Lighting module and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a lighting module and a vehicle. The lighting module comprises a light source, a reflector, a light type baffle and an outer lens. At least part of light emitted by the light source is reflected by the reflector and the light type baffle, and then is emitted through the outer lens. The light type baffle comprises a plurality of light blocking surfaces. At least one light blocking surface is located on the side of the remaining light blocking surfaces close to the outer lens, and the light blocking surface located on the side close to the outer lens is inclined towards the reflector relative to the remaining light blocking surfaces. The application can improve the light efficiency of the lighting module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to a lighting module and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] To prevent light from shining directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers and avoid glare, while ensuring sufficient illumination of the road ahead, light pattern baffles are typically installed in reflective or projective lighting modules. The light emitted from the light source is converged by a reflector, and a portion is cut off by the edge of the light pattern baffle, thus forming a boundary between light and dark, i.e., a cutoff line. However, while creating the cutoff line, the installation of light pattern baffles also leads to poor light efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a lighting module and a vehicle for improving the luminous efficiency of the lighting module.

[0004] According to one aspect of this application, a lighting module is provided, including a light source, a reflector, a light pattern baffle, and an outer lens. At least a portion of the light emitted by the light source is reflected by the reflector and the light pattern baffle, and then exits through the outer lens. The light pattern baffle includes a plurality of light-blocking surfaces, wherein at least one of the light-blocking surfaces is located on the side of the remaining light-blocking surfaces closer to the outer lens, and the light-blocking surface located on the side closer to the outer lens is inclined toward the reflector relative to the remaining light-blocking surfaces.

[0005] In some embodiments, the plurality of light-blocking surfaces include a first light-blocking surface and a second light-blocking surface, the second light-blocking surface being located on the side of the first light-blocking surface closer to the outer lens, and the first light-blocking surface intersecting the second light-blocking surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the intersection line of the first light-blocking surface and the second light-blocking surface is perpendicular to the optical axis of the outer lens.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first light-blocking surface is set at an angle to the optical axis of the outer lens, and the first light-blocking surface is tilted toward the reflector; the second light-blocking surface is parallel to the optical axis of the outer lens.

[0008] In some embodiments, the angle between the first light-blocking surface and the optical axis of the outer lens is 2°-4°.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second light-blocking surface has a dimension of 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm along the optical axis of the outer lens.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outer lens includes a focal lens.

[0011] In some embodiments, the outer lens includes a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region; the first light-blocking surface is configured to reflect light toward the peripheral region, and the second light-blocking surface is configured to reflect light toward the central region.

[0012] In some embodiments, the reflector includes a first reflecting region and a second reflecting region; within a cross-section of the optical axis of the outer lens, the first reflecting region is configured as a portion of an ellipse, and the second reflecting region is configured as a portion of a parabola; the second reflecting region is located on the side of the first reflecting region closer to the outer lens.

[0013] According to another aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, including the lighting module as described above.

[0014] The lighting module of this application embodiment includes a light source, a reflector, a light pattern baffle, and an outer lens. Light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflector and the light pattern baffle, and then exits through the outer lens. The light pattern baffle includes multiple light-blocking surfaces, at least one of which is located on the side of the remaining light-blocking surfaces closer to the outer lens, and the light-blocking surface on the side closer to the outer lens is inclined towards the reflector relative to the other light-blocking surfaces. In this way, the light-blocking surface on the side away from the outer lens reflects and distributes more light to the outer lens, thereby improving light efficiency, while the light-blocking surface on the side closer to the outer lens concentrates the light at the center of the outer lens, thereby suppressing cutoff line dispersion. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a lighting module in one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the optical path of the light-patterned baffle and the outer lens in one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a light-patterned baffle is shown in one embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cutoff line formed by different structured light baffles is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a reflector in one embodiment of this application is shown.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Lighting module; 10. Light source; 20. Reflector; 21. First reflection zone; 22. Second reflection zone; 30. Light pattern baffle; 31. First light-blocking surface; 32. Second light-blocking surface; 40. Outer lens; 41. Optical axis; 42. Central region; 43. Peripheral region. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0024] In automotive lighting modules, a light pattern baffle is placed between the reflector and the outer lens to form a cutoff line between light and dark areas. However, in practical applications, it has been found that while the light pattern baffle can create a cutoff line, it also negatively impacts light efficiency. Specifically, when the light pattern baffle is placed horizontally, light is difficult to distribute sufficiently across all areas of the outer lens, resulting in low light efficiency. To improve light efficiency, the inventors of this application considered tilting the light pattern baffle, but experiments revealed that tilted light pattern baffles are prone to chromatic dispersion.

[0025] Based on this, this application provides a lighting module that, by segmenting the light-blocking surface of the light pattern baffle, allows for better control of light distribution. For example, one segment of the light-blocking surface reflects and distributes more light to the outer lens, enabling the light to reach the edge of the outer lens, thereby improving light efficiency. The other segment of the light-blocking surface concentrates some light in the central area of ​​the outer lens, thereby suppressing cutoff line dispersion. This achieves the goal of improving the light efficiency of the lighting module while suppressing dispersion.

[0026] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the lighting module 1 includes a light source 10, a reflector 20, a light pattern baffle 30, and an outer lens 40. At least a portion of the light emitted by the light source 10 is reflected by the reflector 20 and the light pattern baffle 30 and then emitted through the outer lens 40.

[0027] The light source 10 is, for example, at least one of a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, a light-emitting diode (LED), and a laser lamp. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source 10 is a light-emitting diode, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the lighting module 1 and extending the service life of the lighting module 1.

[0028] The material of the reflector 20 is, for example, at least one of metal, plastic, and glass.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, the reflector 20 is made of high-purity aluminum, formed by stamping or spinning, and its surface is electrolytically polished and anodized. Thus, the reflector 20 can withstand the high temperatures generated by the light source 10 without additional heat insulation, and it has good rigidity, providing high support strength.

[0030] In another exemplary embodiment, the reflector 20 is made of thermosetting plastic. The reflector substrate is formed by injection molding and then subjected to "alpha coating" in a vacuum coating machine. This involves first spraying a primer, then vapor-depositing a layer of high-purity aluminum, and finally spraying a protective topcoat. Thermosetting plastics include, for example, at least one of bulk molding compound (BMC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The specific choice can be made according to design requirements to obtain one or more of the following properties: higher heat resistance, dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, low cost, and high reflectivity.

[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, the reflector 20 is made of borosilicate glass, i.e., heat-resistant glass, and is formed into a reflector substrate by hot pressing, followed by a vacuum aluminum plating process. Thus, due to the low hygroscopicity and thermal expansion coefficient of the glass, the reflector 20 achieves high stability.

[0032] The material of the light-patterned baffle 30 includes at least one of stainless steel and aluminum alloy. Thus, the light-patterned baffle 30 has good thermal stability and high strength, and through precision stamping, a light-patterned baffle with sharp edges and clear contours can be manufactured, which helps to form a clear and sharp cut-off line between light and shadow.

[0033] The light-blocking baffle 30 includes multiple light-blocking surfaces, at least one of which is located on the side of the remaining light-blocking surfaces closer to the outer lens 40, and the light-blocking surface on the side closer to the outer lens 40 is inclined towards the reflector 20 relative to the remaining light-blocking surfaces. Thus, the light-blocking surface on the side farther from the outer lens 40 reflects and distributes more light onto the outer lens 40, allowing light to effectively exit from the edge region of the outer lens 40, thereby improving light efficiency; the light-blocking surface on the side closer to the outer lens 40 concentrates light in the central region of the outer lens 40, thereby suppressing cutoff line dispersion.

[0034] Optionally, all light-blocking surfaces are planar, thus the light pattern baffle 30 has a simple structure, is easy to form, and is easier to control the light pattern.

[0035] Optionally, at least one light-blocking surface is curved. In this way, a curve that meets the design requirements can be obtained by optimization, for example, optical simulation software. This not only forms a cutoff line, but also allows for fine-tuning of the illuminance distribution inside the light spot, compensating for aberrations of other optical elements, making the light spot more uniform, and reducing dispersion and hot spots.

[0036] Optionally, one or more "step-like" structures are provided on the edge of the light-blocking surface near the outer lens 40, so that the resulting cutoff line can form a turning point between the horizontal part and the rising part, thereby making the cutoff line more compliant with relevant regulations.

[0037] Combined Figure 3 In some embodiments, the multiple light-blocking surfaces include a first light-blocking surface 31 and a second light-blocking surface 32. Optionally, the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 are adjacent to each other, or a transition surface connecting the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 is provided. Optionally, the light-pattern baffle 30 is an integral structure, and the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 are two surfaces of the integral structure of the light-pattern baffle 30. The first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 may have the same or different shapes and sizes.

[0038] The second light-blocking surface 32 is located on the side of the first light-blocking surface 31 closest to the outer lens 40. Optionally, a portion of the second light-blocking surface 32 is located on the side of the first light-blocking surface 31 closest to the outer lens 40, or the entire second light-blocking surface 32 is located on the side of the first light-blocking surface 31 closest to the outer lens 40. Further, the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 intersect. In this way, the first light-blocking surface 31 reflects and distributes more light to the outer lens 40, thereby improving light efficiency, while the second light-blocking surface 32 concentrates light at the center of the outer lens 40, thereby suppressing cutoff line dispersion.

[0039] In some embodiments, the intersection line of the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 is perpendicular to the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40. Exemplarily, the first light-blocking surface 31 is parallel to the horizontal plane, the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40 is parallel to the horizontal plane, and the second light-blocking surface 32 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The intersection line of the second light-blocking surface 32 and the first light-blocking surface 31 is parallel to the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40. Thus, the light reflected from the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 can enter the outer lens 40 more uniformly, further suppressing cutoff line dispersion.

[0040] Optionally, the first light-blocking surface 31 has an axisymmetric shape. This further improves the uniformity of the light reflected by the first light-blocking surface 31.

[0041] Optionally, the second light-blocking surface 32 has an axisymmetric shape. This further improves the uniformity of the light reflected by the second light-blocking surface 32.

[0042] Optionally, both the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 are formed axially symmetrically, and their axes of symmetry are located in the same plane, thereby further improving the uniformity of the pipeline reflected by the light pattern baffle 30.

[0043] Continue reading Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, the first light-blocking surface 31 is set at an angle to the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40, and the first light-blocking surface 31 is tilted towards the reflector 20. The second light-blocking surface 32 is parallel to the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40. In this way, the first light-blocking surface 31 reflects and distributes more light to the outer lens 40, thereby improving light efficiency, and the second light-blocking surface 32 concentrates the light at the center of the outer lens 40, thereby suppressing cutoff line dispersion.

[0044] It should be noted that when the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 are curved surfaces, the positional relationship between the first light-blocking surface 31, the second light-blocking surface 32 and the outer lens 40 can be understood as the positional relationship between the normal vector of the corresponding curved surface and the outer lens 40.

[0045] In some embodiments, the angle α between the first light-blocking surface 31 and the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40 is 2°-4°. For example, the angle α between the first light-blocking surface 31 and the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40 is 2.5°, 3°, or 3.5°. When the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40 is parallel to the horizontal direction, the first light-blocking surface 31 is tilted relative to the horizontal plane at an angle of 2°-4°. Thus, when the reflector 20 reflects the light emitted by the light source 10 to the first light-blocking surface 31, the first light-blocking surface 31 can reflect more light to the outer lens 40, making the light distribution in the peripheral region 43 of the outer lens 40 more uniform.

[0046] It should be noted that when the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32 are curved surfaces, the angle between the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32, or the angle between each of them and other reference surfaces, can be understood as the angle between the corresponding normal vectors.

[0047] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 To verify the effect of the first light-blocking surface 31 tilt angle design of this application, the inventors of this application verified the light emission effect. The first row of the figure shows the cutoff line and dispersion obtained by the overall horizontal setting of the light-pattern baffle. The second row of the figure shows the cutoff line and dispersion obtained by the overall tilt setting of the light-pattern baffle. The third row of the figure shows the cutoff line and dispersion obtained by the part of the light-pattern baffle near the outer lens being horizontally set and the part away from the outer lens being tilted towards the reflector.

[0048] from Figure 4 It can be seen that because the second light-blocking surface 32 is not tilted, the dispersion below the cutoff line is relatively slight. At the same time, because the first light-blocking surface 31 is tilted, more light can be reflected to the outer lens 40, thereby improving light efficiency.

[0049] See Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, the dimension L of the second light-blocking surface 32 along the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40 is 0.4mm-0.6mm. For example, the dimension L of the second light-blocking surface 32 along the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40 is 0.45mm, 0.5mm, or 0.55mm. Thus, when the reflector 20 reflects the light emitted from the light source 10 to the second light-blocking surface 32, the second light-blocking surface 32 can concentrate the light in the central region of the outer lens 40, thereby suppressing cutoff line dispersion.

[0050] It should be noted that, based on the light-pattern baffle 30 including the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32, the light-pattern baffle 30 may also include other surfaces, such as extended surfaces located around the first light-blocking surface 31 and the second light-blocking surface 32. For example, in... Figure 3 From the perspective of [the image], the light pattern baffle 30 also includes an extension surface located to the right of the second light-blocking surface 32. The shape of these extension surfaces can be selected according to design requirements and is not limited here.

[0051] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the outer lens 40 includes a focal lens. Thus, the outer lens 40 can more effectively project the light emitted from the light source 10 onto the designed area, increasing light intensity.

[0052] Optionally, the outer lens 40 may be made of plastic, such as polycarbonate. This allows the outer lens 40 to achieve better toughness, pass rigorous impact tests, ensure driving safety, and reduce damage during collisions. Simultaneously, due to the low density of plastic, the weight of the lighting module 1 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, plastic is easy to injection mold, allowing for the creation of complex three-dimensional curved surfaces to meet the streamlined design requirements of modern automobiles. Additionally, high-quality optical-grade plastics can achieve a light transmittance of 88%-90%, thus better meeting the requirements of automotive lighting.

[0053] Optionally, the outer lens 40 may be made of glass. This makes the outer lens 40 more scratch-resistant, prevents yellowing from ultraviolet radiation, and maintains stable light transmittance throughout its lifespan.

[0054] Optionally, the outer surface of the outer lens 40 matches the curved surfaces of the vehicle body fenders and hood, forming a smooth, continuous three-dimensional curved surface. In this way, the lighting module 1 has a high degree of integration with the vehicle body in terms of appearance.

[0055] Optionally, the outer lens 40 is colorless and transparent, which can increase the light throughput.

[0056] Optionally, the outer lens 40 is light gray or black. Thus, when the light source 10 is not lit, the lighting module 1 presents a unified dark background, which enhances the sense of movement and sophistication; when lit, it still maintains high light transmittance.

[0057] See Figures 1-3 In some embodiments, the outer lens 40 includes a central region 42 and a peripheral region 43 surrounding the central region 42. A first light-blocking surface 31 is configured to reflect light towards the peripheral region 43, and a second light-blocking surface 32 is configured to reflect light towards the central region 42. The ratio of the dimension of the central region 42 along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis 41 to the dimension of the peripheral region 43 along the direction perpendicular to the optical axis 41 can be adjusted according to design requirements and is not limited here. Based on this, both the peripheral region 43 and the central region 42 of the outer lens 40 can transmit light relatively uniformly, thereby improving both light efficiency and light uniformity.

[0058] See Figure 1 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the reflector 20 includes a first reflecting region 21 and a second reflecting region 22. Within a cross-section passing through the optical axis 41 of the outer lens 40, the first reflecting region 21 is constructed as part of an ellipse, and the second reflecting region 22 is constructed as part of a parabola. The second reflecting region 22 is located on the side of the first reflecting region 21 closer to the outer lens 40. Based on this, the light emitted from the light source 10 can be more fully reflected by the reflector 20 to the light pattern baffle 30, and further fully reflected by the light pattern baffle 30 to the outer lens 40.

[0059] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a vehicle that includes the lighting module of the above embodiments. Optionally, the vehicle includes a vehicle body and one or more lighting modules of the above embodiments. For example, the vehicle includes two lighting modules of the above embodiments, with the two lighting modules located on the left and right sides of the front end of the vehicle body, respectively.

[0060] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means at least two, for example, two, three, four, etc. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0061] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of this application shall still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A lighting module, characterized in that, It includes a light source, a reflector, a light pattern baffle, and an outer lens. At least part of the light emitted by the light source is reflected by the reflector and the light pattern baffle, and then exits through the outer lens. The light pattern baffle includes a plurality of light-blocking surfaces, wherein at least one of the light-blocking surfaces is located on the side of the remaining light-blocking surfaces closer to the outer lens, and the light-blocking surface located on the side closer to the outer lens is inclined toward the reflector relative to the remaining light-blocking surfaces.

2. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of light-blocking surfaces include a first light-blocking surface and a second light-blocking surface, wherein the second light-blocking surface is located on the side of the first light-blocking surface closer to the outer lens, and the first light-blocking surface intersects with the second light-blocking surface.

3. The lighting module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The line of intersection between the first light-blocking surface and the second light-blocking surface is perpendicular to the optical axis of the outer lens.

4. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first light-blocking surface is set at an angle to the optical axis of the outer lens, and the first light-blocking surface is tilted toward the reflector; The second light-blocking surface is parallel to the optical axis of the outer lens.

5. The lighting module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between the first light-blocking surface and the optical axis of the outer lens is 2°-4°.

6. The lighting module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second light-blocking surface has a dimension of 0.4mm-0.6mm along the optical axis of the outer lens.

7. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external lens includes a focal lens.

8. The lighting module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outer lens includes a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region; The first light-blocking surface is configured to reflect light toward the peripheral area, and the second light-blocking surface is configured to reflect light toward the central area.

9. The lighting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector includes a first reflective area and a second reflective area; Within the cross section of the optical axis of the outer lens, the first reflective area is constructed as a portion of an ellipse, and the second reflective area is constructed as a portion of a parabola. The second reflective area is located on the side of the first reflective area closer to the outer lens.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the lighting module as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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