoming vehicles. Lateral movement is useful for relative adjustment between two light modules and for ensuring satisfactory alignment of the light beam with respect to the vehicle axis. In particular, it is known that the entire light module can be moved and tilted around a pivot axis by using a suitable actuator, for example, by pushing or pulling one end thereof.

[0005] In particular, for spatial or aesthetic reasons, it may be desirable to have a projection lens that remains fixed during vertical and lateral adjustment of the light beam. In the context of a fixed projection lens and a light unit comprising at least one light source and optical element, which is movable relative to the projection lens, it must be ensured that the at least one light source and optical element remains in a position relative to the projection lens that enables it to perform its optical function. In this context, it should be noted that actuators associated with vertical adjustment and actuators associated with lateral adjustment may be selectively controlled to orient the light unit within the headlamp, which in particular requires that the vertical adjustment actuator follows the lateral movement of the light unit. In known systems, such movement can cause friction at the connection between the vertical adjustment actuator and the light unit, potentially damaging the adjustment device.

[0006] The present invention belongs to this context and proposes an optical module in which the movement of the optical unit is independent of the projection lens, and friction at the connection part of the adjustment device is reduced, thereby improving the accuracy and lifespan of the adjustment device.

[0007] The present invention thus relates to an optical module comprising a housing and an optical unit that is movable relative to the housing and houses at least one light source, wherein the optical module includes a projection lens fixed relative to the housing and through which light rays emitted by the at least one light source can pass and exit the optical module, the optical module includes a device for adjusting the position of the optical unit within the housing in two mutually orthogonal directions, the adjustment device includes a lateral adjustment means and a vertical adjustment means, the vertical adjustment means includes a drive means connected on one side to the optical unit by a ball joint connection and on the other side to the housing or an adjustment element connected to the housing by a ball joint connection.

[0008] The optical module comprises a housing that forms the outer casing of the optical module and defines the internal volume in which the optical unit is housed. The optical unit is fixed to the housing at at least one point and in contact with two separate adjustment means, one configured to apply a horizontal push or pull movement to the optical unit independently of the housing, and the other configured to apply a push or pull movement having a vertical component, similarly independently of the housing. In each of these movements, the optical unit moves within the housing, while the projection lens remains fixed as with the housing. In practice, the housing forms an element of the optical module that is connected to either the vehicle body or the vehicle's headlamp, the projection lens is fixed, particularly for aesthetic and spatial reasons, and only the optical unit moves.

[0009] The projection lens forms an element of the optical module from which light rays can be emitted and projected toward the road. Thus, the projection lens is configured to shape light rays emitted by at least one light source and optionally focused and directed by one or more optical elements of the optical unit, and project them outwards from the optical module. This projection lens is the element that processes the light rays to conform to various regulations. More specifically, the projection lens allows for the modification of the path of light rays emitted by the optical unit and, if necessary, directed by one or more optical elements of the optical unit located upstream of the projection lens, thereby enabling the generation of a light ray beam according to desired parameters. As can be understood from the above, the projection lens is an optical element that plays a role in forming the optical function formed by the light rays passing through the projection lens, and without the projection lens, it would be impossible to generate a beam that conforms to regulations. In other words, the projection lens should not be confused with a transparent outer lens intended to form a mechanical shield for the optical device housed within the headlamp, and does not perform any specific optical processing on the light rays to form an optical function that conforms to regulations.

[0010] Furthermore, the projection lens is positioned at a distance from the optical unit and does not form part of it. The projection lens is configured such that, when the optical module is assembled, its point focal spot is located on the optical unit, for example, on the light source of the optical unit or on an optical element interposed between the light source and the projection lens. More specifically, the optical unit may comprise at least one light source and a collector having a reflective surface that allows light rays generated by the light source to be directed toward the projection lens. The point focal spot of the projection lens is located less than 10 mm from the trailing edge of the collector, i.e., the edge furthest from the projection lens.

[0011] The optical unit is movable in two mutually orthogonal directions, and therefore the movement of the optical unit in each of these directions is caused by the adjustment means of the adjustment device. Thus, the vertical adjustment means allows the optical unit to pivot around a pivot axis that extends parallel to the main extending axis of the projection lens. The lateral adjustment means allows for lateral movement of the optical unit substantially in the transverse direction.

[0012] The fluidity of the movement of the optical unit in these two directions is made possible in particular by the driving means of the vertical adjustment means, which is configured to change the inclination of the optical unit relative to the projection lens by pivoting the optical unit around a pivot axis, and is configured to follow the movement of the optical unit without stress by the arrangement of two ball joint connections at each end of the driving means as the orientation of the optical unit with respect to the transverse direction changes.

[0013] According to one optional feature of the invention, the optical unit is connected by a pivot connection to a tab rigidly connected to the housing and adjacent to the projection lens. If necessary, this tab, in cooperation with a portion of the projection lens that completes the shape around the pins of the optical unit, generates a pivot connection of the optical unit around a pivot axis, causing the entire optical unit to pivot around this pivot axis when a pushing or pulling action is applied to the optical unit via a drive means. More specifically, the tab is rigidly connected to the housing near the projection lens to interact with the optical unit at a first longitudinal end, and contact between the drive means for performing the pushing or pulling and the optical unit occurs in the region of the optical unit located at the end opposite the tab.

[0014] According to one of the optional features of the invention, the pivot axis is parallel to the principal extending axis of the projection lens. In the first embodiment of the invention, the projection lens extends along a principal extending axis that extends in the lateral and horizontal directions. In this first embodiment, the pivot axis is substantially parallel to the direction of lateral adjustment. In the second embodiment of the invention, the principal extending axis of the projection lens is inclined with respect to the horizontal transverse axis, in particular to follow the curves of a vehicle. In this second embodiment, the pivot axis is then inclined with respect to the direction of lateral adjustment by the same angle as the principal extending axis of the projection lens with respect to the horizontal transverse axis. The direction of lateral adjustment remains oriented along the lateral and horizontal axis, regardless of the inclination of the principal extending axis of the projection lens with respect to the horizontal transverse axis.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the optical unit does not have a lens. The optical unit is an element of an optical module that does not have a lens, and it will be understood that the projection lens of the optical module is the only lens within the optical module that has an optical effect.

[0016] According to one arbitrary feature of the invention, the driving means is formed by at least one rod or at least one dynamic actuator.

[0017] The dynamic actuator enables automatic control of the pivoting of the optical unit. This automatic pivoting can be controlled, for example, by control commands generated by the drive unit's control unit based on information about the vehicle's status from appropriate sensors or the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0018] The rod allows for the transmission of force, particularly in the context of manual adjustment, that is, without the involvement of controlled means, and this manual adjustment is performed, for example, when an optical module is mounted on a vehicle.

[0019] According to one arbitrary feature of the invention, the driving means comprises two spherical connecting members for forming a ball joint connection, the spherical connecting members being located at opposite ends of the driving means.

[0020] According to one arbitrary feature of the invention, the driving means is connected to the optical unit on the one hand by a ball joint connection and to the housing on the other hand by a ball joint connection, and the driving means is formed by a dynamic actuator and a bracket.

[0021] According to one of the features of the invention, the bracket is connected to the housing by a ball joint connection and to the dynamic actuator by a pivot connection.

[0022] According to one optional feature of the invention, the driving means is formed by a dynamic actuator connected to an adjustment element connected to a housing, and connected by a ball joint connection to the adjustment element formed by a rocker.

[0023] According to one of the features of the invention, the rocker is connected to the housing by a pivot connection.

[0024] According to one optional feature of the invention, the vertical adjustment means comprises a manual actuator configured to pivot the adjustment element around a connection between the adjustment element and the housing so as to change the position of the drive means. It should be noted that the manual actuator means that the desired manual adjustment is performed, i.e., the adjustment is controlled by an operator who wants to adjust the optical unit relative to the projection lens, rather than being autonomously controlled by a sensor and control unit.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the vertical adjustment means comprises a manual actuator configured to pivot the bracket around a connection between the bracket and the housing in order to change the position of the drive means.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, the drive means is connected to an adjustment element connected to the housing, and the vertical adjustment means comprises a manual actuator configured to translate the adjustment element so as to change the position of the drive means.

[0027] According to one optional feature of the invention, the adjustment element is formed by a gear system configured to change the position of the light unit via the drive means. In other words, the gear system allows the drive means to be actuated such that the drive means transmits movement to the light unit. This gear system is particularly connected to a manual actuator, which allows an operator to act on the position of the light unit sequentially via the actuator, the gear system and the drive means. The gear system may in particular make it possible to form an angle gear for facilitating the operation of the actuator by the operator, and / or to enable a reduction of the force that the operator has to provide to change the position of the light unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting illustration in the following description, read on the one hand and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which: [Figure 1] Figure 1 schematically shows the optical module according to the first embodiment of the invention, which makes it possible to move the light unit within the optical module having a projection lens that remains fixed, and the drive means of the vertical adjustment device is connected to the light unit by one ball joint connection and connected to the housing of the optical module by the other ball joint connection, where the light unit is in a first standard vertical position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 schematically shows the optical module of Figure 1 with the light unit in a second vertical position, the drive means being actuated to pivot the light unit within the housing, while the projection lens remains fixed. [Figure 3]Figure 3 schematically shows a rear view of the optical module shown in Figures 1 and 2, from a viewing angle perpendicular to the viewing angles of Figures 1 and 2, wherein said Figure 3 shows lateral adjustment means, with the optical unit here in a first standard lateral position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 schematically shows the optical module shown in Figure 3, with the optical unit in a second lateral position following actuation of the lateral adjustment means, and said Figure 4 shows the change in orientation of the drive means of the vertical adjustment device to follow the movement of the optical unit caused by the lateral adjustment means. [Figure 5] Figure 5 schematically shows an optical module according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which optical module the drive means is connected to the optical unit by a ball joint connection and connected to an adjustment element by a ball joint connection, which is here a manual adjustment element and is formed by a stud connected to the housing. [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically shows an optical module according to a third embodiment of the invention, in which optical module the drive means is connected to the optical unit by a ball joint connection, and is connected by a ball joint connection to an adjustment element formed by a stud connected to a gear system connected to the housing. [Figure 7] Figure 7 schematically shows an optical module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, in which optical module the drive means is connected to the optical unit by a ball joint connection, and is connected by a ball joint connection to an adjustment element formed by a stud connected to a gear system connected to the housing, and said gear system comprises a part forming a U-shaped profile that carries the ball joint connection between the drive means and the adjustment element. [Figure 8] Figure 8 schematically shows an optical module according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which optical module the drive means is connected to the optical unit by a ball joint connection, and is connected by a ball joint connection to an adjustment element formed by a stud connected to a gear system connected to the housing, and said gear system is actuated by a rod passing through the optical module. [Figure 9] Figure 9 schematically shows an optical module according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, in which the driving means is connected to the optical unit by a ball joint connection and is connected by a ball joint connection to an adjustment element formed by a stud connected to a gear system connected to a housing, and the gear system is actuated by a flexible element passing through the optical module. [Figure 10] Figure 10 schematically shows an optical module according to the seventh embodiment of the invention, in which the driving means of the vertical adjustment device is formed by a rod connected to the optical unit by a ball joint and connected to the adjustment element by a ball joint. [Figure 11] Figure 11 schematically shows an optical module according to the eighth embodiment of the invention, in which the driving means is connected to the optical unit by a ball joint connection and is connected by a ball joint connection to an adjustment element formed by a rocker connected to the housing by a pivot connection. [Figure 12] Figure 12 schematically shows an optical module according to the ninth embodiment of the invention, in which the driving means of the vertical adjustment device is connected to the optical unit by one ball joint connection and to the housing of the optical module by the other ball joint connection, where the optical unit is in a first standard vertical position, and the driving means is formed by a dynamic actuator and a bracket connected to the dynamic actuator by a pivot connection. [Figure 13] Figure 13 schematically shows the optical module of Figure 12 and illustrates different orientations of the optical unit following the implementation of the driving means for the vertical adjustment device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 schematically shows a bottom view of the optical module shown in Figures 11 and 12, and Figure 14 shows how the vertical adjustment device tracks movement caused by the lateral adjustment means. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it is possible to envision variations of the invention comprising only the selection of features described below, independently of the other features described, where such selection is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0030] In drawings, elements common to multiple drawings have the same reference numeral.

[0031] In the following detailed description, the terms “longitudinal direction,” “lateral direction,” and “vertical direction” refer to the orientation of the optical module according to the invention. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle equipped with the optical module, and this longitudinal direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the coordinate system L,V,T shown in the drawings. The lateral direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular in the horizontal plane to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle equipped with the optical module, and this lateral direction is parallel to the transverse axis T of the coordinate system L,V,T, and this transverse axis T is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, the vertical direction corresponds to the direction parallel to the vertical axis V of the coordinate system L,V,T, and this vertical axis V is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis T.

[0032] Figures 1 to 4 show the optical module 2 in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

[0033] The optical module 2 comprises a housing 4 that forms a casing in which the optical unit 6 is housed. This housing 4 is made of a polymer or metal material and is intended to be housed within the headlamp of an automobile vehicle. It should be noted that in another embodiment of the invention, the housing 4 of the optical module 2 is intended to be directly embedded within the body of an automobile vehicle.

[0034] The light unit 6 forms a casing that houses light sources (not shown herein), which are capable of generating light functions, particularly illumination functions, to ensure that vehicle users can see the road, especially in very dark conditions. These light sources generate light rays that form the light functions, and these light rays are emitted from the light unit 6 toward the projection lens 8.

[0035] The projection lens 8 is housed within the housing 4 on the surface of the housing 4, which is intended to face the road. If the optical module 2 is directly embedded in the body of the vehicle, such a configuration allows the projection lens 8 to be positioned on the extension of the vehicle body.

[0036] From the above, it can be understood that the projection lens 8 is rigidly connected to the housing 4. More specifically, this rigid connection of the projection lens 8 to the housing 4 is such that the position of the projection lens 8 is fixed relative to the housing 4. In other words, the inclination of the projection lens 8 relative to the housing 4 cannot be changed. Furthermore, the housing 4 is fixed to the headlamp that houses the optical module 2, or to the vehicle body if the optical module 2 is directly connected to it.

[0037] The projection lens 8 differs from a mere transparent closing surface of the headlamp in that it performs optical processing of the light rays passing through it and is involved in forming a beam of light rays that conforms to regulations and is projected onto the road. For this purpose, the projection lens 8 may be configured to have a point focal length located less than 10 mm from the light source of the light unit, or from the trailing edge of the collector that forms part of the light unit 6 together with the light source, and this collector is intended to guide the light rays emitted by the light source toward the projection lens 8.

[0038] The optical module 2 comprises at least one tab 10, which is rigidly connected to the housing 4 at one end and connected to the optical unit 6 at the opposite end. In the shown embodiment, the optical module 2 comprises two tabs 10 distributed laterally on both sides of the optical unit 6.

[0039] Tabs 10 are connected to the optical unit 6 by pivot connections, thereby forming pivot points 11, each located near the longitudinal end of the optical unit 6 closest to the projection lens 8. The tabs 10 are positioned opposite each other laterally with respect to the optical unit 6, thereby allowing the optical unit 6 to pivot around a pivot axis passing through the two pivot points 11, which is parallel to the transverse axis T in the shown embodiment.

[0040] The optical module 2 comprises an adjustment device including a lateral adjustment means 13 schematically shown in Figures 3 and 4, and a vertical adjustment means 12 that can be selectively controlled relative to each other. The optical module according to the invention allows the vertical adjustment means to be adapted so that the potential movement of the optical unit 6 generated via the lateral adjustment means 13 does not generate excessive stress on the vertical adjustment means and / or the optical unit.

[0041] The vertical adjustment means 12 comprises a drive means 14, which in this first embodiment is formed by a dynamic actuator 16. In this first embodiment shown, the lateral adjustment means 13 is formed by an adjustment screw that passes through the wall of the housing and is capable of pushing or pulling the optical unit 6, thereby adjusting the orientation of the optical unit 6 in the lateral direction.

[0042] Whether using the vertical adjustment means 12 or the lateral adjustment means 13, in either case, the position of the light unit 6 is adjusted independently of the position of the projection lens, and the projection lens remains fixed to the housing of the light module, more generally to the vehicle, and, if necessary, to the headlamp that houses the light module.

[0043] The driving means 14, in this case the dynamic actuator 16, is capable of changing the vertical orientation of the optical unit 6, i.e., its orientation with respect to the vertical axis V. In other words, the driving means 14 of the vertical adjustment means 12 is configured to rotate the optical unit 6 around the axis passing through the pivot point 11 by pulling or pushing the region of the optical unit 6 away from the axis passing through the pivot point 11. The change in the vertical orientation of the optical unit 6 due to the activation of the vertical adjustment means 12 can be seen, in particular, by looking at the first standard position shown in Figure 1 and the second position shown in Figure 2 reached after this change in orientation. In particular, in Figure 2, it will be noted with reference to the double arrow S1 that when the driving means 14 is activated, the optical unit 6 is moved around the axis passing through the pivot point 11. The driving means 14 pushes the optical unit 6 vertically in order to change its vertical orientation by pivoting it around the pivot axis formed by the connection between the tab 10 and the optical unit 6.

[0044] The dynamic actuator 16 allows the tilt of the optical unit 6 relative to the housing 4 to be adjusted without requiring manual adjustment by the vehicle user. For this purpose, sensors collect information that enables a control unit (not shown herein) to control the operation of the dynamic actuator 16. For example, the dynamic actuator 16 may be controlled as a function of a value representing the vehicle's tilt, whether due to excessive loading at the rear of the vehicle or because the vehicle is traveling on an uneven road.

[0045] The lateral adjustment means 13 can move the optical unit 6 by applying a lateral thrust in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the optical unit 6 when it is moved by the vertical adjustment means 14. The change in the lateral orientation of the optical unit 6 relative to the housing 4 via the lateral adjustment means 13 can be seen in particular by comparing the standard position shown in Figure 3 with the moved position shown in Figure 4. The lateral movement of the optical unit 6, indicated by the double arrow S2 in Figure 4, again occurs while the housing and projection lens remain fixed.

[0046] The drive means 14 is configured to follow the lateral movement of the optical unit 6 to which the drive means is connected at one end. More specifically, the drive means 14 is connected to other components of the optical module by a first ball joint connection 18 and a second ball joint connection 20, the first ball joint connection 18 being between the drive means and the optical unit 6, and the second ball joint connection 20 being between the drive means and the housing 4.

[0047] More specifically, the drive means 14 comprises spherical connecting members 19, 21 that form the male elements of the first ball joint connection 18 and the male elements of the second ball joint connection 20. In the following description, male elements carried by the drive means to form part of a ball joint connection are referred to, but it should be noted that the drive means may carry female elements intended to receive spherical male elements, without departing from the scope of the invention, as long as the drive means is associated with two ball joint connections.

[0048] Each of these spherical connecting members is supported by an arm 22 at one end of the drive means 14. More specifically, the first spherical connecting member 19 of the first ball joint connection 18 is supported by an arm 22 so as to face the optical unit 6, and the second spherical connecting member 21 of the second ball joint connection 20 is supported by another arm 22 so as to face the housing 4.

[0049] The drive means 14 extends in the main extending direction, and the spherical connecting member supported by the drive means 14 is arranged such that the centers of the first ball joint connection 18 and the second ball joint connection 20 are aligned with each other along an axis parallel to the extending direction of the drive means 14.

[0050] The optical unit 6 includes a first connecting element 24 rigidly connected to the optical unit 6, where it is rigidly connected to the lower surface of the optical unit 6, but this does not limit the invention. The first connecting element 24 preferably extends along the longitudinal portion of the optical unit 6 in substantially the vicinity of the longitudinal end of the optical unit 6 furthest from the projection lens 8. This first connecting element 24 here forms a recess configured to receive a first spherical member 19 of the driving means 14. The interaction between the first connecting element 24 and the first spherical member enables the formation of a first ball joint connection 18.

[0051] The housing 4 includes a second connecting element 28, which, like the first connecting element 24, forms a recess configured to receive a second spherical connecting member 21, and the interaction between the second connecting element 28 and the second spherical connecting member 21 enables the formation of a second ball joint connection 20.

[0052] The ball joint connections 18 and 20 mentioned herein are such that a spherical member, supported by a drive mechanism, is engaged within a cavity having a complementary shape formed within the connecting element, and once the optical module is assembled, it cannot escape from there. It should be noted that the illustrations in the drawings are merely schematic.

[0053] Therefore, the drive means 14 is connected to the optical unit 6 on the one hand by a ball joint connection, in this case a first ball joint connection 18, and to the housing 4 on the other hand by a ball joint connection, in this case a second ball joint connection 20.

[0054] The first ball joint connection 18 and the second ball joint connection 20 formed at each end of the drive means 14 allow the drive means to move and follow the lateral movement of the optical unit 6 while the housing 4 remains fixed, thus ensuring that the two centers of the ball joint connections remain aligned along the axis of the drive means 14, which has the effect of not distorting the drive means when vertical adjustment must be performed after lateral adjustment.

[0055] Therefore, it will be understood that the optical unit 6 can move with a lateral component via the lateral adjustment means and with a vertical component via the vertical adjustment means 12, while remaining constantly connected to the drive means 14, without generating excessive stress on the drive means.

[0056] Therefore, the lateral adjustment means 13 and the vertical adjustment means 12 form two separate adjustment means that allow adjustment of the positioning of the optical unit 6 relative to the housing 4 and, consequently, to the projection lens 8.

[0057] Figure 5 shows an optical module 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the drive means 14 is connected to the optical unit 6 by a first ball joint connection 18, similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, and therefore has a first spherical connecting member 19 for this purpose. However, this second embodiment differs from the above description in that a second ball joint connection 20 is not located between the drive means 14 and the housing 4. More specifically, in the second ball joint connection 20, the optical module 2 includes an adjustment element 32, which is formed by an adjustment screw 34 and is interposed between the drive means 14 and the housing 4. In the shown embodiment, the adjustment element 32 forms a manual adjustment element. Of course, without departing from the scope of the invention, the adjustment element 32 can be performed automatically.

[0058] Therefore, the vertical adjustment means 12 is associated with an additional adjustment element 32. In particular, the operator can perform manual adjustments via the adjustment element 32 during the assembly of the vehicle on the assembly line, and automatic adjustments, controlled, for example, in accordance with the vehicle load, can be performed via the drive means 14 of the vertical adjustment means 12.

[0059] The adjustment element 32, formed by the adjustment screw 34, is connected to the housing 4 and the drive means 14. In this embodiment, the adjustment element 32 includes a second connection element 28, which in the first embodiment was previously directly supported by the housing and which receives the second spherical connecting member 21 of the drive means 14.

[0060] The adjustment element 32 is connected to the housing 4 by the interaction of a tapped hole 36 provided through the housing 4 and a complementary threaded portion formed on the stud 38 of the adjustment element 32. As mentioned, the adjustment element 32 allows manual adjustment of the pivot of the optical unit 6 relative to the housing 4 and therefore to the projection lens 8 by vertically moving the center of the stud 38, and therefore the second connecting element 28, and therefore the second ball joint connection 20. Such an adjustment element 32 is particularly useful for making adjustments while installing the optical module 2 in a vehicle.

[0061] In this second embodiment, it should be noted that the stud 38 directly forms a manual actuator 39 with which an operator interacts to influence the movement of the stud 38. This manual actuator 39 extends primarily along the main extension axis of the drive means 14.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the optical module 2 according to a third embodiment. In this third embodiment, the drive means 14 is connected not only to the housing 4 but also to an adjustment element 32 via a second ball joint connection 20, where the adjustment element 32 is formed by a gear system 40 that forms an angle and allows operator adjustment in the secant direction with respect to the direction of the drive means. In other words, the gear system 40 separates the manual actuator 39 from the stud 38 and thus allows the manual actuator 39 to be moved to a different part of the optical module 2.

[0063] More specifically, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the manual actuator 39 is located below the housing 4 of the optical module 2 when installed on an automobile vehicle, while in the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, the gear system 40 allows the position of the manual actuator 39 to be moved so that it is perpendicular to the stud 38, which remains oriented in the same direction as in the second embodiment.

[0064] The gear system 40 is connected to the housing 4 in such a way that a manual actuator 39 engages with the housing 4 and the gears are supported by a structure rigidly connected to the housing 4. By activating the manual actuator 39, the operator can control the vertical movement of the stud 38, and therefore the orientation of the optical unit 6 relative to the housing 4 and therefore to the projection lens 8. More specifically, by rotating the manual actuator 39, the operator causes rotation of the gears of the gear system 40 that are constrained to rotate integrally with the manual actuator 39 and mesh with a driven gear that engages with the stud 38. The stud can extend or retract relative to the driven gear via a screw system not shown here. In this third embodiment, it should be noted that the stud 38 again comprises a second connecting element 28, thereby causing vertical movement of the second connecting element 28, and therefore of the drive means 14, by moving the stud 38.

[0065] Figure 7 shows an optical module 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is a modification of the third embodiment shown in Figure 6. The adjustment element 32 is formed by a gear system 40, which here does not include a stud 38.

[0066] More specifically, the second connecting element 28 is positioned directly on the translation element 42 of the gear system 40. The translation element 42 has a U-shaped profile that extends vertically and includes two arms on its outer surface, each arm having an external thread that interacts with an internal thread on the inner surface of the driven gear of the gear system 40, and the driven gear is recessed to at least partially receive the drive means 14 in the retracted configuration shown in Figure 7. As a result, the space occupied by the vertical adjustment means 12 is improved.

[0067] The translation element 42 has a base that extends longitudinally between its two arms. This base of the translation element 42 is rigidly connected to a second connecting element 28, which houses the second spherical connecting member 21 of the drive means 14 in order to form a second ball joint connection 20. When the manual actuator 39 is rotated, the driven gear of the gear system 40 is rotated by a spur gear connection formed on the outer surface of the driven gear, and the translation element 42 is translated vertically, i.e., parallel to axis V. The second ball joint connection 20 is then translated in the same direction, thereby causing the optical unit 6 to pivot around an axis passing through the pivot point 11, as described above.

[0068] The gear system 40 in this fourth embodiment, described with reference to Figure 7, has the advantage of being more robust than the gear system 40 in the third embodiment, described with reference to Figure 6, and also has the advantage of reducing the vertical space occupied by the optical module, as mentioned above.

[0069] Figure 8 shows an optical module 2 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, which again forms a modification of the third embodiment, in which the driving means 14 is again connected by a second ball joint connection 20 to an adjustment element 32 formed by a gear system 40.

[0070] This fifth embodiment differs from the above in that the gear system 40 comprises four sets of gears, thereby enabling the formation of a manual actuator 39 in the form of a rod 44 that extends through the optical module 2 and appears on the top of the optical module 2.

[0071] In this embodiment, it should be noted that the axis of the stud 38 is located on the extension of the main extending direction of the drive means 14 and is inclined with respect to the vertical, in accordance with the above.

[0072] This embodiment facilitates manual vertical adjustment of the optical unit 6 by positioning a portion of the manual actuator 39, which is intended to be rotated by an operator, on top of the optical module 6 via a rod 44 passing through the optical module 2.

[0073] Figure 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention, which is a modification of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 8. Here, the rod 44 is replaced by a flexible element 46. Again, the flexible element 46 is positioned to allow manual adjustment from the top of the optical module, and therefore from the top of the headlamp. The flexible element 46 is made capable of engaging with a drive gear that is directly engaged with a driven gear associated with a stud 38, thereby limiting the number of gears in the gear system 40.

[0074] Figure 10 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the driving means 14 is formed by a rod 48 having fixed dimensions. The rod 48, similar to the dynamic actuator 16 in the embodiments described above, comprises a first spherical connecting member 19 which can be housed within a first connecting element 24 of the optical unit 6 to form a first ball joint connection 18, and a second spherical connecting member 21 which can be housed within a second connecting element 28 of the stud 38 to form a second ball joint connection 20.

[0075] In this embodiment, it will be understood that the rod 48 is connected by a second ball joint connection 20 to an adjustment element 32 formed by a gear system 40. This gear system 40 and manual actuator 39 allow the vertical position of the second ball joint connection 20 to be changed in order to pivot the optical unit 6. Of course, this rod 48, which forms a static system replacing the dynamic actuator 16, can be combined with other features of the embodiments mentioned above. For example, the stud 38 may be tilted according to embodiments shown with reference to Figures 8 and 9, or the gear system may take a different form.

[0076] Figure 11 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the driving means 14 is formed by a dynamic actuator 16 as described above. The dynamic actuator 16 comprises, at each end thereof, spherical connecting members 19 and 21, each supported by an arm 22 and forming part of a first ball joint connection 18 and a second ball joint connection 20, respectively. The first spherical connecting member 19 is received within a first connecting element 24 rigidly connected to the optical unit 6, and the second spherical connecting member 21 is received within a second connecting element 28 supported by an adjustment element 32.

[0077] In this eighth embodiment, it will be noted that the adjustment element 32 is formed by a rocker 50 connected to the housing 4 by a first pivot connection 52. In other words, according to the invention, the drive means 14 is connected on the one hand to the optical unit 6 by a first ball joint connection 18 and on the other hand to the adjustment element 32 connected to the housing 4 by a second ball joint connection 20, here by a pivot connection.

[0078] More specifically, the rocker 50 is formed by a first branch 54 and a second branch 56 that extend from the first pivot connection 52, respectively, and which form an integral assembly with an angle of approximately 90° between them.

[0079] The first branch 54 has a second connecting element 28 at its free end, that is, the end opposite to the first pivot connection 52, which forms part of the second ball joint connection 20 between the drive means 14 and the rocker 50 as described above.

[0080] The second branch 56 interacts with the manual actuator 39 to form an annular linear joint connection 58. This annular linear joint connection 58 is formed by the interaction between a groove provided within the thickness of the free end of the second branch 54 and a spherical head at the end of the manual actuator 39.

[0081] Again, the manual actuator 39 forms an adjustment screw. By moving the adjustment screw toward the rocker 50, the operator manually pushes or pulls the second branch 56, thereby tilting the rocker 50 around the first pivot connection 52, which has the effect of simultaneously moving the first branch 54 and changing the position of the second ball joint connection 20. As a result, the optical unit 6 pivots to one side or the other around the axis passing through the pivot point 11.

[0082] It should be noted that the 90° angle between the first branch 54 and the second branch 56 allows the manual actuator 39 to be positioned on the rear of the optical module 2, i.e., on the surface opposite to the projection lens 8, and facilitates access to the manual actuator for operators on the vehicle assembly line. However, this angle between the first branch 54 and the second branch 56 may differ insofar as the inclination of the rocker 50 caused by the manual actuator 39 allows the position of the second ball joint connection 20 to change.

[0083] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a ninth embodiment of the invention. First, it should be noted that the order in which the embodiments are disclosed does not imply any preference for one or the other of the embodiments. In contrast, the ninth embodiment described below is particularly useful insofar as it provides particularly great robustness and reliability.

[0084] More specifically, Figure 12 shows the optical unit 6 in its nominal position, and Figure 13 shows the same optical unit 6 in an alternative position, in which the optical unit 6 pivots around an axis passing through the pivot point 11 via a vertical adjustment means 12.

[0085] In this ninth embodiment, the drive means 14 is formed by a dynamic actuator 16 and a bracket 60. Thus, they differ from the above in that the dynamic actuator 16 is associated with an additional component to form the drive means 14. More specifically, the dynamic actuator 16 is connected to the bracket 60 by a pivot connection 62.

[0086] The bracket 60, like the rocker 50 in the eighth embodiment, is formed by a first branch 54 and a second branch 56, and as mentioned above, the second branch 56 is rigidly connected to the manual actuator 39 at its free end by an annular linear joint connection 58.

[0087] In this ninth embodiment, the bracket 60 is connected to the housing 4 by a ball joint connection, which is hereby referred to as a third ball joint connection 64. In the illustrated example, this ball joint connection is formed by the interaction, on the one hand, of a spherical portion 66 at the end of a pin 68 that is rigidly connected to the housing 4, for example, by screw fastening, and on the other hand, of a receiving cavity 70 formed in the bracket 60 at the intersection of the two branches, which forms a recess configured to receive the spherical portion 66 of the pin 68. Of course, it is also conceivable to reverse the described configuration, with the spherical portion rigidly connected to the bracket 60 and the receiving cavity incorporated into the housing 4.

[0088] According to the invention, the vertical adjustment means 12 is connected on the one hand to the optical unit 6 by a ball joint connection having a spherical connecting member located on the arm of the dynamic actuator 16, which is not shown here but as described above, and on the other hand to the housing 4 by a ball joint connection 64. The driving means is formed by the dynamic actuator and a bracket, and the ball joint connection 64 formed therebetween the housing and the driving means is formed here between the bracket 60, which forms part of the driving means 14, and the housing 4.

[0089] In this ninth embodiment, as in the earlier embodiments, the driving means 14 of the vertical adjustment means 12 is therefore capable of following the lateral movement of the optical unit when the optical unit is moved by the lateral adjustment means 13. This feature of the ninth embodiment can be seen in more detail in Figure 14.

[0090] As shown in Figure 14, the bracket 60 is capable of pivoting around the axis formed by the ball joint connection 64 and the annular linear joint connection 58 in the pivot direction indicated by the double arrow S3, in order to follow the movement caused by the lateral adjustment means 13.

[0091] Accordingly, the present invention achieves the set objective by proposing an optical module that includes an optical unit comprising a projection lens fixed to a housing and capable of being reoriented in two mutually orthogonal directions without damaging the connections performed to perform the reorientation change.

[0092] However, the present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, but also extends to all equivalent means and configurations, as well as any technically effective combination of such means.

Claims

1. An optical module (2) comprising a housing (4) and an optical unit (6) that is movable relative to the housing (4) and houses at least one light source, wherein the optical module (2) comprises a projection lens (8) fixed relative to the housing (4) and through which light rays emitted by the at least one light source can pass and exit the optical module (2), and the optical module (2) comprises a device for adjusting the position of the optical unit (6) in the housing (4) in two orthogonal directions, wherein the adjustment device comprises a lateral adjustment means (13) and a vertical adjustment means (12), the vertical adjustment means (12) comprising a drive means (14) connected on one side to the optical unit (6) by a ball joint connection (18) and on the other side to the housing (4) or to an adjustment element (32) connected to the housing (4) by a ball joint connection (20, 64).

2. The optical module (2) according to claim 1, wherein the optical unit (6) is rigidly connected to the housing (4) and is connected by a pivot connection to a tab (10) adjacent to the projection lens (8).

3. The optical module (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the driving means (14) is formed by at least one rod (48) or at least one dynamic actuator (16).

4. The optical module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive means (14) comprises two spherical connecting members (19, 21) for forming the ball joint connection (18, 20), and these spherical connecting members are located at the opposite end of the drive means (14).

5. The optical module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the driving means (14) is connected to the optical unit (6) on one side by a ball joint connection (18) and to the housing (4) on the other side by a ball joint connection (64), and the driving means (14) is formed by a dynamic actuator (16) and a bracket (60).

6. The optical module (2) according to claim 5, wherein the bracket (60) is connected to the housing (4) by the ball joint connection (64) and to the dynamic actuator (16) by the pivot connection (62).

7. The optical module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the driving means (14) is connected to an adjustment element (32) connected to the housing (4), and the adjustment element (32), which is formed by a rocker (50), is formed by a dynamic actuator (16) connected by a ball joint connection (20).

8. The optical module (2) according to claim 7, wherein the rocker (50) is connected to the housing (4) by a pivot connection (52).

9. The optical module (2) according to claim 8, wherein the vertical adjustment means (12) comprises a manual actuator (39) configured to pivot the adjustment element (32) around the connection between the adjustment element (32) and the housing (4) so ​​as to change the position of the drive means (14).

10. The optical module (2) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the vertical adjustment means (12) comprises a manual actuator (39) configured to pivot the bracket (60) around the connection between the bracket (60) and the housing (4) so ​​as to change the position of the drive means (14).

11. The optical module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the driving means (14) is connected to an adjustment element (32) connected to the housing (4), and the vertical adjustment means (12) comprises a manual actuator (39) configured to translate the adjustment element (32) so as to change the position of the driving means (14).

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