Light-emitting module and automobile light-emitting device

Abstract

The invention relates to an automotive lighting module (1) comprising: a first substrate comprising a first light source coupled to a first optical element (4); and a heat sink (5) arranged in thermal communication with the first substrate; wherein the first optical element (4) comprises a main attachment element (6) configured to attach the first optical element (4) to the heat sink (5) without passing through the first substrate, and wherein the first substrate is held between at least a portion of the first optical element (4) and a portion of the heat sink (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automotive lighting devices and more particularly to the assembly of different components comprised therein. Background Art

[0002] Automotive lighting devices require an increasing number of electrical connections intended to control and power the light sources contained therein.

[0003] Furthermore, heat dissipation components also play a key role in the operation of these devices.The performance of solid-state light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), is greatly affected by temperature, so good heat removal is beneficial to the performance of lighting devices.

[0004] These heat sinks are placed in thermal contact with various printed circuit boards. The assembly also includes printed circuit boards and reflectors. The connections between all these components must ensure mechanical stability and the accurate relative positioning of all of them.

[0005] The joining operation typically involves making through-holes in the printed circuit board to allow for the use of screws that secure the different components.

[0006] However, due to the lack of space in modern designs, it is not always possible to execute these vias in printed circuit boards.

[0007] Therefore, new solutions and designs are sought to solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides a solution to this problem by means of a lighting module for an automotive lighting device. The lighting module comprises:

[0009] a first substrate comprising a first light source configured to emit light;

[0010] a first optical element arranged to receive the emitted light from the first light source and project the light; and

[0011] a heat sink disposed in thermal communication with the first substrate, the heat sink configured to dissipate heat from the first substrate;

[0012] The light emitting module is characterized in that:

[0013] The first optical element comprises a primary attachment element configured to attach the first optical element to the heat sink without passing through the first substrate; and characterized in that,

[0014] The substrate is held between at least a portion of the first optical element and a portion of the heat sink.

[0015] It is worth noting that the heat sink may include multiple fins.

[0016] As described above, the primary attachment element is configured to attach the first optical element to the heat sink without passing through the first substrate. In other words, the primary attachment element does not pass through the first substrate. Therefore, the primary attachment element does not interfere with the corresponding first substrate, which avoids adding mechanical stress to the first substrate.

[0017] An optical element is an element having certain optical properties for receiving a light beam and emitting the light beam in a specific direction and / or shape, as is understood by those skilled in the art of automotive lighting without any additional burden. Reflectors, collimators, light guides, projection lenses, etc., or combinations thereof are some examples of such optical elements that can be used to transform the light beam emitted by the light source into an acceptable light pattern for the function selected for the lighting device.

[0018] These optical elements may define a focal point or focal line, which is the point or line at which light emitted by the light source is most efficiently transmitted by the optical element.

[0019] With this arrangement, the elements included in the light emitting module (ie, the substrate, the optical element, and the heat sink) are securely attached without performing additional through-holes in the substrate.

[0020] In some specific embodiments, a portion of the heat sink forms part of a frame for the first substrate.

[0021] This means that the material of the heat sink also surrounds a portion of the first substrate, around at least a portion of the edge of the first substrate, in the plane of the substrate.

[0022] In some specific embodiments, the primary attachment element comprises a fixing portion and is connected to the remainder of the reflector portion by means of an arm.In some specific embodiments, the fixing portion is attached to the heat sink.

[0023] The fixing portion is intended to form or receive a suitable fixing element, such as a screw or bolt, and the connection by means of the arm is due to the connection being remote from the rest of the reflector element. Therefore, in order to save material, the arm is sufficient to transmit the holding force caused by the connection. In other embodiments, other types of fixing are possible, for example by means of a clip hook.

[0024] In some specific embodiments, the first optical element is a reflector including a first reflective portion having a first reflective surface that reflects light emitted by the first light source and defines a front portion of the first reflective surface.

[0025] In some specific embodiments, the arm is disposed on the first optical element at a rear portion of the first reflective portion and extends at the rear portion away from the first reflective portion.

[0026] The front part is defined by the emission of light, so the rear part is the part opposite to the front part. In any case, the skilled person knows how to distinguish between the front part and the rear part in the lighting module of the present invention.

[0027] Since the arm extends at the rear, away from the first reflective portion, attachment of the first optical element does not interfere with the corresponding first substrate.

[0028] The first substrate may be an electronic substrate, such as an electronic circuit board.

[0029] In some specific embodiments, the lighting module further comprises:

[0030] a second substrate comprising a second light source configured to emit light;

[0031] a second optical element arranged to receive the emitted light from the second light source and project the light;

[0032] The primary attachment element is arranged to further attach the first optical element to the second optical element, not being in the path of light rays emitted by the second light source and deflected by the second optical element.

[0033] In some specific embodiments, the light emitting module further includes at least one auxiliary attachment element configured to attach the first optical element to the second optical element, thereby holding the heat sink, the first substrate and the second substrate between a portion of the first optical element and a portion of the second optical element.

[0034] When a second substrate and a second optical element are provided as described above, the optical module can have two different functions, each performed by a light source located in a different substrate and emitting light to a different optical element. This embodiment is more complex, and therefore more advantageous for the present invention, as it does not interfere with the complexity of the arrangement between these elements.

[0035] In some specific embodiments, the second optical element is a reflector including a second reflective portion having a second reflective surface that reflects light emitted by the second light source and defines a front portion of the second reflective surface.

[0036] In some specific embodiments, the arm extends so that it is at the level of the rear of the second reflecting part in the longitudinal direction, so that the fixing part is attached to the second optical element at the rear of the second reflecting part. Thus, considering the longitudinal direction, in particular corresponding to the main direction of the light beam of the light module, the arm extends sufficiently away from the first reflecting part so that the arm is attached to the second optical element at the rear of the second reflecting part, i.e., behind the reflecting part.

[0037] In some specific embodiments, the second substrate is arranged in a plane parallel to the substrate plane. Such a parallel arrangement makes it easier for light projection and coordination between light sources of two different substrates.

[0038] In some specific embodiments, the lighting module further includes another attachment element configured to attach the second optical element to the heat sink.

[0039] As mentioned previously, the operation using two substrates is more complex and it is sometimes desirable to produce a partial attachment, such as that of the second optical element to the heat sink.

[0040] In some specific embodiments, at least one auxiliary attachment element passes through a hole in the first substrate and / or through a hole in the second substrate.

[0041] The invention is also compatible with the fact that some auxiliary attachment elements pass through holes in any base plate. This combination increases the possibilities for the designer to fit different elements in the desired space.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, none of the auxiliary attachment elements pass through any of the substrate's holes. Although the invention is compatible with through-holes as defined above, it is also possible that all connections are performed outside the projection of the substrate and therefore not through these through-holes.

[0043] In some specific embodiments, the second substrate is arranged in a plane parallel to the substrate plane, but at least a portion of a projection of the second substrate on the first substrate along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate does not overlap with the first substrate.

[0044] Such an offset may be useful for optical reasons, for example when the focusing arrangement on one side needs to be in a different position to the focusing arrangement on the other side, and may also be advantageous for judicious placement of attachments so as not to interfere with other elements.

[0045] In some specific embodiments, the second optical element is arranged such that the second reflective portion is at least partially offset at the rear compared to the first reflective portion.

[0046] In this case, the present invention is particularly advantageous because, despite this offset, the two reflectors can still be attached together without interfering with the second reflective portion or the light it reflects. Without the present invention, attaching the first reflector directly to the second reflector would risk some deformation of the second reflective surface. The present invention avoids this risk.

[0047] This also has the advantage that when the optical element exhibits a focal length, the second optical element may exhibit a longer focal length, which may be particularly advantageous when the second optical element is coupled with a second light source to generate a segmented light beam.

[0048] In some specific embodiments, the light source is a solid-state light source, such as a light emitting diode.

[0049] The term "solid-state" refers to light emitted through solid-state electroluminescence, which uses semiconductors to convert electricity into light. Compared to incandescent lighting, solid-state lighting produces visible light with reduced heat generation and less energy dissipation. The generally smaller mass of solid-state electronic lighting devices provides greater shock and vibration resistance compared to fragile glass tubes / bulbs and long, thin filaments. Solid-state light sources also eliminate filament evaporation, thereby potentially increasing the life of the lighting device. Some examples of these lighting types include semiconductor light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), or polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) as the illumination source, rather than electric filaments, plasmas, or gases.

[0050] In some specific embodiments, the primary attachment element has a triangular shape. This enables a good compromise to be achieved between mechanical resistance and lightness.

[0051] In some specific embodiments, the primary attachment element has reinforcing ribs. This also enables a good compromise to be achieved between mechanical resistance and lightness.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, the primary attachment element is included between two fins of the heat sink. The location of the primary attachment element between the two fins of the heat sink enables offset fixing of the first optical element while enabling a larger heat exchange surface because the fins extend on each side of the primary attachment element.

[0053] In another inventive aspect, the present invention relates to a headlamp comprising a light emitting module according to the first inventive aspect.

[0054] In some specific embodiments, the light source is a light emitting diode, and the second substrate is configured to provide a matrix beam function.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted according to customary usage in the art. It will be further understood that commonly used terms are to be interpreted according to customary usage in the relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] To complete the description and to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a set of drawings is provided. The drawings constitute an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the present invention, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention but merely as examples of how the present invention may be implemented. The drawings include the following:

[0057] Figure 1 Some elements of a first embodiment of an automotive lighting device according to the present invention are shown.

[0058] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shown respectively Figure 1 The transverse and longitudinal cross sections of the light module are shown to illustrate the internal components of the light module.

[0059] Figure 4 A headlamp comprising a light module according to the preceding figures is shown.

[0060] In the drawings, the following reference numerals have been used:

[0061] 1 Light-emitting module

[0062] 2 First printed circuit board

[0063] 3 First PCB LED

[0064] 4. First reflector assembly

[0065] 5 Radiator

[0066] 6 Main attachment element

[0067] 7 Fixed part of the main attachment element

[0068] 8 Main attachment element arm

[0069] 9 Second printed circuit board

[0070] 10 headlights

[0071] 11 Second PCB for LEDs

[0072] 12. Second reflector assembly

[0073] 13. First auxiliary attachment element

[0074] 14 Second auxiliary attachment element

[0075] 15 Projection lens assembly

[0076] 21 First reflection part

[0077] 22 Second reflection part

[0078] 100 motor vehicles DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement and realize the systems and processes described herein.It is important to understand that the embodiments may be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

[0080] Therefore, although the embodiments may be modified in various ways and take various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intention to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims are intended to be included. Throughout the drawings and detailed description, elements of the example embodiments are consistently represented by the same reference numerals, where appropriate.

[0081] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an overall perspective view of a light emitting module according to the present invention. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Shown respectively Figure 1 The transverse and longitudinal cross sections of the optical module.

[0082] In this module 1 , the following elements are seen: a first optical element (here the first reflector assembly 4 ), a heat sink 5 , a second optical element (here the second reflector assembly 12 ), and a projection lens assembly 15 .

[0083] The light module 1 also includes a printed circuit board and LEDs, which emit light projected by reflectors included in each of the first reflector assembly 4 and the second reflector assembly 12. However, the reflector assemblies 4 and 12 conceal these other components, which will be shown in other figures. The first reflector assembly 4 includes a first reflector portion 21 having a first reflective surface. This first reflective surface reflects light emitted by the first group of LEDs 3 on the first printed circuit board 2 and defines a front portion of the first reflector assembly 4. Correspondingly, the second reflector assembly 12 includes a second reflector portion 22 having a second reflective surface. This second reflective surface reflects light emitted by the second group of LEDs 11 and also defines a front portion of the second reflector assembly 12.

[0084] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the manner in which the first reflector assembly 4 is attached to the remaining elements of the light module 1 is relevant.

[0085] The first reflector assembly 4 comprises a main attachment element 6 configured to attach the first reflector assembly 4 to the heat sink 5 without passing through the first printed circuit board. This is achieved by means of an arm 8, which connects the main attachment element 6 to the rest of the first reflector assembly 4, thereby ensuring the mechanical stability of the connection. The main attachment element 6 comprises a fixing portion 7 sufficient to receive a bolt that will provide the connection.

[0086] As from Figure 1 and Figure 3 It can be seen that the primary attachment element 6 is arranged to further attach the first reflector assembly 4 to the second reflector assembly 12 , not in the path of light rays emitted by the second group of LEDs 11 and deflected by the second reflector portion 22 .

[0087] The first reflector assembly 4 further comprises two further auxiliary attachment elements 13, 14 joining the first reflector assembly 4 to the heat sink 5. However, in this case the joining is performed using two through-holes in the first printed circuit board.

[0088] As can be seen in the figure, in this example the main attachment element 6 has a triangular shape with the base starting from the first reflector assembly 4 and the apex located in the fixing portion 7. The main attachment also has reinforcing ribs which maintain good mechanical properties without increasing weight.

[0089] It can also be seen that the main attachment element 6 is housed between the fins of the heat sink. This means that the main attachment element intrudes into the heat sink area and leaves the reflector area.

[0090] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The internal components of the lighting module 1 are shown.

[0091] More specifically, the internal printed circuit boards are shown. First, a first printed circuit board 2 includes a plurality of LEDs 3 forming a first group of LEDs. These LEDs 3 emit light projected by a plurality of reflectors of a first reflective portion 21 included in a first reflector assembly 4. A heat sink 5 is configured to dissipate heat from the first printed circuit board 2.

[0092] In this example, the plurality of LEDs 3 are responsible for providing a low beam function together with the first reflector assembly 4 and the projection lens assembly 15 .

[0093] The first printed circuit board 2 is connected to the first reflector assembly ( Figure 2 The two auxiliary attachment elements 13, 14 attached to the radiator 5 are passed through but not by the main attachment element 6 ( Figure 2Here, the primary attachment element 6 also attaches the first reflector assembly 4 to the heat sink 5, but does not fall into the shadow of the first printed circuit board 2. During this attachment process, the first printed circuit board 2 is held between at least a portion of the first reflector assembly 4 and a portion of the heat sink 5.

[0094] In these Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the figure, there is also seen a second printed circuit board 9 and a second reflector assembly 12. The second printed circuit board 9 also comprises a set of LEDs 11 which, in this example, are responsible for providing the matrix beam function together with the second reflecting portion 22 of the second reflector assembly 12 and the projection lens assembly 15.

[0095] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, in this example, the auxiliary attachment elements 13, 14 not only attach the first optical element 4 to the heat sink 5, but also attach the first optical element to the second reflector assembly 12, thereby holding the heat sink 5, the first printed circuit board 2 and the second printed circuit board 9 between a part of the first reflector assembly 4 and a part of the second reflector assembly 12.

[0096] Furthermore, although not seen in this figure, the second reflector assembly 12 further includes another attachment element configured to attach the second reflector assembly 12 to the heat sink 5 .

[0097] The second reflector assembly 12 is arranged such that the second reflective portion 22 is at least partially offset at the rear compared to the first reflective portion 21. Thanks to the invention, despite this offset, the two reflectors can be attached together without interfering with the second reflective portion 22 or the light it reflects.

[0098] Figure 4 A headlamp 10 is shown which comprises a light module 1 according to the preceding figures. The headlamp 10 is installed in a motor vehicle 100 .

Claims

1. A light-emitting module (1) for an automobile light-emitting device, the light-emitting module (1) comprising: a first substrate (2) comprising a first light source (3) configured to emit light; a first optical element (4) arranged to receive the emitted light from the first light source (3) and project the light; as well as a heat sink (5) arranged in thermal communication with the first substrate (2), the heat sink (5) being configured to dissipate heat from the first substrate (2); The light emitting module (1) is characterized in that: The first optical element (4) comprises a primary attachment element (6) configured to attach the first optical element (4) to the heat sink (5) without passing through the first substrate (2); and is characterized in that, The first substrate (2) is held between at least a portion of the first optical element (4) and a portion of the heat sink (5).

2. The light emitting module (1) according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the heat sink (5) forms part of a frame for the first substrate (2).

3. The lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The main attachment element (6) comprises a fixing portion (7), which is attached to the heat sink (5), and is connected to the rest of the reflector portion by means of an arm (8).

4. The lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first optical element (4) is a reflector including a first reflecting portion (21) having a first reflecting surface that reflects light emitted by the first light source (3) and defines a front portion of the first reflecting surface.

5. The lighting module (1) according to claim 4 as appended to claim 3, wherein: The arm (8) is arranged on the first optical element (4) at the rear of the first reflecting portion (21) and extends away from the first reflecting portion at the rear.

6. The lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The light source is a solid-state light source.

7. The lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The primary attachment element (6) has a triangular shape.

8. The lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The primary attachment element (6) is located between two fins of the heat sink.

9. The lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a second substrate (9) comprising a second light source (11) configured to emit light; a second optical element (12) arranged to receive the emitted light from the second light source and project the light; The primary attachment element (6) is further arranged to attach the first optical element (4) to the second optical element (12) without being in the path of light rays emitted by the second light source and deflected by the second optical element (12).

10. The lighting module (1) according to claim 9, wherein: The second optical element (12) is a reflector including a second reflecting portion (22) having a second reflecting surface, the second reflecting portion reflecting light emitted by the second light source (11) and defining a front portion of the second reflecting surface.

11. The lighting module (1) according to claim 5 and 10, wherein: The arm (8) is extended so that it is at a rear level of the second reflecting part (22) in the longitudinal direction so that the fixing part (7) is attached to the second optical element (12) at the rear of the second reflecting part.

12. The lighting module (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein: The second optical element (12) is arranged such that the second reflective portion (22) is at least partially offset at the rear portion compared to the first reflective portion (21).

13. The lighting module (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising: At least one auxiliary attachment element (13, 14) configured to attach the first optical element (4) to the second optical element (12) so as to hold the heat sink, the first substrate (2) and the second substrate (9) between a portion of the first optical element (4) and a portion of the second optical element (12).

14. A headlamp comprising a lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The headlamp according to claim 14, wherein The light emitting module is the light emitting module according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the second substrate includes light emitting diodes configured to provide a matrix beam function.

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