WO2023186942A1

WO2023186942A1 - Light module comprising a device for adjusting the orientation of a light beam

Info

Publication number: WO2023186942A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/058064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johanny STANUS; Sylvain EGGENSCHWILER; Johan Rolland
Original assignee: Valeo Vision
Priority date: 2022-03-28
Filing date: 2023-03-28
Publication date: 2023-10-05
Also published as: FR3133805A1; FR3133805B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (2) for a vehicle, comprising a casing defining a housing with the following arranged therein: at least one light source, an optical element configured so as to generate a light beam, and a device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam in an adjustment direction, the optical element being mounted so as to be movable about an axis of rotation (A-A'), said adjustment device (18A) being connected to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with an adjustment member or tool external to the module. According to the invention, the adjustment device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam comprises a screw (28) and a ball head (30) with a slide (31) linked to the optical element, the screw (28) being provided at one of its ends with a swivel appendage which is hingedly mounted in the slide (31).

Description

Title of the invention: Light module comprising a device for adjusting the orientation of a light beam

Technical area

[1] The present invention belongs to the field of lighting, in particular lighting for motor vehicles. The invention relates in particular to a light module for a vehicle comprising an optical element configured so as to generate a light beam, as well as a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam. Without this being limiting in the context of the present invention, the light module can be mounted on the roof of a vehicle, in particular on the roof of a truck-type vehicle cabin, in a lighting or lighting element. signaling and/or in a projector of the latter (such as a long-range headlight).

State of the art

[2] In the field of automotive lighting, light modules mounted in a vehicle headlight to project regulatory lighting beams are generally known. This type of light module typically comprises a housing defining a housing inside which are arranged: at least one light source, an optical element arranged facing said at least one light source and configured so as to generate a light beam, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam in at least one adjustment direction (typically the vertical direction). The or each light source is typically a light-emitting diode. The optical element is for example an optical reflector or even a lens. When the optical element is a reflector, the or each light source projects light onto the reflector, and the light is then reflected onto a lens in order to be projected by the latter into the external environment of the vehicle, in particular onto the road.

[3] The device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam, which is linked to a part of the optical element, makes it possible to vary the height of the light beam emitted by the module so that the latter is neither too high nor too low. By operating the adjustment device, a movement is transmitted to the optical element (typically a rotational movement), which results in an adaptation of the height of the light beam. [4] A light module is known comprising a housing defining a housing inside which are arranged: a light source, an optical reflector mounted movable in rotation relative to the light source and arranged facing this light source, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam generated by the optical reflector. The device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam comprises for example a rod provided with longitudinal gear splines. The longitudinal gear splines are engaged with curved rack systems provided at the rear of the reflector, to rotate the reflector around an axis of rotation when the device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam is actuated . To enable this actuation, the rod is fixed to a gear mechanism, itself connected to a receiving head of an adjustment tool external to the module, the receiving head projecting outside the housing through an opening provided in the latter. An operator can thus insert the adjustment tool into the receiving head of the device which passes through a front or rear face of the vehicle, so as to rotate the rod and therefore the reflector around the axis of rotation, and to modify thus the orientation of the light beam.

[5] However, a disadvantage of the adjustment device used in such a light module is that the adjustment of the orientation of the light beam that it allows is relatively imprecise. In addition, in the event of mechanical vibrations applied to the light module, the light beam is likely to move, thereby disrupting its orientation or even generating a phenomenon of tremor and oscillation of the beam.

[6] Other known light modules comprise an optical element (of the lens or reflector type) mounted movable in rotation, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam consisting of a worm screw system. The endless screw generally cooperates with a screw thread provided on the optical element or on a support plate of the optical element, in order to allow adjustment of the orientation of the light beam according to an adjustment direction. However, a disadvantage of this type of light module is that it requires providing an end stop for the endless screw. However, the presence of such a stop requires the use of a clutch mechanism, in order to prevent contact with the stop from coming damage the product. This increases the production cost of the light module, as well as the size of the latter.

[7] Other known adjustment systems implement adjustment of the orientation of the light beam at three distinct points, for example three independent screws. The optical element is then mounted in suspension on three capsules, each capsule being linked to one of the adjustment screws. However, in the event of strong mechanical vibrations applied to the light module, the light beam is likely to move, thereby disrupting its orientation or even generating a phenomenon of tremor and oscillation of the beam. Alternatively, the adjustment screws can be configured to act on the tilt of the light sources themselves. Action on each of the screws then makes it possible to adjust the orientation of the light beam according to a distinct adjustment direction. Patent document US 2004/0202007 Al describes for example a light module equipped with such an adjustment system. The light module comprises a housing inside which several light sources (in the form of light-emitting diodes) are arranged. The light sources are mounted on a common metal support. The metal support is configured to be tiltable in two tilt directions (vertical and horizontal) within the housing. A reflector is arranged facing the light sources within the housing, and the housing is closed by a translucent cover to allow light to be emitted outside the housing. The light module also includes a system for adjusting the orientation of the light beam consisting of three screws. Each screw is connected to the common metal support of the light sources via a plate/nut assembly. Each screw has a head for receiving an adjustment tool external to the module, the receiving head projecting from the rear of the housing through an opening in the latter. At least two of the screws allow you to adjust the orientation of the light beam in both vertical and horizontal directions.

[8] However, a disadvantage of the adjustment system described in this patent document is that, in an environment in which numerous mechanical vibrations act on the module (which is for example the case when the light module is mounted on the roof of a truck type vehicle), the light beam is likely to move due to the weight of the different elements constituting the module, thereby disrupting the orientation of the beam or even generating a phenomenon of beam shaking and oscillation. The adjustment of the orientation of the light beam offered by such an adjustment system is therefore relatively imprecise. Furthermore, in a space-constrained environment (which is the case for the roof of a truck-type vehicle cabin), it is not possible to use standard components and systems for adjusting the orientation of the light beam of the module.

Presentation of the invention

[9] The present invention improves the situation.

[10] An objective of the invention is to propose a light module for a vehicle comprising an optical element (of the lens or reflector type) mounted movable in rotation, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam generated by the element optical, allowing precise and stable adjustment of the orientation of the light beam (and therefore less sensitive to the phenomenon of beam shaking), while making it possible to obtain a compact and more economical structure for the light module.

[11] For this purpose a first aspect of the invention relates to a light module for a vehicle, the light module comprising a housing defining a housing inside which are arranged: at least one light source, an optical element arranged facing said at least one light source and configured so as to generate a light beam, and a device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam in an adjustment direction, the optical element being mounted movable around an axis of rotation, said adjustment device being linked to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with a tool or adjustment member external to the module, so as to rotate the optical element around the axis of rotation and to modify the orientation of the light beam according to the adjustment direction.

[12] According to the invention, the device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam comprises a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule, the screw extending through an opening in the housing, being provided at one of its ends with 'a head for receiving the tool or adjustment member external to the module and at its other end a ball-jointed appendage of the hemispherical pin type, the ball-jointed appendage being hingedly mounted in the slide of the slide ball joint capsule, the slide ball joint capsule being bonded to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with the element optical when the screw is driven in translation, to rotate the optical element around the axis of rotation, the ball-jointed appendage of the screw being guided in translation in the slide.

[13] The slide ball joint capsule provides a sliding contact ball joint between the ball joint of the adjuster screw and the optical element. The optical element configured to generate the light beam is for example a reflector or a lens, without this being limiting in the context of the present invention. When the optical element is a lens, the light module is more compact. When the optical element is a reflector, the optical and luminous performance of the light module is improved. In the context of the present invention, the device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam is a device for adjusting the inclination of the optical element around the axis of rotation. The direction of adjustment of the orientation of the light beam is typically the horizontal direction (corresponding to a vertical axis of rotation), or the vertical direction (corresponding to a horizontal axis of rotation).

[14] Thanks to such a configuration of the light beam adjustment device, which comprises a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule, the adjustment of the orientation of the light beam is more precise and more stable, and makes it possible to obtain a compact and more economical structure for the light module. This is particularly advantageous in an environment such as the roof of a truck cabin for example, for which the available space is very limited (shallow depth, little clearance, and restricted access areas for the adjustment tool). orientation of the light beam).

[15] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam is a first adjustment device configured to adjust the orientation of the light beam according to a first adjustment direction, typically according to the horizontal direction, the optical element is mounted movable around a first axis of rotation and around a second axis of rotation, and the light module further comprises a second device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam according to a second direction of adjustment, typically in the vertical direction, the second adjustment device being linked to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with a tool or adjustment member external to the module, so as to rotate the optical element around the second axis of rotation and modifying the orientation of the light beam according to the second adjustment direction. Thanks to the second direction of adjustment of the orientation of the light beam thus obtained, independent of the first direction of adjustment, it is possible to obtain an even more precise adjustment for the orientation of the light beam, which is particularly useful when the light module is integrated on the roof of a vehicle, in particular in a long-range headlight type projector integrated on the roof of a truck cabin. In such a configuration, in fact, it is necessary to be able to adjust the orientation of the light beam in the vertical direction on the one hand (in order to properly illuminate the road in front of the vehicle), and in the horizontal direction on the other hand (in order to avoid any lack of parallelism between the two headlights).

[16] The first and second adjustment devices are advantageously configured in such a way that the angular movement obtained for the optical element in each of the first and second adjustment directions is between - 2° and + 2°.

[17] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second adjustment device comprises a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule, the screw extending through an opening in the housing and being provided at one of its ends with a head for receiving the tool or adjustment member external to the module and at its other end a ball-jointed appendage of the hemispherical pin type, said ball-jointed appendage being hingedly mounted in the slide of the slide ball joint capsule, the capsule of sliding ball joint being secured to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with the optical element when the screw is driven in translation, to rotate the optical element around the second axis of rotation, the ball-jointed appendage of the screw being guided in translation in the slide. This makes it possible to obtain a second particularly compact adjustment device, which is very advantageous for example in an environment such as the roof of a truck cabin in which the available space is very limited.

[18] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second adjustment device comprises a part forming a slide, a screw and a ball joint capsule with a slide, the part forming a slide being mounted movable in rectilinear translation in the direction of extension of the screw and cooperating with the sliding ball joint capsule, the screw being fixed through an opening in the housing and being screwed into the slide forming part, the screw being provided at one of its ends with a head for receiving the screw 'tool or adjustment member external to the module, the sliding ball joint capsule being secured to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with the optical element when the screw is rotated on itself, to rotate the element optical around the second axis of rotation. While providing a second particularly compact adjustment device (which is very advantageous in an environment such as the roof of a truck cabin in which the available space is very limited), this makes it possible to offset the screw screwing rate ( thanks to the presence of the part forming a slide), which can for example be useful for questions of layout or spatial constraint(s) on the screwing space.

[19] According to one embodiment of the invention, the part forming a slide is provided with a ball-jointed appendage of the hemispherical pin type projecting from one of its faces, said ball-jointed appendage being mounted articulated in the slide of the ball joint capsule slide, and being guided in translation in said slide when the screw is rotated on itself and the optical element is rotated around the second axis of rotation.

[20] The slide ball joint capsule of the second adjuster provides a sliding contact ball joint between the ball joint of the second adjuster and the optical element.

[21] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light module further comprises a heat sink connected to the optical element via a mechanical connection having a degree of freedom in rotation around Axis of rotation, the heat sink being mounted mobile around Rotation tax.

[22] According to one embodiment of the invention, said heat sink has a first support part arranged within the housing defined by the housing and a second heat dissipation part connected to the first support part and projecting from the first support part outside the housing, through an opening in the housing, the slide ball joint capsule of the device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam being secured to the first part of the heat sink. The second part of the heat sink preferably extends on top of the light module housing, through the opening. Such a configuration provides better heat dissipation and improved heat flow performance, while having reduced weight. [23] According to one embodiment of the invention, said first part of the heat sink is configured to cooperate with an internal face of the housing via a mechanical connection having a degree of freedom in rotation around the axis of rotation.

[24] According to one embodiment of the invention, said mechanical connection is a mechanical connection with a boss and a hollow counterpart, said boss being provided on one face of the first part of the heat sink facing said internal face of the housing, said hollow counterpart having a shape complementary to that of the boss and being provided on said internal face of the housing, the axis of rotation passing through the boss and through the hollow counterpart.

[25] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical element is mounted movable in rotation on the first part of the heat sink, around the second axis of rotation. This makes the light module even more compact.

[26] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first part of the heat sink is provided with two male cones extending laterally and horizontally on either side of the heat sink, and the optical element is provided with two female cones projecting laterally and horizontally from an upper face of the optical element, each female cone having a shape complementary to that of one of the male cones and being mounted by clipping on said male cone, for mounting in rotation of the optical element on the first part of the heat sink, around the second axis of rotation, said second axis of rotation passing through the male and female cones. Such a clipping mounting configuration between male and female cones makes it possible to obtain clearance-free mounting (by pinching between the optical element and the heat sink), while allowing rotation of the optical element relative to the first part of the heat sink.

[27] According to one embodiment of the invention, the optical element is made of a plastic material, preferably polycarbonate (also called PC). Preferably, when the optical element is a reflector made of a plastic material of the polycarbonate type, the reflector has on its internal face an aluminized coating (capable of reflecting light). Preferably, the coating is applied to the reflector via a vacuum coating process. [28] According to one embodiment of the invention, the light module further comprises a part forming an aesthetic mask for the light module, said part being arranged within the housing defined by the housing.

[29] According to one embodiment of the invention, said part has a first part forming an aesthetic contour or screen for the light module and visible from the outside of the light module, and a second part arranged within the housing defined by the housing and connected to the first part, the second part of the part forming a support for the heat sink.

[30] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second part of the part comprises guide means configured to allow flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink around the axis of rotation.

[31] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said guide means are further configured to prevent any movement of the heat sink in any direction intersecting with the plane of rotation defined by the rotational movement around the axis of rotation, allowing rotational guidance of the heat sink in said plane of rotation only.

[32] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said guide means consist of at least one elastic tab cooperating with a base, the elastic tab and the base forming a pinching means, said elastic tab being configured to exert an elastic stress against a portion of the first part of the heat sink inserted between the base and the elastic tab. Such a configuration allows the heat sink to be placed and suspended on the second part of the mask, which gives the system good resistance to mechanical vibrations (which are numerous on the roof of a truck-type vehicle cabin). The heaviest elements of the light module (notably the heat sink) are thus well supported and held (by suspension) within the housing, via the second part of the mask forming a support. The mask thus configured also makes it possible to facilitate the assembly of the different optical elements of the light module within the housing, and to then effectively maintain these different elements. The elastic tab(s) finally make it possible to absorb the various games and dispersions that may occur due to vibrations (assembly without games). Preferably, the housing of the light module is configured to exert a slight compression on said at least one elastic tab, the housing/tab(s) assembly elastic(s)/heat sink then forming a suspension system with elastic legs or blades. Such a system without clearances makes it possible to automatically adjust the tolerances and thus resist mechanical vibrations much better.

[33] Another object of the invention relates to a lighting and/or signaling element for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a light module according to the invention.

[34] Here, “vehicle” means any type of vehicle such as a motor vehicle, a moped, a motorcycle, a storage robot in a warehouse, or any other vehicle capable of carrying at least one passenger or intended for transport of people or objects. Preferably, but without this being limiting in the context of the present invention, the vehicle is a truck.

[35] Another object of the invention relates to a vehicle headlight comprising a light module or a lighting and/or signaling element according to the invention.

[36] According to one embodiment of the invention, the projector is integrated on the roof of a vehicle, in particular on the roof of a truck-type vehicle cabin.

Brief description of the drawings

[37] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

[38] [Fig 1] is a perspective view of a lighting and/or signaling element comprising a light module according to one embodiment of the invention;

[39] [Fig 2] is a perspective view, from the rear, of the lighting and/or signaling element of Figure 1;

[40] [Fig 3] is a perspective view of the light module of Figure 1, in which certain components and parts have been omitted;

[41] [Fig 4] is another perspective view of the light module of Figure 1, from the rear, in which certain components and certain parts have been omitted, the light module comprising a sealing bellows, an optic of closure, a mask, and first and second devices for adjusting the orientation of the light beam;

[42] [Fig 5] is a perspective view of the light module of Figure 4, taken from another angle of view and in which the sealing bellows has been omitted; [43] [Fig 6] is a perspective view of the light module of Figure 5, in which the mask and the closing optics have been omitted;

[44] [Fig 7] is an enlarged perspective view of the first device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam of Figure 4; And

[45] [Fig 8] is an enlarged perspective view of the second device for adjusting the orientation of the light beam of Figure 4.

[46] In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical” or “transverse”, “lower”, “upper”, “above”, “below”, “top”, “bottom”, “ side” are defined in relation to the orientation of the light module 2 according to the invention, intended to be mounted in a lighting and/or signaling element 1 of a vehicle. In particular, in this application, the term “vertical” designates an orientation perpendicular to the horizon while the term “horizontal” designates an orientation parallel to the horizon.

[47] Furthermore, everything referred to as “rear” or “front” is referred to in a relative manner with reference to the face of the lighting and/or signaling element.

1 closest to the exterior of the vehicle. Thus, everything called "rear" is on the side furthest from the exterior of the vehicle according to the main extension direction of the latter, while everything called "front" is on the side furthest away from the exterior of the vehicle. close to the exterior of the vehicle according to the main extension direction of the latter. However, with regard to the vehicle's lights, these are called "front" or "rear" depending on the rear-front direction of the vehicle, therefore according to the classic rolling direction of the latter.

detailed description

[48] Figures 1 and 2 represent a vehicle lighting and/or signaling element 1 comprising the light module 2 according to the invention. The lighting and/or signaling element 1 can typically be part of a vehicle headlight (not shown in the figures). The light module 2 is preferably integrated into the roof of the vehicle, and comprises a preferably airtight housing 4. Preferably, without this being limiting in the context of the present invention, the vehicle is a truck and the light module 2 is integrated on the roof of the truck cabin. In this case, the lighting and/or signaling element 1 comprising the module light 2 is for example part of a long-range headlight installed on the roof of the truck cabin.

[49] The housing 4 is conventionally closed by an optic 10. The optics 10 is typically a glass (or alternatively a lens), which is clipped onto the housing 4. The housing 4 defines a housing 12 inside which are arranged several light sources (for example three light sources, such sources not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity), an optical element 16 configured so as to generate a light beam, and at least one device 18 A , 18B for adjusting the orientation of the light beam according to an adjustment direction. The housing 4 is for example made of a plastic material, preferably polypropylene reinforced with 30% glass fibers (also called PP GF 30, from the English “Glass Fiber”). According to the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the optical element 16 is a reflector and the light module 2 comprises two devices 18A, 18B for adjusting the orientation of the light beam, both arranged within the housing 12 defined by housing 4. A first adjustment device 18A is configured to allow the orientation of the light beam to be adjusted according to a first adjustment direction. The first direction of adjustment is preferably the horizontal direction. A second adjustment device 18B is configured to allow the orientation of the light beam to be adjusted according to a second adjustment direction. The second direction of adjustment is preferably the vertical direction. As a variant not shown, the optical element 16 can be a lens. In this case, the light module no longer includes the optics 10. Preferably, as visible in Figures 1 to 4, the light module 2 also includes, arranged within the housing 12, a heat sink 17 and a mask 19. The light module 3 also includes a sealing bellows 21 arranged around the heat sink 17, on the housing 4.

[50] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the light sources, which are light-emitting diodes, are mounted on a printed circuit board 20 of the PCB type (from the English "Printed Circuit Board" ), itself placed under the heat sink 17 and fixed to it. The heat sink 17 thus closes the housing 4 from above, the light sources extending into the housing 12 defined by the housing 4. [51] The reflector 16 is arranged facing the light sources. More precisely, in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, the reflector 16 is arranged below the light sources, and has a concave internal face 23 placed facing these light sources (the reflector 16 thus has a generally parabolic). In this way, the light sources illuminate the concave internal face 23 of the reflector 16, which causes optical reflection of the rays of light on the reflector 16 and makes it possible to generate the light beam. The light beam is then directed towards the optics 10. The reflector 16 typically includes streaks 24, for example vertical streaks 24 also called “cavity streaks”. Such vertical streaks or cavity 24 make it possible to distribute the light well over the entire field of the light module 2. The reflector 16 is mounted movable around a first axis of rotation A-A' (which is a vertical axis), and around 'a second axis of rotation B-B' (which is a horizontal axis). To do this, reflector 16 is for example connected to heat sink 17 via a mechanical connection having a degree of connection in rotation around the first axis of rotation A-A'. In other words, the reflector 16 is integral with the heat sink 17 for any movement of the latter in the horizontal plane, via holding and securing means 29 provided on the reflector 16 and/or on the heat sink 17 (for example under the shape of retaining tabs 29). The heat sink 17 is then mounted movable around the first axis of rotation A-A'. To do this, in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, a part 26 of the heat sink 17 is configured to cooperate with an internal (upper) face of the housing 4 via a mechanical connection having a degree of freedom in rotation around the first axis of rotation A-A'. The mechanical connection is for example a mechanical connection with a boss 27 and a hollow counterpart. A boss 27 is in fact provided for this purpose on an upper face of the part 26 of the heat sink 17, and the upper internal face of the housing 4 is provided with a hollow counterpart (not visible in the figures) having a complementary shape of that of the boss 27 and cooperating with the boss 27 to allow the rotation of the heat sink 17 (and therefore of the reflector 16) around the first axis of rotation A-A', in the horizontal plane. The first axis of rotation AA' therefore passes through the boss 27 and the hollow counterpart, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. [52] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 6, the reflector 16 is provided with two upper female cones 25 which project laterally and horizontally from either side of the reflector 16, from an upper face of the latter. The heat sink 17 is provided, on its part 26, with two male cones (not visible in the figures) which extend laterally and horizontally on either side of the heat sink 17. The reflector 16 is pivotally mounted on the two male cones of the heat sink 16 (around the second axis of rotation B-B'), via its female cones 25. More precisely, each female cone 25 has a shape complementary to that of one of the male cones and is mounted by clipping on this male cone, for the rotational mounting of the reflector 16 on the heat sink 17, around the second axis of rotation B-B'. The reflector 16 is configured so that the mounting and nesting of the female cones 25 on the male cones of the heat sink 17 is done by pinching (the female cones 25 thus always being in contact with the male cones). As illustrated in Figure 6, the second axis of rotation BB' passes through the male and female cones 25 (as well as through an axis along which the light sources are aligned - such an axis not being visible in the figures). This makes it possible to maintain a correspondence between the focal point of the reflector 16 and the focal point of the light sources, particularly in the event of rotation of the reflector 16 around the second axis of rotation B-B'.

[53] The reflector 16 is for example made of a plastic material, preferably polycarbonate. The reflector 16 typically has on its concave internal face 23 an aluminized coating (capable of reflecting light). Preferably, the coating is applied to the reflector 16 via a vacuum coating process.

[54] The first adjustment device 18A is a manual adjustment device linked to the reflector 16. The first adjustment device 18A is thus configured to cooperate with a tool or adjustment member external to module 2 (such a tool or adjustment member not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity), so as to rotate the reflector 16 around the first axis of rotation A-A' and thus modify the orientation of the light beam according to the first adjustment direction (the horizontal direction in the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8). The tool or adjustment member configured to cooperate with the first adjustment device 18A is for example a screwdriver. [55] The first adjustment device 18A comprises a screw 28 and a ball joint capsule 30 with slide 31. The screw 28 extends through an opening 32 of the housing 4 (here an opening 32 provided on a rear face of the housing 4 ), and is provided at one of its ends with a head 34 for receiving the tool or adjustment member external to the light module 2 (the head 34 extending through the opening 32), and at its other end a ball-jointed appendix 36 of the hemispherical pin type. As illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the ball joint 36 is mounted articulated in the slide 31 of the ball joint capsule 30 with slide 31. In this way, the mechanical connection between the screw 28 and the ball joint capsule 30 with slide 31 is a ball joint, with sliding contact within the slide 31. The ball joint capsule 30 with slide 31 is linked to the reflector 16 and is configured to cooperate with the reflector 16 when the screw 28 is driven in translation (by rotation on itself), to rotate the reflector 16 around the first axis of rotation A-A'. The ball-jointed appendage 36 of the screw 28 is then guided in translation in the slide 31, the direction of guidance in translation extending (whatever the position of the screw 28) in a plane perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A-A' (in this case a horizontal plane). More precisely, as illustrated in Figure 7, the ball joint capsule 30 with slide 31 comprises a base 37 secured to part 26 of the heat sink 17 (the latter itself being secured to the reflector 16), the slide 31 projecting from base 37.

[56] The second adjustment device 18B is a manual adjustment device linked to the reflector 16. The second adjustment device 18B is thus configured to cooperate with a tool or adjustment member external to module 2 (such a tool or adjustment member not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity), so as to rotate the reflector 16 around the second axis of rotation B-B' and thus modify the orientation of the light beam according to the second adjustment direction (the vertical direction in the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8). The tool or adjustment member configured to cooperate with the second adjustment device 18B is for example a screwdriver (which is for example the same as that used to operate the first adjustment device 18 A).

[57] The second adjustment device 18B comprises a screw 38 and a ball joint capsule 40 with slide 4L. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and 8, the second adjustment device 18B also comprises a part forming a slide 42. The opinion 38 is fixed through an opening 44 of the housing 4 (here an opening 44 provided on a rear face of the housing 4) and is screwed into the part forming a slide 42. The part forming a slide 42 in fact comprises a threaded part 46 provided in a upper region of the part 42, the screw 38 being inserted into the threaded part 46. The screw 38 is movably mounted in the opening 44 only by rotation on itself (in other words without translation). The screw 38 is provided at one of its ends with a head 48 for receiving the tool or adjustment member external to the light module 2 (the head 48 extending through the opening 44). The ball joint capsule 40 with slide 41 is secured to the reflector 16 and is configured to cooperate with the reflector 16 when the screw 38 is rotated on itself, to rotate the reflector 16 around the second axis of rotation B- B'. To do this, as illustrated in Figure 8, the ball joint capsule 40 with slide 41 comprises a base 47 secured to an external face 49 of the reflector 16, the slide 41 projecting from the base 47. The slide forming part 42 is mounted movable in rectilinear translation according to the direction of extension of the screw 38 and cooperates with the ball joint capsule 40 with slide 4L More precisely, the part forming slide 42 is provided with a ball jointed appendix 50 of the hemispherical pin type projecting from one of its faces (here a lower face, which allows the direction of screwing to be offset vertically relative to the support provided by the ball joint 50 on the ball joint capsule 40). As illustrated in Figure 8, the ball jointed appendage 50 is mounted articulated in the slide 41 of the ball joint capsule 40 with slide 4L. The ball jointed appendage 50 is then guided in translation in the slide 41 when the screw 38 is rotated on itself and that the reflector 16 is rotated around the second axis of rotation B-B', the direction of translation guidance extending (whatever the position of the screw 38) in a plane perpendicular to the second axis of rotation B-B' (in this case a vertical plane).

[58] As a variant not shown, the second adjustment device 18B may comprise only one screw and a sliding ball joint capsule. In this case the second adjustment device 18B does not include a part forming a slide, and the screw/slide ball joint capsule assembly functions as for the first adjustment device 18 A, the slide ball joint capsule being secured to the reflector 16 (for example to an external face 49 of the reflector 16). [59] The first and second adjustment devices 18 A, 18B are preferably configured in such a way that the angular movement obtained for the reflector 16 in each of the first and second adjustment directions is between - 2° and + 2°.

[60] The heat sink 17 comprises a first support part 26 and a second heat dissipation part 52. The first support part 26 is arranged within the housing 12 defined by the housing 4, and the second heat dissipation part 52 is connected to the first support part 26 and projects from the first support part 26 outside the housing 4, through an upper opening 54 provided in the housing 4 (the opening 54, which is for example an opening oblong, is visible in Figure 3). The second part 52 of the heat sink 17 then extends on top of the housing 4, through the opening 54. The first part 26 of the heat sink 17 is for example substantially flat and extends in the horizontal plane. Preferably, as visible in Figures 4 to 7, the first part 26 of the heat sink 17 is provided with a central pin 56 projecting downwards from its lower face. The central pin 56 (which here extends in the vertical direction) is configured to cooperate with a horizontal indentation 57 projecting laterally from an upper face of the reflector 16. This allows indexing in the horizontal plane of the reflector 16 vis-à-vis screw of the heat sink 17. The heat sink 17 makes it possible to dissipate the heat emitted by light sources arranged within the housing 4. The heat sink 17 is for example a radiator, typically an aluminum radiator.

[61] The mask 19 comprises a first part 58 and a second part 60 connected to the first part 58. The first part 58 of the mask 19 (which extends at the front of the latter) forms an aesthetic contour or screen for the light module 2, visible from outside the vehicle. Due to its shape, the first part 58 of the mask 19 allows only the reflector 16 to be visible from the outside. As illustrated in Figure 3, the first part 58 of the mask 19 is mounted in a side opening 62 of the housing 4 located opposite the optics 10. The second part 60 of the mask 19 (which extends to the rear of the latter) is arranged within the housing 12 defined by the housing 4 and forms a support for the heat sink 17 (the mask 19 rests on interior supports defined by the housing 4 and itself forms an intermediate support for the heat sink 17). More precisely, the second part 60 of the mask 19 comprises guide means 64 configured to allow flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink 17 around the first axis of rotation A-A'. The mask 19 is for example made of a plastic material, preferably polycarbonate.

[62] The guide means 64 are configured to prevent any movement of the heat sink 17 in any direction intersecting with the plane of rotation defined by the rotational movement around the first axis of rotation A-A'. This allows rotational guidance of the heat sink 17 in this plane of rotation only. Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 7 and 8, the guide means 64 consist of two elastic tab 66 / base 68 pairs. Each elastic tab 66 cooperates with a respective base 68 provided in the second part 60 of the mask 19. Each elastic tab 66 forms, with its corresponding base 68, a pinching means. The first part 26 of the heat sink 17 is inserted between the bases 68 and the elastic tabs 66. Each elastic tab 66 is thus configured to exert an elastic stress against a portion of the first part 26 of the heat sink 17 inserted between the elastic tab 66 and the corresponding base 68 (this portion consisting of the two retaining tabs 29 of the first part 26 of the heat sink 17 in the particular embodiment of Figures 4 to 8 - another such portion being provided with the other side of the heat sink 17 to cooperate with the other elastic tab 66 / base 68 couple). Such a configuration allows flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink 17 around the first axis of rotation A-A', while allowing the heat sink 17 to be placed and suspended on the second part 60 of the mask 19, which gives the system good resistance to mechanical vibrations. The housing 4 is advantageously configured to exert a slight compression on the two elastic tabs 66 of the mask 19, the assembly forming a suspension system with elastic tabs or blades.

[63] The sealing bellows 21 is arranged around the second part 52 of the heat sink 17, and is for example arranged in an oblong groove of the housing 4 (not visible in the figures) provided for this purpose. A central sleeve of the sealing bellows 21 matches the periphery of the second part 52 of the heat sink 17. A retaining collar 74 can be used to allow the mounting and firm holding of the sealing bellows 21 in the groove, around the second part 52 of the heat sink 17. The sealing bellows 21 is for example made of silicone.

[64] In operation, a user equipped with the tool or adjustment member (typically a screwdriver) introduces this tool or adjustment member into the receiving head 34 of the screw 28 of the first adjustment device 18 A. By printing a rotational movement on itself of the screw 28, the latter translates in the direction of the slide 31 of the ball joint capsule 30. This movement causes a rotation of the heat sink 17, and therefore of the reflector 16, around the first axis of rotation A-A', the ball-jointed appendage 36 of the screw 28 then being guided in translation in the slide 31. This makes it possible to obtain the adjustment of the orientation of the light beam generated by the reflector 16 according to the first direction of adjustment (here the horizontal direction). The user can then use the same tool or adjustment member and introduce it into the receiving head 48 of the screw 38 of the second adjustment device 18B. By imparting a rotational movement to the screw 38, the latter turns on itself (because it is fixed through the opening 44 of the housing 4) and drives the part forming a slide 42 in rectilinear translation towards the slide 41 of the capsule with ball joint 40. This movement causes a rotation of the reflector 16 around the second axis of rotation B-B', the ball-jointed appendage 50 of the part forming a slide 42 then being guided in translation in the slide 4L This makes it possible to obtain the adjustment of the orientation of the light beam generated by the reflector 16 according to the second adjustment direction (here the vertical direction). These two stages of manual adjustment of the orientation of the light beam can of course be interchanged.

[65] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of examples and extends to other variants.

Claims

[Claim 1] Light module (2) for a vehicle, the light module (2) comprising a housing (4) defining a housing (12) inside which are arranged: at least one light source, one optical element (16) arranged opposite said at least one light source and configured so as to generate a light beam, and a device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam in an adjustment direction, the optical element (16) being mounted movable around an axis of rotation (A-A'), said adjustment device (18A) being linked to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with a tool or adjustment member external to the module (2) , so as to rotate the optical element (16) around the axis of rotation (A-A') and to modify the orientation of the light beam according to the adjustment direction; characterized in that the device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam comprises a screw (28) and a ball joint capsule (30) with slide (31), the screw (28) extending through an opening (32) of the housing (4), being provided at one of its ends with a head (34) for receiving the tool or adjustment member external to the module (2) and at its other end with a ball-jointed appendage ( 36) of the hemispherical pin type, the ball-jointed appendage (36) being hingedly mounted in the slide (31) of the ball joint capsule (30) with slide (31), the ball joint capsule (30) with slide (31) being linked to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with the optical element (16) when the screw (28) is driven in translation, to rotate the optical element (16) around the axis of rotation (A-A'), the ball-jointed appendage (36) of the screw (28) being guided in translation in the slide (31).

[Claim 2] Light module (2) according to claim 1, wherein said device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam is a first adjustment device configured to adjust the orientation of the light beam in a first direction of adjustment, typically in the horizontal direction, in which the optical element (16) is mounted movable around a first axis of rotation (A-A') and around a second axis of rotation (B-B'), and in which the light module (2) further comprises a second device (18B) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam in a second adjustment direction, typically in the vertical direction, the second adjustment device (18B) being linked to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with a tool or adjustment member external to the module (2), so as to rotate the optical element (16) around the second axis of rotation (B-B') and to modify the orientation of the light beam according to the second adjustment direction.

[Claim 3] Light module (2) according to claim 2, wherein the second adjustment device (18B) comprises a screw and a sliding ball joint capsule, the screw extending through an opening in the housing and being provided with one of its ends of a head for receiving the tool or adjustment member external to the module (2) and at its other end of a ball-jointed appendage of the hemispherical pin type, said ball-jointed appendage being mounted articulated in the slide of the sliding ball joint capsule, the sliding ball joint capsule being secured to the optical element and being configured to cooperate with the optical element (16) when the screw is driven in translation, to rotate the optical element (16 ) around the second axis of rotation (B-B'), the ball-jointed appendage of the screw being guided in translation in the slide.

[Claim 4] Light module (2) according to claim 2, in which the second adjustment device (18B) comprises a slide part (42), a screw (38) and a ball joint capsule (40) with slide (41). ), the part forming a slide (42) being mounted movable in rectilinear translation in the direction of extension of the screw (38) and cooperating with the ball joint capsule (40) with slide (41), the screw (38) being fixed through an opening (44) of the housing (4) and being screwed into the part forming a slide (42), the screw (38) being provided at one of its ends with a head for receiving the tool or adjustment member exterior to the module (2), the ball joint capsule (40) with slide (41) being secured to the optical element (16) and being configured to cooperate with the optical element (16) when the screw (38) is driven in rotation on itself, to rotate the optical element (16) around the second axis of rotation (B-B').

[Claim 5] Light module (2) according to claim 4, in which the slide-forming part (42) is provided with a ball-jointed appendage (50) of the hemispherical pin type projecting from one of its faces, said ball-jointed appendage (50) ) being mounted articulated in the slide (41) of the ball joint capsule (40) with slide (41), and being guided in translation in said slide (41) when the screw (38) is rotated on itself and that the optical element (16) is rotated around the second axis of rotation (B-B').

[Claim 6] Light module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light module (2) further comprises a heat sink (17) connected to the optical element (16) via a mechanical connection having a degree of freedom in rotation around the first axis of rotation (A-A'), the heat sink (17) being movably mounted around the first axis of rotation (A-A').

[Claim 7] Light module (2) according to claim 6, wherein said heat sink (17) has a first support part (26) arranged within the housing (12) defined by the housing (4) and a second part heat dissipation (52) connected to the first support part (26) and projecting from the first support part (26) outside the housing (4), through an opening (54) provided in the housing ( 4), the ball joint capsule (30) with slide (31) of the first device (18A) for adjusting the orientation of the light beam being secured to the first part (26) of the heat sink (17).

[Claim 8] Light module (2) according to claim 7, in which said first part (26) of the heat sink (17) is configured to cooperate with an internal face of the housing (4) via a mechanical connection having a degree of freedom in rotation around the first axis of rotation (A-A').

[Claim 9] Light module (2) according to claim 8, in which said mechanical connection is a mechanical connection with a boss (27) and a hollow counterpart, said boss (27) being provided on one face of the first part (26) of the heat sink (17) facing said internal face of the housing (4), said hollow counterpart having a shape complementary to that of the boss (27) and being provided on said internal face of the housing (4), the first axis of rotation ( A-A') passing through the boss (27) and through the hollow counterpart.

[Claim 10] Light module (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 when dependent on claim 2, in which the optical element (16) is mounted movable in rotation on the first part (26) of the heat sink (17), around the second axis of rotation (B-B').

[Claim 11] Light module (2) according to claim 10, in which the first part (26) of the heat sink (17) is provided with two male cones extending laterally and horizontally on either side of the heat sink (17), and the optical element (16) is provided with two female cones (25) projecting laterally and horizontally from an upper face of the optical element (16), each female cone (25) having a complementary shape of that of one of the male cones and being mounted by clipping on said male cone, for the rotational mounting of the optical element (16) on the first part (26) of the heat sink (17), around the second axis of rotation (B-B'), said second axis of rotation (BB ¹ ) passing through the male and female cones (25).

[Claim 12] Light module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light module (2) further comprises a part (19) forming an aesthetic mask for the light module (2), said part (19) ) being arranged within the housing (12) defined by the housing (4).

[Claim 13] Light module (2) according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 6, in which said part (19) has a first part (58) forming an aesthetic contour or screen for the light module (2) and visible from outside the light module (2), and a second part (60) arranged within the housing (12) defined by the housing (4) and connected to the first part (58), the second part (60) of the part (19) forming a support for the heat sink (17).

[Claim 14] Light module (2) according to claim 13, in which the second part (60) of the part (19) comprises guide means (64) configured to allow flat guidance of the rotation of the heat sink ( 17) around the first axis of rotation (A-A').

[Claim 15] Light module (2) according to claim 14, wherein said guide means (64) are further configured to prevent any movement of the heat sink (17) in any direction intersecting with the plane of rotation defined by the movement of rotation around the first axis of rotation (A-A'), allowing rotational guidance of the heat sink (17) in said plane of rotation only.

[Claim 16] Light module (2) according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 7, in which said guide means (64) consist of at least one elastic tab (66) cooperating with a base (68) , the elastic tab (66) and the base (68) forming a pinching means, said elastic tab (66) being configured to exert an elastic stress against a portion (29) of the first part (26) of the heat sink (17) inserted between the base (68) and the elastic tab (66).

[Claim 17] Vehicle headlight comprising a light module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.