Illumination device for a vehicle comprising a screen having a masking portion and a transparent portion

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), the lighting device (1) being configured to perform at least one lighting function and comprising at least one optical module (10) and a screen (12) arranged facing the optical module (10), characterized in that the screen (12) comprises at least two elements arranged opposite each other to form an upper part (12a) and a lower part (12b) of the screen (12), the upper part (12a) being configured to mask ambient light (Lx) coming from outside the vehicle (2) and the lower part (12b) being configured to transmit the ambient light (Lx).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a light-emitting device for a vehicle, the device being configured to perform at least one light-emitting function. The invention is particularly applicable to, but not limited to, intelligent electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The front of intelligent electric vehicles requires less space for air intakes, but necessitates enhanced lighting for semi-autonomous or autonomous driving. Therefore, there is growing interest in integrating "lights" into large areas at the front, rear, or sides of the vehicle, with the expectation of improved signaling and / or communication and new enhanced vehicle lighting functions. In particular, there is a need for individually controllable signature lines to perform adjustable lighting functions, and / or enhanced lighting functions, and / or styling functions. In terms of styling, manufacturers typically require opaque black front or rear panels (referred to as black panels) and integrate the lighting devices into these panels such that the internal components of the lighting device are indistinguishable in the off mode, and that the lighting functions have better contrast in the on mode, especially if it involves enhanced lighting for pedestrian communication or styling features such as a given light signature or welcome scene.

[0003] An example of a vehicle lighting device configured to perform at least one light-emitting function, known to those skilled in the art, includes:

[0004] - At least one optical module, including at least one light source; and

[0005] - The mask surrounding the optical module; and

[0006] A colored screen is arranged facing the optical module, configured to transmit the light beam generated by the light from the at least one light source of the lighting module to the outside of the vehicle, and to block ambient light from the outside of the vehicle so that the ambient light does not illuminate the internal components of the light-emitting device. Therefore, in the off mode, it is no longer possible to distinguish the optical module from the mask.

[0007] In order to perform the at least one light-emitting function, the at least one light source is activated, or various light sources are activated selectively or simultaneously.

[0008] One drawback of this prior art is that such a light-emitting device degrades the light-emitting function or multiple light-emitting functions performed by the device. In fact, the colored screen in the on mode transmits only 10% to 70% of the light beam to the outside. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In this context, the present invention aims to provide a light-emitting device that can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention proposes a light-emitting device for a vehicle, the light-emitting device being configured to perform at least one light-emitting function, and the light-emitting device comprising at least one optical module and a screen arranged facing the optical module, characterized in that the screen comprises at least two elements arranged opposite to each other to form an upper portion and a lower portion of the screen, the upper portion being configured to block ambient light from outside the vehicle, and the lower portion being configured to transmit the ambient light. Ambient light is transmitted from outside the light-emitting device to its interior.

[0011] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the light-emitting device may also include one or more of the following additional features, which may be employed individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the optical module is configured to generate a light beam, and the upper portion is configured to shield the light beam, while the lower portion is configured to transmit the light beam. The light beam is transmitted from the interior of the light-emitting device to the exterior.

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the occlusion effect of the upper portion is partial or complete.

[0014] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the screen includes a first-level element made of a crystalline plastic material.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the screen includes secondary elements made of smoked or opaque plastic material.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first-stage element and the second-stage element are adjacent at one end of their ends.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first-level element and the second-level element are adjacent to each other along their length.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the second-stage element has a shorter length than the first-stage element.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first-level element and the second-level element have substantially equal lengths and variable thicknesses, the thickness of the first-level element varying in opposite directions to the thickness of the second-level element, such that the screen has variable transmittance to ambient light.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the screen includes a second-level element that forms a film with variable transmittance to ambient light, the film being disposed on the first-level portion.

[0021] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the film is disposed outside the light-emitting device or inside the light-emitting device.

[0022] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the screen further includes a third-level element made of an opaque or dark-colored smoked material, wherein the first-level element and the third-level element are adjacent to each other at one end of their ends and are adjacent to the second-level element along their length.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the optical module is arranged facing the screen such that the light beam passes primarily through the lower portion of the screen.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light-emitting device further includes a mask surrounding the optical module.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light-emitting function is an illumination function, or a signaling function, or a patterned light-emitting function, or an enhanced light-emitting function. Attached Figure Description

[0026] A better understanding of the invention and its various applications will be gained by reading the following description and reviewing the accompanying drawings:

[0027] [ Figure 1 [Illustration] is a schematic diagram of a light-emitting device for a vehicle according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting device including an optical module, a mask and a screen;

[0028] [ Figure 2 [This is based on a first non-limiting embodiment] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the screen of the light-emitting device;

[0029] [ Figure 3 [This is according to a second non-limiting embodiment] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the screen of the light-emitting device;

[0030] [ Figure 4 [This is based on a third non-limiting embodiment] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the screen of the light-emitting device;

[0031] [ Figure 5 [This is a first non-limiting variant embodiment according to the fourth non-limiting embodiment.] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the screen of the light-emitting device;

[0032] [ Figure 6 [This is a second non-limiting variant embodiment according to the fourth non-limiting embodiment.] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the screen of the light-emitting device;

[0033] [ Figure 7 [This is according to the fifth non-limiting embodiment] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the screen of the light-emitting device;

[0034] [ Figure 8 [This is based on a non-limiting embodiment, as observed by an observer outside the vehicle from two different viewing angles.] Figures 1 to 7 A schematic diagram of the screen of the light-emitting device in any of the figures;

[0035] [ Figure 9 [This refers to the observation of the light-emitting device from outside the vehicle.] Figures 1 to 7 The set of curves representing the contrast sensitivity of the eye for any given image.

[0036] Unless otherwise stated, elements that are consistent in structure or function and appear in the figures retain the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0037] refer to Figures 1 to 9 The present invention describes a light-emitting device 1 for a vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle is understood to mean any type of motor vehicle. In the remainder of the specification, this embodiment is used as a non-limiting example. In the remainder of the specification, the vehicle 2 is referred to as a motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting variant embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a semi-autonomous or autonomous electric vehicle.

[0038] The light-emitting device 1 is configured to perform at least one light-emitting function F. The light-emitting function F may be adjustable or non-adjustable. Therefore, in some non-limiting embodiments, the at least one light-emitting function F is an adjustable function (e.g., an illumination function or a signaling function), a style light-emitting function, or an enhanced light-emitting function (e.g., for communication with pedestrians). In some non-limiting examples, the light-emitting function is a high beam or a low beam. In some non-limiting examples, the signaling function is a daytime running light DRL, a parking light PL, a position light T (taillight), a turn signal TI, a side marker light SM, a parking light STP, a reversing light R, a fog light FG, or a third parking light CHSML (mid-high parking light). In some non-limiting examples, the style light-emitting function is a light signature, a welcome scene, a decorative light-emitting function, or a side lighting display function. In one non-limiting example, the enhanced light-emitting function is a function of displaying a pictogram. In one non-limiting embodiment, the light-emitting device 1 is configured to perform multiple light-emitting functions F. The light-emitting device 1 may be integrated into the front, rear, or side of the motor vehicle 2.

[0039] like Figure 1 The illustrated light-emitting device 1 for vehicle 2 includes:

[0040] - An optical module 10 having at least one light source 100; and

[0041] -Screen 12.

[0042] In one non-limiting embodiment, the light-emitting device 1 further includes a mask 11. The mask 11 surrounds the optical module 10. This in Figure 1 The mask is illustrated with dashed lines because it extends along an axis Ay perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ax. The mask 11 surrounding the optical module 10 is a decorative mask. This mask may also be referred to as a bezel.

[0043] In one non-limiting embodiment, the optical module 10 includes a plurality of light sources 100. This non-limiting embodiment will be considered by way of non-limiting example in the remainder of the specification. Figure 1 Only two light sources 100 are shown in the image.

[0044] The optical module 10 generates a light beam Fx by means of a light source 100, which propagates along the direction of the screen 12 toward the outside of the vehicle 2. The light source 11 emits light. Therefore, the light source 11 is configured to emit light ray R1 (in... Figure 1 (See diagram) to form the light beam Fx. When multiple light sources 100 are present, these light sources 100 can be selectively or simultaneously activated. Therefore, they can be switched on independently of each other. This makes it possible to enhance the perception of the desired light emission function F. Figure 1 In a non-limiting example, when the light-emitting device 1 is arranged at the front or rear of the motor vehicle 2, the light ray R1 is transmitted mostly along the direction of the vehicle axis Ax or in a direction opposite to the vehicle axis Ax. In another non-limiting example not shown, when the light-emitting device 1 is arranged on one side of the motor vehicle 2, the light ray R1 is transmitted mostly along a direction perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ax, along the axis Ay, or in a direction opposite to the axis Ay.

[0045] In one non-limiting embodiment, light source 100 is a semiconductor-based light source. In one non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor-based light source forms part of a light-emitting diode (LED). A light-emitting diode is understood to refer to any type of light-emitting diode, such as, for example, a standard LED (light-emitting diode), an OLED (organic LED), an AMOLED (active-matrix organic LED), a FOLED (flexible OLED), an RGB diode, or a multi-chip diode, for the purpose of providing non-limiting examples.

[0046] like Figures 2 to 7As illustrated, screen 12 includes at least two elements 120, 121 that are structural elements. The at least two elements 120, 121 are arranged opposite to each other to form an upper portion 12a and a lower portion 12b of screen 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 includes two elements 120, 121. In another non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 includes more than two elements 120, 121.

[0047] As will be seen below, the upper portion 12a partially blocks the ambient light Lx from the outside, either completely, partially, or in a variable manner. That is, the upper portion 12a transmits the ambient light Lx completely or only partially toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1, or transmits the ambient light Lx gradually. Regarding the lower portion 12b, it is transparent to the ambient light Lx, that is, the lower portion 12b transmits the ambient light Lx almost completely or in a variable manner toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1.

[0048] In the same manner, the upper portion 12a completely, partially, or variably obscures the light beam Fx generated by the light source 100, that is, the upper portion 12a transmits the light beam Fx completely or only partially toward the outside of the light-emitting device 1, or transmits the light beam Fx gradually. Regarding the lower portion 12b, it is transparent to the light beam Fx, that is, the lower portion 12b transmits the light beam Fx almost completely or variably toward the outside of the light-emitting device 1.

[0049] Screen 12 is described below with reference to various non-limiting embodiments.

[0050] according to Figure 2In the first non-limiting embodiment illustrated, screen 12 includes two elements 120 and 121: a first-level element 120 made of a crystalline plastic material and a second-level element 121 made of a dark, smoked, or opaque plastic material. As illustrated, the first-level element 120 and the second-level element 121 are adjacent along their lengths L0 and L1, respectively, and the second-level element 121 has a length L1 that is less than the length L0 of the first-level element 120. In one non-limiting embodiment, the length L1 of the second-level element 121 is substantially equal to half the length L0. Length L0 represents the height of screen 12. Therefore, the upper portion 12a of screen 12 is formed by a portion of the first-level element 120 (referred to as the top portion) and the second-level element 121; while the lower portion 12b of screen is formed only by the other portion of the first-level element 120 (referred to as the bottom portion). Because the first-level element 120 is made of crystal, in one non-limiting embodiment, the first-level element 120 transmits more than 90% of the ambient light Lx toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1. Since the second-stage element 121 is opaque or dark-smoked, it either completely prevents the light beam Fx from passing through (when the second-stage element 121 is opaque) or (when the second-stage element 121 is dark-smoked) only allows the light beam Fx to pass through partially, i.e., less than 60% in a non-limiting embodiment, such as 10% in a non-limiting example.

[0051] Because the material of the second-stage element 121 is opaque or dark-smoked, the upper portion 12a will completely or partially block the ambient light Lx from outside the vehicle 2. Therefore, the upper portion 12a blocks the ambient light Lx. Because the material of the first-stage element 120 is made of crystal, the lower portion 12b will allow the ambient light Lx to pass through, thereby directing the ambient light Lx toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1. Therefore, the lower portion 12b is transparent to the ambient light Lx.

[0052] For the same reason, the upper portion 12a will completely or partially block the light beam Fx generated by the light source 100 of the optical module 10. The light beam will be blocked by the screen 12 at the upper portion 12a. Therefore, the upper portion 12a blocks the light beam Fx; while the lower portion 12b will allow the light beam Fx to pass through towards the outside of the light-emitting device 1. The light beam will pass through the screen 12 at the lower portion 12b. Therefore, the lower portion 12b is transparent to the light beam Fx.

[0053] according to Figure 3In the illustrated second non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 includes two elements 120 and 121: a first-level element 120 made of a crystalline plastic material and a second-level element 121 made of a dark-colored, smoked, or opaque plastic material. As illustrated, the first-level element 120 and the second-level element 121 are adjacent at one end of their ends 120a and 121a. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first-level element 120 and the second-level element 121 have substantially equal lengths L0 and L1. The sum of lengths L0 and L1 represents the height of screen 12. Therefore, the upper portion 12a of screen 12 is formed solely by the second-level element 121, and the lower portion 12b of screen 12 is formed solely by the first-level element 120. Since the first-level element 120 is made of crystal, in a non-limiting embodiment, the first-level element 120 transmits more than 90% of the ambient light Lx toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1. Since the second-stage element 121 is opaque or dark-smoked, it either completely prevents the light beam Fx from passing through (when the second-stage element 121 is opaque) or (when the second-stage element 121 is dark-smoked) only allows the light beam Fx to pass through partially, i.e., less than 60% in a non-limiting embodiment, such as 10% in a non-limiting example.

[0054] Because the material of the second-stage element 121 is opaque or dark-colored, the upper portion 12a will completely or partially block the ambient light Lx from the outside of the vehicle 2. Therefore, the upper portion 12a blocks the ambient light Lx. Because the material of the first-stage element 120 is made of crystal, the lower portion 12b will allow the ambient light Lx to pass through, thereby transmitting the ambient light Lx towards the interior of the vehicle 2. Therefore, the lower portion 12b is transparent to the ambient light Lx.

[0055] For the same reason, the upper portion 12a will completely or partially block the light beam Fx generated by the light source 100 of the optical module 10. The light beam will be blocked by the screen 12 at the upper portion 12a. Therefore, the upper portion 12a blocks the light beam Fx; while the lower portion 12b will allow the light beam Fx to pass through towards the outside of the light-emitting device 1. The light beam will pass through the screen 12 at the lower portion 12b. Therefore, the lower portion 12b is transparent to the light beam Fx.

[0056] In some non-limiting embodiments, such as the two non-limiting embodiments described above, the material of screen 12 is PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate), whether for the first-level element 120 or the second-level element 121. Furthermore, in one non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 is produced by bi-injection.

[0057] according to Figure 4 In the illustrated third non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 includes two elements 120 and 121: a first-level element 120 made of a crystalline plastic material and a second-level element made of a smoked plastic material. As illustrated, the first-level element 120 and the second-level element 121 are adjacent to each other along their lengths L0 and L1. Furthermore, the first-level element 120 and the second-level element 121 have substantially equal lengths L0 and L1. Lengths L0 and L1 represent the height of screen 12. Therefore, the upper portion 12a of screen 12 is formed by a portion of the first-level element 120 (referred to as the top portion) and a portion of the second-level element 121 (referred to as the top portion); while the lower portion 12b of screen 12 is formed by another portion of the first-level element 120 (referred to as the bottom portion) and another portion of the second-level element 121 (referred to as the bottom portion).

[0058] Furthermore, the first-stage element 120 and the second-stage element 121 have variable respective thicknesses e0 and e1, with the thickness e0 of the first-stage element 120 varying in opposite directions to the thickness e1 of the second-stage element 121, resulting in variable transmittance of the screen 12 for the ambient light Lx and the light beam Fx. It can be seen that when the thickness e0 is small, the thickness e1 is large, and when the thickness e0 is large, the thickness e1 is small. The thicknesses e0 and e1 form a constant total thickness e12, which is therefore the thickness of the screen 12. At the boundary 12c between the upper portion 12a and the lower portion 12b, the two thicknesses e0 and e1 are substantially equal. At the upper portion 12a, the thickness e1 is primarily greater than the thickness e0, while at the lower portion 12b, the thickness e0 is primarily greater than the thickness e1.

[0059] Since the thicknesses e0 and e1 are variable, the screen 12 will block and transmit ambient light Lx from outside the vehicle 2 in a variable manner. Therefore, a screen 12 with variable transmittance is considered. In a non-limiting example, the transmittance varies from 90% to 10%. Specifically, the upper portion 12a progressively blocks the ambient light Lx, while the lower portion 12b progressively transmits the ambient light Lx. This progressiveness is formed along the height of the screen 12. The further away from the boundary 12c towards the end 12a' of the upper portion 12a, the more the upper portion 12a blocks the ambient light Lx partially reaching the screen 12. On the other hand, the further away from the boundary 12c towards the end 12b' of the lower portion 12b', the more the lower portion 12b transmits the ambient light Lx partially reaching the screen 12.

[0060] Therefore, on one side of the upper portion 12a, the end 12a' facing the upper portion 12a has greater shading, while the shading facing the boundary 12c is smaller. The ambient light Lx that reaches the top of the upper portion 12a near the end 12a' will be shaded more than the ambient light Lx that reaches the bottom of the upper portion 12a near the boundary 12c, which will be shaded but to a lesser extent.

[0061] Furthermore, on one side of the lower portion 12b, the light transmitted towards the end 12b' of the lower portion 12b is greater, while the light transmitted towards the boundary 12c is less. Therefore, the lower portion 12b is more transparent towards the end 12b' than towards the boundary 12c. Consequently, the ambient light Lx reaching the bottom of the lower portion 12b near the end 12b' will be transmitted more than the ambient light Lx reaching the top of the lower portion 12b near the boundary 12c, which will be transmitted towards the interior of the light-emitting device 1, but to a lesser extent.

[0062] Therefore, when moving from the end 12b' of the lower portion 12b toward the end 12a' of the upper portion 12a, there is a change from the minimum occlusion effect of the screen 12 to the maximum occlusion effect. Conversely, when moving from the end 12a' of the upper portion 12a toward the end 12b' of the lower portion 12b, there is a change from the minimum transparency of the screen 12 to the maximum transparency.

[0063] For the same reason, the upper portion 12a will progressively block the light beam Fx generated by the optical module 10. The light beam will be progressively blocked by the screen 12 at the upper portion 12a. And the lower portion 12b will progressively transmit the light beam Fx toward the outside of the light-emitting device 1. The light beam will be progressively transmitted by the screen 12 at the lower portion 12b.

[0064] In this third non-limiting embodiment, the screen 12 is produced by double injection with two injections of different thicknesses in order to produce the first-level element 120 and the second-level element 121.

[0065] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated fourth non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 includes two elements 120 and 121: a first-stage element 120 made of a crystalline plastic material and a second-stage element 121 forming a film with variable transmittance. Film 121 is disposed on the first-stage portion 120. Therefore, screen 12 has variable transmittance for both ambient light Lx and the light beam Fx. In one non-limiting example, the transmittance varies from 90% to 10%.

[0066] In the same manner as in the third non-limiting embodiment, the upper portion 12a progressively blocks the ambient light Lx, while the lower portion 12b progressively transmits the ambient light Lx. This progressiveness is formed along the height L0 of the screen 12. The further away from the boundary 12c towards the end 12a' of the upper portion 12a, the more effectively the upper portion 12a blocks the ambient light Lx that partially reaches the screen 12. On the other hand, the further away from the boundary 12c towards the end 12b' of the lower portion 12b', the more effectively the lower portion 12b transmits the ambient light Lx that partially reaches the screen 12.

[0067] Therefore, on one side of the upper portion 12a, the end 12a' facing the upper portion 12a has greater shading, while the shading facing the boundary 12c is smaller. The ambient light Lx that reaches the top of the upper portion 12a near the end 12a' will be shaded more than the ambient light Lx that reaches the bottom of the upper portion 12a near the boundary 12c, which will be shaded but to a lesser extent.

[0068] Furthermore, on one side of the lower portion 12b, the end 12b' facing the lower portion 12b has greater transparency, while the transparency facing the boundary 12c is less. Therefore, the ambient light Lx that reaches the bottom of the lower portion 12b near the end 12b' will be transmitted more than the ambient light Lx that reaches the top of the lower portion 12b near the boundary 12c, which will be transmitted toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1, but to a lesser extent.

[0069] Therefore, when moving from the end 12b' of the lower portion 12b toward the end 12a' of the upper portion 12a, there is a change from the minimum occlusion effect of the screen 12 to the maximum occlusion effect. Conversely, when moving from the end 12a' of the upper portion 12a toward the end 12b' of the lower portion 12b, there is a change from the minimum transparency of the screen 12 to the maximum transparency.

[0070] For the same reason, the upper portion 12a will progressively block the light beam Fx generated by the optical module 10. The light beam will be progressively blocked by the screen 12 at the upper portion 12a. And the lower portion 12b will progressively transmit the light beam Fx toward the outside of the light-emitting device 1. The light beam will be progressively transmitted by the screen 12 at the lower portion 12b.

[0071] According to this fourth non-limiting embodiment, in some non-limiting variations, the film 121 extends along the entire surface of the first-stage element 120, or partially along the surface of the first-stage element 120. In one non-limiting embodiment, the film 121 is bonded to the first-stage portion 120. In another non-limiting embodiment, the film 121 is overmolded onto the first-stage portion 120. To achieve variable transmittance, in one non-limiting embodiment, a black ink deposit that is a function of transmittance is deposited on the film 121. The more ink present and / or the higher the pigment density, the greater the masking effect of the film 121. The less ink present and / or the lower the pigment density, the more transparent the film 121 will be. Therefore, to produce a film 121 with variable transmittance, the film includes an ink deposit of variable thickness on the surface of the film and / or a variable pigment density on the surface of the film.

[0072] exist Figure 5 In the first non-limiting variant embodiment illustrated, the film 121 is disposed outside the light-emitting device 1. Therefore, the film 121 is positioned facing the exterior of the motor vehicle 2. Figure 6 In the second non-limiting variant embodiment illustrated, the film 121 is disposed inside the light-emitting device 1. Therefore, the film 121 is positioned facing the optical module 10.

[0073] In some non-limiting embodiments, the material of the first-stage element 120 is PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate).

[0074] In this fourth non-limiting embodiment, the screen 12 is produced by injecting the first-stage element 120 and then bonding or overmolding the film 121.

[0075] according to Figure 7The illustrated fifth non-limiting embodiment shows that screen 12 includes three elements 120, 121, and 122: a first-level element 120 made of a crystalline plastic material, a second-level element 121 made of a light-colored smoked plastic material (with a transmittance of 60% to 80% in one non-limiting example), and a third-level element 122 made of a dark smoked or opaque material (with a transmittance of less than 60% in one non-limiting example). The dark smoked material allows for a semi-transparent state. The first-level element 120 and the third-level element 122 are adjacent to each other at one end of their ends 120a and 122a, and both are adjacent to the second-level element 121 along their respective respective lengths L0 and L2. In one non-limiting embodiment, the first-level element 120 and the third-level element 122 have substantially equal lengths L0 and L2, and the sum of their lengths L0 + L2 is equal to the length L1 of the second-level element 121, and therefore equal to the height of screen 12.

[0076] Therefore, the upper portion 12a is formed by a part of the second-level element 121 (referred to as the top portion) and the entire third-level element 122, while the lower portion 12b of the screen 12 is formed by another part of the second-level element 121 (referred to as the bottom portion) and the entire first-level element 120. The second-level element 121 is connected to the first-level element 120 and the third-level element 122, enabling relative... Figures 2 to 6 Other embodiments precisely define the transmittance of the upper portion 12a and the transmittance of the lower portion 12b.

[0077] Since the first-stage element 120 is made of crystal, in a non-limiting embodiment, the first-stage element 120 transmits more than 90% of the ambient light Lx toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1. Since the second-stage element 121 is light-colored smoked, in a non-limiting embodiment, the second-stage element 121 transmits ambient light Lx to a level between 70% and 90%. Since the third-stage element 122 is dark-colored smoked or opaque, in a non-limiting embodiment, the third-stage element 122 transmits ambient light Lx to a level between only 10% and 70%.

[0078] Therefore, the upper part 12a (which combines a dark smoked or opaque element and a light smoked element) will block the ambient light Lx from the outside of the vehicle 2, while the lower part 12b (which combines a crystal element and a light smoked element) will transmit the ambient light Lx toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1. Compared with the upper part 12a, the lower part 12b allows for a relatively higher transmittance of the ambient light Lx.

[0079] For the same reason, the upper portion 12a partially blocks the light beam Fx generated by the optical module 10. The light beam Fx will be blocked by the screen 12 at the upper portion 12a. Therefore, the upper portion 12a blocks the light beam Fx; while the lower portion 12b will allow the light beam Fx to pass through towards the outside of the light-emitting device 1. The light beam Fx will pass through the screen 12 at the lower portion 12b. Compared to the upper portion 12a, the lower portion 12b allows for a relatively higher transmittance of the light beam Fx.

[0080] In this fifth non-limiting embodiment, in some non-limiting embodiments, the material of screen 12 is PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate), regardless of the material of the first-level element 120, the second-level element 121, or the third-level element 122. Furthermore, in this fifth non-limiting embodiment, in one non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 is produced using an IML (in-mold labeling) or IMD (in-mold decorating) method. In another non-limiting embodiment, screen 12 is produced by three injection molding cycles.

[0081] Therefore, based on all the embodiments proposed above, it can be seen that the transmission of ambient light Lx from outside the vehicle 2 toward the interior of the light-emitting device 1 is greatly reduced or even completely canceled by the upper portion 12a of the screen 12.

[0082] This means that in the off mode, when the optical module 10 is not activated, that is, when there is no beam Fx, due to ambient lighting (referred to as ambient light Lx from outside the vehicle 2), Figure 8 An observer O, represented by an eye, cannot distinguish the optical module 10, the mask 11, or any other element of the light-emitting device 1 located behind the screen 12.

[0083] If screen 12 is completely transparent (the upper portion 12a and the lower portion 12b are transparent), and when an observer O approaches the light-emitting device 1, the observer O distinguishes the internal components of the light-emitting device 1; that is, the observer O specifically distinguishes the optical module 10 from the mask 11. The term "approach" is understood to mean that the observer O is located between 1 meter and 3 meters from the vehicle 2 and therefore from the light-emitting device 1, which corresponds to an observation angle α between 20° and 48°. It should be noted that the observation angle α is between a horizontal line passing through the center of screen 12 and a line passing through the observer O's eye. On the other hand, when screen 12 has a partial occlusion effect by means of the upper portion 2a, which transmits little or no light Lx (as described above, according to various non-limiting embodiments), when the observer O approaches the light-emitting device 1, the observer O will no longer distinguish the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 in the off mode. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the observer O, located at a distance d1 from the light-emitting device 1 and at an observation angle α1, is close to the light-emitting device 1.

[0084] Figure 9 The Barten curve set illustrates the contrast sensitivity curve (CSF). The curve set shows five curves, CSF1 to CSF5, illustrating the contrast sensitivity of the eye. For five different brightness levels representing various adaptive luminance levels of the eye, these five curves CSF1 to CSF5 have a ratio of 10 to each other. Therefore, curves CSF1 to CSF5 are associated with various sensitivity thresholds S of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 candela per square meter. The sensitivity threshold S is also referred to as the contrast sensitivity S. The spatial frequency u, in cycles per degree (cpd), is plotted on the horizontal axis, and the sensitivity threshold S (that is, the reciprocal of the lowest detectable contrast value at the considered frequency) is plotted on the vertical axis. The spatial frequency u corresponds to the angular size of the object observed by the eye. Therefore, in a non-limiting example, if the size of the optical module 10 is 10 mm, the angular size corresponds to a spatial frequency u of 1.7 cpd at a distance of 1 m. At 10 meters, the angular dimension corresponds to 17 cpd, and at 25 meters, the angular dimension corresponds to 43 cpd.

[0085] The closer one moves to the vehicle 2 and thus towards the light-emitting device 1, the more one moves towards a smaller spatial frequency u. Therefore, in a non-limiting example, for an object with a size of 10 mm, the spatial frequency u will range from 5 cpd to 1.7 cpd. This corresponds to an observation angle α between 20° and 48°. When moving towards the light-emitting device 1, there is therefore a right-to-left movement on the Barten curve set. Therefore, the smaller the spatial frequency u, the better the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 can be seen; that is, the greater the contrast sensitivity S between the screen 12 and the internal components of the light-emitting device 1. In this case, the contrast sensitivity S of the eye increases.

[0086] Therefore, the closer observer O is to the vehicle 2 and thus to the light-emitting device 1, the greater the increase in the contrast sensitivity S of the eye. Thus, if the screen 12 is completely transparent, especially if the upper portion 12a of the screen 12 is transparent, observer O will be able to better distinguish the internal components of the light-emitting device 1. In fact, when observer O is close to the light-emitting device 1, its viewing angle α will allow the observer to see the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 primarily through the upper portion 12a of the screen 12. The observer's perception of the contrast between the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 will be significant; in a non-limiting embodiment, this contrast represents the difference in luminance, which can be expressed as (Lmax - Lmin) / (Lmax + Lmin), where Lmax is the luminance of the optical module 10 in the off mode, and Lmin is the luminance of the mask 11 in the off mode.

[0087] To prevent an observer O near the light-emitting device 1 from distinguishing the internal components of the light-emitting device 1, the luminance level can be locally affected by reducing the local ambient light Lx at the screen 12 of the light-emitting device 1, and particularly at the upper portion 12a of the screen 12. Therefore, the curve CSF with a higher luminance level is changed to a curve CSF with a lower luminance level. Consequently, the curve set shifts from right to left. Reducing the ambient light Lx reduces the luminance level, thus reducing the contrast sensitivity S. Therefore, in Figure 9 The curves converge, and for the same spatial frequency u, such as 10 cpd, it can be seen that when the local ambient light Lx decreases, the contrast sensitivity S decreases. That is to say, even if the contrast can be the same, the contrast between the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 (especially between the optical module 10 and the mask 11) will not be easily perceived by the eye through the screen 12.

[0088] According to the various embodiments described above, the upper portion 12a of the screen 12 reduces the local ambient light Lx. Since the upper portion 12a of the screen 12 has a partial or complete occlusion effect, it limits the amount of ambient light Lx entering the light-emitting device 1 via the screen 12.

[0089] On the other hand, the farther away from the motor vehicle 2 and therefore from the light-emitting device 1 the further it moves, the more it moves towards a spatial frequency u exceeding 10 cpd, reaching as high as 60 cpd. This corresponds to an observation angle α close to 0°. Figure 8 As illustrated, an observer O located at position P2, at a distance d2 greater than distance d1 and an observation angle α2 less than observation angle α1, is moving away from the light-emitting device 1. When observer O is moving away from the light-emitting device 1, its observation angle α will allow it to see the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 primarily through the lower portion 12b of the screen 12. It should be noted that the observer at position P2 can be at the same height as the observer at position P1, but its distance d2 is much greater than its distance d1.

[0090] When distance is considered, the Barten curve set shifts to the right. On the right side, the eye's contrast sensitivity S is greatly reduced. Therefore, the higher the spatial frequency u, the more difficult it is to distinguish the internal components of the light-emitting device 1, that is, the smaller the contrast that the eye can perceive between the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 (especially between the optical module 10 and the mask 11).

[0091] At position P2, even if the screen 12 is transparent at its lower portion 12b, the observer O will find it less easy to distinguish the internal elements of the light-emitting device 1. In fact, as the observer O moves away from the light-emitting device 1, the internal elements of the light-emitting device 1 become smaller in angular magnitude, corresponding to a larger spatial frequency u, and therefore a smaller contrast sensitivity S. Therefore, the lower portion 12b can remain transparent and does not need to have the same occlusion effect as the upper portion 12a.

[0092] It should be noted that the Barten curve set is effective for both daytime and nighttime vision.

[0093] In a non-limiting embodiment, the optical module 10 is arranged facing the screen 12 such that the light beam Fx passes primarily or entirely through the lower portion 12b of the screen 12. Therefore, the lower portion 12b of the screen 12 transmits the light beam F toward the outside of the light-emitting device 1. Thus, the optical performance of the light-emitting function F is not affected by the shading effect of the upper portion 12a described above. Therefore, particularly for an adjustable light-emitting function whose vertical emission angle is within ±15° relative to the axis parallel to the road and passing through the optical module 10, the optical performance is not degraded.

[0094] To maintain the visibility of the light-emitting function F in the on-mode (i.e., when the light source 100 is activated and thus emits light R1) when near the vehicle 2, in a non-limiting embodiment, the upper portion 12a preferably has a partial rather than a complete occlusion effect. In this case, the eye's contrast sensitivity S is high, so that the activated light-emitting function F can still be seen even if its optical performance is partially degraded due to the occlusion of the upper portion 12a. It should be noted that this non-limiting embodiment is specifically for enhanced light-emitting functions. In the case of a standard light-emitting function, the performance is not very good. Therefore, a completely occluded upper portion 12a may be used.

[0095] Of course, the description of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and fields described above. Therefore, as internal components, in addition to the optical module 10 and the mask 11, the light-emitting device 1 may also include a set of connecting cables for supplying power to the light source 100, or include one or more electronic cards used as supports for the light source 100. Therefore, in another non-limiting embodiment, Figures 2 to 3 and Figures 5 to 7 One or more of the first-level element 120, the second-level element 121, or the third-level element 122 in the embodiments may have variable thickness, such as Figure 4 The situation is as illustrated in the third non-limiting embodiment.

[0096] Therefore, the described invention has the following particular advantages:

[0097] - This enables the transmission of light in the upper portion 12a of the screen 12 of the light-emitting device 1 to be reduced;

[0098] -This allows the internal components of the light-emitting device 1 to be hidden from close-up observation;

[0099] -Enables that the optical performance of the at least one light-emitting function F performed by the light-emitting device 1 is not affected;

[0100] - It is a smaller alternative to mechanical solutions that use movable shields;

[0101] - It is a cheaper alternative to the electro-optical solution that uses an LCD screen to block the light Lx in the off mode of the optical module 10.

Claims

1. A light-emitting device (1) for a vehicle (2), the light-emitting device (1) being configured to perform at least one light-emitting function (F), and the light-emitting device comprising at least one optical module (10) and a screen (12) arranged facing the optical module (10), characterized in that, The screen (12) includes at least two elements (120, 121) arranged opposite to each other to form an upper portion (12a) and a lower portion (12b) of the screen (12). The upper portion (12a) is configured to block ambient light (Lx) from outside the vehicle (2), and the lower portion (12b) is configured to transmit the ambient light (Lx). The screen (12) includes a first-level element (120) and a second-level element (121) made of smoked or opaque plastic material. 21), wherein the first-level element (120) and the second-level element (121) are adjacent along their lengths (L0, L1), wherein the first-level element (120) and the second-level element (121) have substantially equal lengths (L0, L1) and variable thicknesses (e0, e1), wherein the thickness (e0) of the first-level element (120) varies in opposite directions to the thickness (e0) of the second-level element (121), such that the screen (12) has variable transmittance for the ambient light (Lx).

2. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The optical module (10) is configured to generate a light beam (Fx), and the upper portion (12a) is configured to shield the light beam (Fx), and the lower portion (12b) is configured to transmit the light beam (Fx).

3. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The occlusion effect of the upper part (12a) is partial or complete.

4. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first-stage component (120) is made of crystalline plastic material.

5. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first-stage element (120) and the second-stage element (121) are adjacent at one of their ends (120a, 121a).

6. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The second-stage element (121) has a shorter length (L1) than the length (L0) of the first-stage element (120).

7. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The screen (12) includes a second-level element (121) that forms a film with variable transmittance for ambient light (Lx), the film being disposed on the first-level element (120).

8. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The membrane is arranged outside the light-emitting device (1) or inside the light-emitting device (1).

9. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The screen (12) also includes a third element (122) made of opaque or dark smoked material, wherein the first element (120) and the third element (122) are adjacent to each other at one of their ends (120a, 122a) and are adjacent to the second element (121) along their length (L0, L2).

10. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The optical module (10) is arranged facing the screen (12) such that the light beam (Fx) passes primarily through the lower portion (12b) of the screen (12).

11. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light-emitting device (1) also includes a mask (11) surrounding the optical module (10).

12. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light-emitting function (F) is an illumination function, a signaling function, a patterned light-emitting function, or an enhanced light-emitting function.

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