Light module including a light unit that is movable relative to a fixed projection lens

Abstract

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

Description

DESCRIPTION Title of the invention ■ Light module of which a light unit is movable relative to a fixed projection lens.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of light modules and 5 in particular light modules intended to equip a motor vehicle. The present invention relates more particularly to a light unit housed in a housing of such a light module, the light unit being capable of generating light rays exiting the light module through a projection lens, the projection lens being fixed relative to the housing and the light unit movable relative to the housing.

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

[0003] The light functions, and in particular the lighting functions, must be adjusted appropriately to, on the one hand, provide optimal illumination of the road and, on the other hand, limit the glare of other road users. These adjustments are, for example, made on the assembly line when the light module is fitted in the headlight or made automatically according to information obtained during the movement of the vehicle by sensors arranged on said vehicle. [IJ0004] The light beam can thus be adjusted so as to have a vertical and lateral deflection. The vertical deflection is useful for taking into account the attitude of the vehicle which varies from one vehicle category to another and which varies according to the vehicle load and to fold the light beam to avoid dazzling other road users, and in particular an occupant of an oncoming vehicle. The lateral movement is useful for adjustment between two light modules and to ensure good alignment of the 5 light beam relative to the vehicle axis. It is known in particular to move, by an appropriate actuator, the entire light module, for example by pushing or pulling on one of its ends to tilt it around a pivot axis.

[0005] Particularly for reasons of space requirement or aesthetics, it may be desirable to have a projection lens that remains fixed during vertical and lateral adjustments of the light beam. However, in this context of a fixed projection lens and a lighting unit, comprising at least one light source and the optical elements, which is movable relative to the projection lens, it is necessary to ensure that the at least one light source and the optical elements remain, relative to the projection lens, in a relative position that allows the lighting function to be performed. In this context, it is notable that the actuator associated with the vertical adjustment and the actuator associated with the lateral adjustment are selectively controllable to orient the lighting unit within the projector, which requires in particular that the vertical adjustment actuator follows the lateral movement of the lighting unit.In known systems, such movement can create friction at the connections between this vertical adjustment actuator and the light unit, damaging the adjustment device.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context by proposing a light module5 in which the movement of the light unit is independent of the projection lens and in which the friction at the connections of the adjustment device is reduced, thus improving the precision and the service life of the adjustment device.

[0007] Thus, the subject of the present invention is a light module comprising a housing and a light unit movable relative to the housing and in which at least one light source is housed, the light module comprising a projection lens fixed relative to the housing and through which light rays emitted by the at least one light source are able to exit the light module, the light module comprising a device for adjusting the position of the light unit within the housing in two perpendicular directions, the adjustment device comprising a lateral adjustment means and a vertical adjustment means, the vertical adjustment means 5 comprising a drive means connected on the one hand to the light unit by a ball joint and connected on the other hand to the housing, or to an adjustment element connected to the housing, by a ball joint.

[0008] The light module comprises a housing which forms the outer casing of the light module and which defines an internal volume in which the light unit is housed. The light unit is held at at least one point to the housing and is also in contact with two separate adjustment means, one being configured to exert on the light unit, independently of the housing, a horizontal pushing or pulling movement and the other to exert, again independently of the housing, a pushing or pulling movement5 according to a vertical component. During each of these movements, the light unit moves inside the housing while the projection lens remains fixed, as does the housing. Indeed, the housing forms the element of the light module which is linked either to the body of the vehicle or to the vehicle headlight, the projection lens is fixed in particular for aesthetic and space-saving considerations and only the light unit moves.

[0009] The projection lens forms the element of the light module through which the light rays are able to exit the light module to be projected towards the road. Thus, the projection lens is configured to shape the light rays emitted by the at least one light source, and5 optionally collected and oriented by one or more optical elements of the light unit, and to project them towards the outside of the light module. This projection lens is an element operating a treatment of the light rays to make them compliant with various regulations. More specifically, this projection lens makes it possible to modify in particular the0 trajectory of the light rays emitted by the light unit and oriented a first time if necessary by one or more optical elements of the light unit, and arranged upstream of this projection lens, so as to generate a beam of light rays according to desired parameters. understands from the above that the projection lens is an optical element playing a role in the formation of the light function formed by the light rays which pass through the projection lens and that without this projection lens, the production of a regulatory beam is not possible. 5 possible. In other words, the projection lens cannot be confused with a transparent glass intended to form a mechanical protection of an optical device housed in a projector and not performing any specific optical treatment of the light rays to form a regulatory lighting function. u|ooio] Furthermore, the projection lens is arranged at a distance from the light unit and is not part of the latter. The projection lens is configured so that the object focus of the latter is positioned at the level of the light unit, for example at the level of the light source of this light unit or at the level of optical elements interposed between the source 15 light and the projection lens, when the light module is assembled. More specifically, the light unit may comprise at least one light source and a collector whose reflective surface makes it possible to direct the light rays generated by the light source towards the projection lens. The object focus of the projection lens is arranged at least 10 mm from a rear edge of the collector, i.e. from the edge furthest from the projection lens.

[0011] The light unit is movable in two perpendicular directions, the mobility of the light unit in each of said directions thus being induced by an adjustment means of the adjustment device. Thus, the vertical adjustment means allows the light unit to pivot about a pivot axis extending parallel to a main elongation axis of the projection lens. The lateral adjustment means allows the lateral movement of the light unit along a substantially transverse direction. ([ooi2] The fluidity of the mobility of the light unit in these two directions is notably enabled by means of the drive means of the vertical adjustment means which is configured to modify the inclination of the light unit relative to the projection lens by pivoting the light unit around the pivot axis, and follow the movement of the light unit when changing the orientation of the light unit relative to a transverse direction, and this without constraints due to the arrangement of two ball joints at each end of the drive means.

[0013] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light unit is connected by a pivot connection to a tab secured to the housing and adjacent to the projection lens. The tab participates, where appropriate with a portion of projection lens completing the shape around a pin of the light unit, in generating the pivot connection of this light unit around the pivot axis, the light unit being caused to pivot as a whole around this pivot axis when a pushing or pulling action is exerted on the light unit via the drive means. More particularly, the tab is secured to the housing in the vicinity of the projection lens to cooperate with the light unit at a first longitudinal end and the contact between the drive means and the light unit to carry out the pushing or pulling is made in an area of ​​the light unit arranged opposite this tab.

[0014] According to an optional feature of the invention, the pivot axis is parallel to the main elongation axis of the projection lens. In a first embodiment of the invention, the projection lens extends along a main elongation axis extending transversely and horizontally. In this first embodiment, the pivot axis is substantially parallel to the direction of lateral adjustment. In a second embodiment of the invention, the main elongation axis of the projection lens5 is inclined relative to a horizontal transverse axis, in particular to be able to follow the curve of a vehicle. In this second embodiment, the pivot axis is then inclined relative to the direction of lateral adjustment by the same angle as the main elongation axis of the projection lens relative to the horizontal transverse axis.In fact, the direction of the lateral adjustment0 remains oriented along a transverse and horizontal axis regardless of the inclination of the main elongation axis of the projection lens relative to the horizontal transverse axis.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, the light unit is devoid of a lens. It is understood that the light unit is an element of the light module which is devoid of a lens, the projection lens of the light module being the only optical effect lens of the light module. Jooiô] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the drive means is formed of at least one connecting rod or at least one dynamic actuator.

[0017] The dynamic actuator allows the automatic control of the pivoting of the light unit. This automatic pivoting can, for example, be controlled by a control command generated by a control unit of the drive means on the basis of information on the status of the vehicle or the road on which the vehicle is traveling by appropriate sensors.

[0018] The connecting rod allows for the transmission of forces, particularly in the context of manual adjustment, i.e. without the intervention of controlled means, this manual adjustment5 being able, for example, to be carried out when installing the light module in the vehicle.

[0019] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the drive means comprises two spherical connecting members for forming the ball joints, these spherical connecting members being arranged at opposite ends of the drive means.

[0020] According to an optional feature of the invention, the drive means is connected on the one hand to the light unit by a ball joint connection and connected on the other hand to the housing by a ball joint connection, the drive means being formed of a dynamic actuator and a bracket. ^0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the bracket is connected by a ball joint connection to the housing and by a pivot connection to the dynamic actuator.

[0022] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the drive means is linked to an adjustment element linked to the housing, and is formed of a dynamic actuator linked by a ball joint to the adjustment element formed by a rocker.

[0023] According to an optional feature of the invention, the rocker is connected to the housing by a pivot connection.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the invention, the vertical adjustment means comprises a manual actuator configured to pivot the adjustment element around the connection between the adjustment element and the housing so as to modify the position of the drive means. It should be noted 5 that by manual actuator is meant that it is a manually desired adjustment, i.e. the adjustment is not controlled by sensors and a control unit autonomously but by an operator wishing to adjust the light unit relative to the projection lens.

[0025] According to a characteristic of the invention, the vertical adjustment means 0 comprises a manual actuator configured to pivot the bracket around the connection between the bracket and the housing so as to modify the position of the drive means.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the invention, the drive means is linked to an adjustment element linked to the housing, and in which the vertical adjustment means5 comprises a manual actuator configured to translate the adjustment element so as to modify the position of the drive means.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the adjustment element is formed of a gear system configured to modify the position of the light unit via the drive means. In other words, a gear system makes it possible to actuate the drive means so that it transmits the movement to the light unit. This gear system is connected to an actuator, in particular a manual one, which allows an operator to act on the position of the light unit, successively via the actuator, the gear system and the drive means. The gear system may in particular make it possible to make an angle transmission to facilitate the manipulation of the actuator by the operator and / or may allow a reduction in the effort to be provided by the operator to modify the position of the light unit.

[0028] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0029] [Fig.i] schematically represents a light module according to a first embodiment of the invention, allowing the movement of a light unit within the light module with a projection lens which remains fixed, and in which a means for driving an adjustment device 5 vertical is connected by a ball joint to the light unit and by another ball joint to a housing of the light module, the light unit here being in a first standard vertical position;

[0030] [Fig.2] schematically represents the light module visible in Figure 1 with the light unit in a second vertical position, the drive means 0 having been actuated to pivot the light unit within the housing, the projection lens having remained fixed;

[0031] [Fig.3] schematically represents a rear view of the light module of figures 1 and 2, according to a viewing angle perpendicular to that of figures 1 and 2, this figure 3 highlighting a lateral adjustment means, the light unit5 being here in a first standard transverse position;

[0032] [Fig.4] schematically represents the light module visible in Figure 3 with the light unit in a second transverse position following actuation of the lateral adjustment means, Figure 4 making visible the change in orientation of the drive means of the vertical adjustment device to accompany the movement of the light unit induced by the lateral adjustment means;

[0033] [Fig.5] schematically represents a light module according to a second embodiment of the invention in which the drive means is linked by a ball joint to the light unit and by a ball joint to an adjustment element5, here manual adjustment, formed of a rod linked to the housing;

[0034] [Fig.6] schematically represents a light module according to a third embodiment of the invention in which the drive means is linked by a ball joint to the light unit and by a ball joint to an adjustment element formed by a rod which is linked to a gear system linked to the housing0;

[0035] [Fig.7] schematically represents a light module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the drive means is linked by a ball joint connection to the light unit and by a ball joint connection to an adjustment element formed by a rod which is connected to a gear system connected to the housing and in which the gear system comprises a part forming a U-shaped profile carrying the ball joint connection between the drive means and the element of 5 setting;

[0036] [Fig.8] schematically represents a light module according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in which the drive means is linked by a ball joint to the light unit and by a ball joint to an adjustment element formed by a rod which is linked to a gear system linked to the housing0 and in which the gear system is actuated by a rod passing through the light module;

[0037] [Fig.9] schematically represents a light module according to a sixth embodiment of the invention in which the drive means is linked by a ball joint to the light unit and by a ball joint to an adjustment element5 formed by a rod which is linked to a gear system linked to the housing and in which the gear system is actuated by a flexible element passing through the light module;

[0038] [Fig.10] schematically represents a light module according to a seventh embodiment of the invention in which the drive means of the vertical adjustment device is formed of a connecting rod linked by a ball joint to the light unit and by a ball joint to an adjustment element;

[0039] [Fig.11] schematically represents a light module according to an eighth embodiment of the invention in which the drive means is linked by a ball joint to the light unit and by a ball joint to an adjustment element5 formed by a rocker linked by a pivot link to the housing;

[0040] [Fig.12] schematically represents a light module according to a ninth embodiment of the invention in which a drive means of a vertical adjustment device is linked by a ball joint to the light unit and by another ball joint to the housing of the light module, the light unit0 being here in a first standard vertical position, and in which the drive means is formed of a dynamic actuator and a bracket linked by a pivot connection to the dynamic actuator;

[0041] [Fig.13] schematically represents the light module of figure 12 making visible a different orientation of the light unit following the implementation of the drive means of the vertical adjustment device;

[0042] [Fig.14] schematically represents a bottom view of the light module 5 visible in figures 11 and 12, said figure 14 making visible the accompaniment of the vertical adjustment device of a movement induced by a lateral adjustment means.

[0043] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art.

[0044] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0045] In the detailed description which follows, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of the light module according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction of advance of a vehicle equipped with the light module, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a reference frame L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular, in a horizontal plane, to the direction of advance of the vehicle equipped with the light module, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the reference frame L, V, T and this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis V of the reference frame L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.

[0046] Figures 1 to 4 represent a light module 2 in accordance with the present invention, according to a first embodiment.

[0047] The light module 2 comprises a housing 4 forming an envelope in which a light unit 6 is housed. This housing 4 is formed from a polymer material or a metallic material and is intended to be housed in a headlight of a motor vehicle. It should be noted that in another 5 embodiment of the invention, the housing 4 of the light module 2 is intended to be directly embedded in the bodywork of a motor vehicle.

[0048] The light unit 6 forms an envelope in which are housed at least light sources, not shown here, capable of generating a light function, in particular a lighting function, to ensure the visibility of the road by the users of the vehicle, in particular in conditions of extreme darkness. These light sources generate light rays constituting said light function emitted from the light unit 6 in the direction of a projection lens 8. ^0049] The projection lens 8 is housed in the housing 4 at a face of the housing 4 intended to be turned towards the road. Such a configuration makes it possible, when the light module 2 is directly embedded in the body of the vehicle, to arrange the projection lens 8 in the extension of the body of the motor vehicle. ^0050] It is understood from the above that the projection lens 8 is integral with the housing 4.More specifically, this securing of the projection lens 8 relative 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 modified. In addition, the housing 4 is fixed relative to the projector in which the light module 2 is housed or relative to the body of the vehicle when the light module 2 is directly connected to the latter.

[0051] The projection lens 8 is distinct from a simple transparent closing surface of a projector in that it performs an optical treatment of the light rays passing through it and participates in forming a beam of regulatory rays projected onto the road. For this purpose, the projection lens 8 can in particular be configured to have an object focus arranged less than 10 mm from a light source of the light unit, or from a rear edge of a collector participating in forming the light unit 6 with the light source, this collector being intended to direct the light rays emitted by a light source towards the projection lens 8.

[0052] The light module 2 comprises at least one leg 10 secured by a 5 end to the housing 4 and connected by an opposite end to the light unit 6. In the embodiment shown, the light module 2 comprises two legs 10 distributed on either side of the light unit 6 relative to the transverse direction.

[0053] The legs 10 are connected to the light unit 6 by a pivot connection, so as to respectively form a pivot point 11 located in the vicinity of the longitudinal end of the light unit 6 closest to the projection lens 8. The legs 10 are transversely opposed to each other with respect to the light unit 6 so that the light unit 6 is able to pivot about a pivot axis passing through the two pivot points 11, this axis being parallel to the transverse axis T in the embodiment shown.

[0054] The light module 2 comprises an adjustment device comprising a lateral adjustment means 13, shown schematically in Figures 3 and 4, and a vertical adjustment means 12, which are selectively controllable relative to each other. The light module according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the vertical adjustment means so that the potential movements of the light unit 6 generated by means of the lateral adjustment means 13 do not generate excessive stresses on the vertical adjustment means and / or the light unit. ^0055] The vertical adjustment means 12 comprises a drive means 14 which, in this first embodiment, is formed by a dynamic actuator 16. The lateral adjustment means 13 is formed, in this first embodiment shown, of an adjustment screw passing through the wall of the housing and capable of pushing or pulling on the light unit 6, so as to adjust the orientation of the light unit 6 in the transverse direction.

[0056] Whether it is the vertical adjustment means 12 or the lateral adjustment means 13, in both cases it is a question of adjusting the position of the light unit 6 independently of the position of the projection lens, which remains fixed by relative to the housing of the light module and more generally fixed relative to the vehicle, and where applicable fixed relative to the projector in which the light module is housed.

[0057] The drive means 14, here the dynamic actuator 16, is capable of 5 change the vertical orientation, i.e. the orientation relative to the vertical axis V, of the light unit 6. In other words, the drive means 14 of the vertical adjustment means 12 is configured to drive the light unit 6 in rotation about the axis passing through the pivot points 11 by pulling or pushing on an area of ​​the light unit 6 at a distance from the pivot points. The change in vertical orientation of the light unit 6 due to the activation of the means of the vertical adjustment means 12 is notably visible by looking at a first standard position illustrated in FIG. 1 and a second position reached after this change in orientation illustrated in FIG. 2. In particular, it is remarkable in FIG. 2 that the light unit 6 is driven in movement about the axis passing through the pivot points 11 when the drive means 14 is activated, with reference to the double arrow Si.The drive means 14 pushes vertically on the light unit 6 to modify its vertical orientation by pivoting it around the pivot axis formed by the connection between the legs 10 and the light unit 6.

[0058] The dynamic actuator 16 makes it possible to adjust the inclination of the light unit 6 relative to the housing 4 without the user of the vehicle needing to manually make the adjustment. For this purpose, sensors collect information allowing a control unit, not shown here, to control the operation of the dynamic actuator 16. For example, the dynamic actuator 16 can be controlled as a function of a value representative of the inclination of the vehicle, whether this is due to an overload at the rear of the vehicle or to the vehicle passing over a rough road.

[0059] The lateral adjustment means 13 is capable of moving the light unit 6 by exerting a lateral thrust, in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the light unit 6 when the latter is moved by the vertical adjustment means 14. The modification of the transverse orientation of the light unit 6 relative to the housing 4, by means of the means lateral adjustment 13, is particularly visible by comparing the standard position illustrated in Figure 3 and the displaced position illustrated in Figure 4. The lateral displacement of the light unit 6, illustrated by the double arrow S2 in Figure 4, is again carried out with a housing and a projection lens which 5 remain fixed.

[0060] The drive means 14 is configured to be able to accompany this transverse movement of the light unit 6 to which the drive means is connected at one end. More particularly, the drive means 14 is connected to other components of the light module by two ball joints 18, 20, with a first ball joint 18 between the drive means and the light unit 6 and a second ball joint 20 between the drive means and the housing 4.

[0061] More particularly, the drive means 14 comprises spherical connecting members 19, 21 forming a male element of the first ball joint 18 and a male element of the second ball joint 20. In the remainder of the description, mention will be made of a male element carried by the drive means to participate in forming the ball joints, but it should be noted that the drive means could carry female elements intended to receive spherical male elements without departing from the context of the invention, since the drive means is associated with two ball joints.

[0062] Each of these spherical connecting members is carried at one end of the drive means 14 by an arm 22. More specifically, the first spherical connecting member 19 of the first ball joint 18 is carried by an arm 22 so as to be opposite the light unit 6 and the second spherical connecting member 21 of the second ball joint 20 is carried by another arm 22 so as to be opposite the housing 4.

[0063] The drive means 14 extends in a main elongation direction and the spherical connecting members carried by the drive means 14 are arranged so that the center of the first ball joint 18 and the center of the second ball joint 20 are aligned with each other along an axis parallel to the elongation direction of the drive means 14.

[0064] The light unit 6 comprises a first connecting element 24 secured to the light unit 6, here secured to a lower face of the light unit 6 without this being limiting of the invention. The first connecting element 24 preferably extends in a longitudinal part of the light unit 6 5 substantially in the vicinity of the longitudinal end of the light unit 6 furthest from the projection lens 8. This first connecting element 24 here forms a housing configured to accommodate the first spherical member 19 of the drive means 14. It is the cooperation between the first connecting element 24 and the first spherical member which makes it possible to form the first ball joint 18.

[0065] The housing 4 comprises a second connecting element 28, forming, like the first connecting element 24, a housing configured to accommodate the second spherical connecting member 21, and it is the cooperation between the second connecting element 28 and the second spherical connecting member 215 which makes it possible to form a second ball joint 20.

[0066] It should be noted that the ball joints 18, 20 mentioned are such that the spherical member, here carried by the drive means, are engaged in the cavity of complementary shape formed within the connecting element and cannot escape from it once the light module is assembled, and that the representation in the figures is only schematic.

[0067] Thus, the drive means 14 is connected on the one hand to the light unit 6 by a ball joint, here the first ball joint 18, and on the other hand to the housing 4 by a ball joint, here the second ball joint 20.

[0068] The first ball joint 18 and the second ball joint 20 formed at each end of the drive means 14 allow the latter to move and follow the transverse movement of the light unit 6 while the housing 4 remains fixed, and thus ensure that the two centers of the ball joints remain aligned in the axis of the drive means 14, which has the effect of not stressing the drive means when a vertical adjustment must be made after a lateral adjustment has been made.

[0069] It is understood that the light unit 6 can thus move according to a transverse component, by means of the lateral adjustment means, and according to a vertical component, by means of the vertical adjustment means 12, while being constantly linked to the drive means 14 without generating excessive constraints on this drive means.

[0070] Thus, the lateral adjustment means 13 and the vertical adjustment means 12 form two separate adjustment means for adjusting the positioning of 5 the light unit 6 relative to the housing 4 and therefore relative to the projection lens 8.

[0071] Figure 5 shows the light module 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the drive means 14 is, like the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, connected to the light unit 6 by the first ball joint 18 and therefore has for this purpose the first spherical connecting member 19. However, this second embodiment differs from what has been previously described insofar as the second ball joint 20 is not arranged between the drive means 14 and the housing 4. More particularly, at the second ball joint 20, the light module 2 comprises an adjustment element 32, which is formed by an adjustment screw 34 and interposed between the drive means 14 and the housing 4. In the embodiments shown, 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 implemented in an automated manner.

[0072] The vertical adjustment means 12 is thus associated with an additional adjustment element 32. In particular, it is possible to have a manual adjustment carried out by an operator during assembly of the vehicle on the production line, by means of the adjustment element 32, and an automatic adjustment, controlled as a function of the load of the vehicle for example, by means of the drive means 14 of the vertical adjustment means 12.

[0073] The adjustment element 32 formed by an adjustment screw 34 is connected to the housing 4 and to the drive means 14. The adjustment element 32 comprises, in this embodiment, the second connecting element 28 previously carried directly by the housing in the first embodiment and in which the second spherical connecting member 21 of the drive means 14 is housed.

[0074] The adjustment element 32 is connected to the housing 4 by the cooperation of a tapped hole 36 made through the housing 4 and a complementary threaded portion made on a rod 38 of the adjustment element 32. As mentioned, the adjustment element 32 makes it possible to manually adjust the pivoting of the light unit 6 by 5 relative to the housing 4 and therefore relative to the projection lens 8 by vertically moving the rod 38 and therefore the second connecting element 28 and therefore the center of the second ball joint 20. Such an adjustment element 32 is particularly useful for being able to make adjustments when installing the light module 2 in the vehicle. i([oo75] It should be noted that in this second embodiment the rod 38 directly forms a manual actuator 39 on which an operator interacts to influence the movement of the rod 38. This manual actuator 39 extends mainly in the main elongation axis of the drive means 14. 1^0076] Figure 6 shows the light module 2 according to a third embodiment. In this third embodiment, the drive means 14 is also connected, via the second ball joint 20, to an adjustment element 32 and not directly to the housing 4, but this adjustment element 32 is here formed of a gear system 40 which allows a return and an adjustment by the operator in a direction intersecting that of the drive means. In other words, this gear system 40 makes it possible to separate the manual actuator 39 from the rod 38 and thus to be able to shift the manual actuator 39 to another part of the light module 2.

[0077] More specifically, in the second embodiment represented by FIG. 5, the manual actuator 39 is arranged at the lower part of the housing 4 of the light module 2 when the latter is fitted to the motor vehicle, while in the third embodiment represented by FIG. 6, the gear system 40 makes it possible to shift the position of the manual actuator 39 perpendicular to the rod 38, which remains oriented in the same direction as in the second embodiment.

[0078] The gear system 40 is connected to the housing 4 in that the manual actuator 39 is engaged on the housing 4 and the gears are carried by a frame secured to the housing 4. By activating the manual actuator 39, the operator can control the vertical movement of the rod 38 and therefore the orientation of the light unit 6 relative to the housing 4 and therefore to the projection lens 8. More specifically, by rotating the manual actuator 39, the operator rotates a pinion of the gear system 40 5 rotationally integral with the manual actuator 39 which meshes with a driven pinion which is connected to the rod 38. The latter can be deployed or retracted relative to the driven pinion by a threading system not visible here. It should be noted that in this third embodiment, the rod 38 again comprises the second connecting element 28, so that by moving the rod 38, the operator causes the movement in the vertical direction of the second connecting element 28 and therefore of the drive means 14.

[0079] Figure 7 represents the light module 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is a variant of the third embodiment represented by Figure 6. The adjustment element 32 is formed by a gear system 40 which here does not have the rod 38.

[0080] More particularly, the second connecting element 28 is directly positioned at a translation element 42 of the gear system 40. This translation element 42 has a U-shaped profile comprising two arms extending vertically and comprising a thread on an external face0 brought to cooperate with a tapping of an internal surface of the driven pinion of the gear system 40, the driven pinion being hollowed out to receive at least partially, in a retracted configuration visible in FIG. 7, the drive means 14. In this way, the size of the vertical adjustment means 12 is improved. f 0081] The translation element 42 comprises between its two arms a base extending longitudinally. This base of the translation element 42 is integral with the second connecting element 28 in which the second spherical connecting member 21 of the drive means 14 is housed to form the second ball joint 20.Thus, by rotating the manual actuator 39, the driven pinion of the gear system 40 is rotated by a spur gear connection, provided on the external face of the driven pinion, and the translation element 42 is driven in translation in the vertical direction, that is to say parallel to the axis V. The second ball joint connection 20 is. then driven in translation in the same direction so as, as previously described, to pivot the light unit 6 around the axis passing through the pivot points n.

[0082] The gear system 40 of this fourth embodiment, described in 5 link with figure 7, has the advantage of being more robust than the gear system 40 of the third embodiment described in connection with figure 6, and has the advantage as mentioned of being able to reduce the vertical size of the light module.

[0083] Figure 8 represents the light module 2 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, which again forms a variant of the third embodiment, with again the drive means 14 which is linked by the second ball joint 20 to the adjustment element 32 which is formed by the gear system 40.

[0084] This fifth embodiment differs from the above in that the gear system 40 comprises a train of four gears which makes it possible to produce the manual actuator 39 in the form of a connecting rod 44 extending across the light module 2 to open at the upper part of the light module 2.

[0085] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the axis of the rod 38 is inclined relative to the vertical dimension, being arranged in accordance with the above in the extension of the main elongation direction of the drive means 14.

[0086] This embodiment makes it possible, by means of the connecting rod 44 passing through the light module 2, to facilitate the vertical manual adjustment of the light unit 6 by positioning the part of the manual actuator 39 intended to be driven in rotation by the operator at the level of the upper part of the light module 6.

[0087] Figure 9 shows a sixth embodiment, which is a variant of the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 8. Here, the connecting rod 44 is replaced by a flexible element 46. Here again, the flexible element 46 is arranged to allow manual adjustment from an upper part of the light module and therefore of the projector. The flexible element 46 makes it possible to come engaged on a driving pinion directly engaged with the driven pinion associated with the rod 38, so that the number of pinions in the gear system 40 is limited.

[0088] Figure 10 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention. In 5 in this embodiment, the drive means 14 is formed by a connecting rod 48, of fixed dimension. This connecting rod 48 comprises, like the dynamic actuator 16 of the embodiments previously described, a first spherical connecting member 19 which is able to be housed in the first connecting element 24 of the light unit 6 to form the first ball joint 180 and a second spherical connecting member 21 which is able to be housed in the second connecting element 28 of the rod 38 to form the second ball joint 20.

[0089] It is understood that in this embodiment, the connecting rod 48 is connected by the second ball joint 20 to the adjustment element 32 formed by the gear system 40. This gear system 40 and the manual actuator 39 make it possible to modify the vertical position of the second ball joint 20 to pivot the light unit 6. Of course, this connecting rod 48 forming a static system replacing the dynamic actuator 16 can be combined with other characteristics of the previously mentioned embodiments. For example, the rod 38 can be inclined in accordance with the embodiments shown in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9, or the gear system can have a different shape.

[0090] Figure 11 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the drive means 14 is, in accordance with what has been previously described, formed of the dynamic actuator 16. The dynamic actuator 16 comprises at each of its ends the spherical connecting members 19, 21 each carried by an arm 22 and participating in forming respectively the first ball joint 18 and the second ball joint 20. The first spherical connecting member 19 is received in the first connecting element 24 secured to the light unit 6 and the second spherical connecting member 21 is received in the second connecting element 28 which is carried by the adjustment element 32.

[0091] It is notable that in this eighth embodiment, the adjustment element 32 is formed of a rocker 50 linked by a first pivot connection 52 to the housing 4. In other words, in accordance with the invention, the drive means 14 is linked on the one hand to the light unit 6 by the first ball joint connection 18 and linked on the other hand, by the second ball joint connection 20, to the adjustment element 32 linked to the housing 4, here by a pivot connection.

[0092] More specifically, the rocker 50 is formed of a first branch 54 and a second branch 56, which each extend from the first pivot connection 52 and which form a solid assembly, here with an angle of approximately 90°0 relative to each other.

[0093] The first branch 54 comprises at its free end, opposite the first pivot connection 52, the second connecting element 28, which as mentioned previously participates in forming the second ball joint connection 20 between the drive means 14 and the rocker 50. ^0094] The second branch 56 cooperates with the manual actuator 39 so as to form a linear-annular connection 58. This linear-annular connection 58 is formed by the cooperation between a groove formed in the thickness of the free end of the second handle 54 and a spherical head at the end of the manual actuator 39. 1^0095] Here again, the manual actuator 39 forms an adjustment screw.By moving the adjustment screw towards the rocker 50, the operator manually pushes or pulls the second branch 56, causing the rocker 50 to tilt around the first pivot connection 52, which has the effect of moving the first branch 54 simultaneously and modifying the position of the second ball joint 20. As a result, the light unit 6 pivots around the axis passing through the pivot points 11 in one direction or the other.

[0096] It should be noted that the 90° angle between the first branch 54 and the second branch 56 makes it possible to position the manual actuator 39 at the rear0 of the light module 2, i.e. at the level of the face opposite the projection lens 8, and to facilitate access to the manual actuator for an operator on a vehicle assembly line. However, this angle between the first branch 54 and the second branch 56 could be different since the tilting of the rocker 50 induced by the manual actuator 39 makes it possible to modify the position of the second ball joint 20.

[0097] Figures 12 and 13 show a ninth embodiment of the invention. It should first be noted that the order of presentation of the 5 embodiments does not imply a preference in the implementation of one or the other. On the contrary, the ninth embodiment which will be described is particularly interesting, in particular insofar as it offers robustness and high reliability.

[0098] More specifically, Figure 12 shows the light unit 6 in a nominal position and Figure 13 shows the same light unit 6 in an alternative position, in which the light unit 6 has pivoted about the axis passing through the pivot points 11 by means of the vertical adjustment means 12.

[0099] In this ninth embodiment, the drive means 14 is formed of a dynamic actuator 16 and a bracket 60. This differs from the above in that the dynamic actuator 16 is associated with an additional part to form the drive means 14. More particularly, the dynamic actuator 16 is connected to the bracket 60 by a pivot connection 62. ^0100] The bracket 60 is formed, like the rocker 50 of the eighth embodiment, of a first branch 54 and a second branch 56 and, in accordance with what was mentioned previously, the second branch 56 is secured at its free end to the manual actuator 39 by the linear-annular connection 58. jf 0101] In this ninth embodiment, the bracket 60 is connected to the housing 4 by a ball joint connection, here called the third ball joint connection 64.In the example illustrated, this ball joint is formed by the cooperation on the one hand of a spherical portion 66 at the end of a pin 68 secured to the housing 4, for example by screwing, and on the other hand of a receiving cavity 70 formed in the bracket 60 at the intersection of the two branches and forming a housing configured to accommodate the spherical portion 66 of the pin 68. Of course, it could be envisaged to invert the configuration described and to provide the portion. spherical integral with the bracket 60 and the receiving cavity integrated into the housing 4.

[0102] According to the invention, the vertical adjustment means 12 comprises a drive means 14 connected on the one hand to the light unit 6 by a ball joint, here not visible but in accordance with what could have been described previously, with a spherical connecting member arranged on an arm of the dynamic actuator 16, and connected on the other hand to the housing 4 by a ball joint 64. The drive means is formed of the dynamic actuator and the bracket, so that the ball joint 64 formed between the housing and the drive means is here formed between the bracket 60, forming part of the drive means 14, and the housing 4.

[0103] In this ninth embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, the drive means 14 of the vertical adjustment means 12 is thus able to follow the lateral movement of the light unit if the latter is moved by a lateral adjustment means 13. This characteristic of this ninth embodiment is visible in more detail in figure 14.

[0104] As seen in Figure 14, the bracket 60 is able to pivot around the axis formed by the ball joint 64 and the linear-annular connection 58, in a pivoting direction symbolized by a double arrow S3 to follow the movement induced by the lateral adjustment means 13.

[0105] Thus the present invention achieves the aim it set for itself by proposing a light module whose projection lens is fixed relative to a housing and whose light unit is capable of changing orientation in two perpendicular directions without damaging the connections implemented to carry out these changes of orientation.

[0106] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Light module (2) comprising a housing (4) and a light unit (6) movable relative to the housing (4) and in which at least one light source is housed, the light module (2) comprising a projection lens (8) fixed relative to the housing (4) and through which light rays emitted by the at least one light source are able to exit the light module (2), the light module (2) comprising a device for adjusting the position of the light unit (6) within the housing (4) in two perpendicular directions, the adjustment device comprising a lateral adjustment means (13) and a vertical adjustment means (12), the vertical adjustment means (12) comprising a drive means (14) connected on the one hand to the light unit (6) by a ball joint (18) and connected on the other hand to the housing (4), or to an adjustment element (32) connected to the housing (4), by a ball joint (20, 64).

2. Light module (2) according to claim 1, in which the light unit (6) is connected by a pivot connection to a tab (10) secured to the housing (4) and adjacent to the projection lens (8).

3. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the drive means (14) is formed of at least one connecting rod (48) or at least one dynamic actuator (16).

4. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the drive means (14) comprises two spherical connecting members (19, 21) for forming the ball joints (18, 20), these spherical connecting members being arranged at opposite ends of the drive means (14).

5. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the drive means (14) is connected on the one hand to the light unit (6) by a ball joint (18) and connected on the other hand to the housing (4) by a ball joint (64), the drive means (14) being formed of a dynamic actuator (16) and a bracket (60).

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

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

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

9. Light 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 modify the position of the drive means (14).

10. Light module (2) according to any one of claims 5 or 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 modify the position of the drive means (14).

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

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