Headlights for vehicles with a lighting function behind a signal function

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle headlight, a lighting function of which is located behind a signaling function.

[0002] Some motor vehicle headlamps provide a lighting function (low beam and / or high beam) and a signaling function (side lights, indicator) in which the lighting function is arranged behind the signaling function. In order to ensure proper operation of the lighting function, a movable device is provided to move the signaling function when the lighting function is activated so as to free up space in front of the lighting function. However, this solution is relatively complex to implement and prone to breakdowns.

[0003] Document EP1434000 also discloses a lighting device comprising a transparent screen located between the outer glass and a main light source, this screen having a face provided with light diffusion foci. This arrangement makes it possible to illuminate the entire surface of the glass or to create continuous and localized illuminated areas on the glass. This screen can also perform a position light function when its edges are illuminated by secondary light sources. Since the screen extends parallel to the outer glass, or even hugs it, an observer located in front of the lighting device can nevertheless see the main light source. Furthermore, the perception of the lighting functions can be disturbed by the screen or by light radiation coming from outside the lighting device. EP2159477 also shows an automobile headlight performing a lighting function and a signaling function.

[0004] The invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks by proposing a vehicle headlight according to claim 1.

[0005] The operating position of a headlight will depend on the vehicle used and the regulations in force. For a motor vehicle, the operating position generally corresponds to a position in which the optical axis is horizontal or substantially horizontal.

[0006] By this particular arrangement of its various elements, the projector according to the invention makes it possible to perform a signaling function in front of a lighting function which is not disturbed by the light beams coming from outside the projector and which is not visible from outside the projector by an observer. In particular, the signaling function can be provided by the light beam(s) emitted by the at least one light source illuminating the screen in its thickness and by the internal face of the screen which reflects this / these light beam(s) towards the glass and the outside of the projector. The screen being transparent, a major part (at least 75%, or even at least 80%) of the light beam(s) emitted by the lighting module(s) can pass through it when the lighting function is active.Furthermore, since the screen reflects a portion of the light beam(s) above the lighting module(s), the lighting function is little disturbed by the screen. Advantageously, the screen may have an inner face and an opposite outer face that are parallel. In particular, the optical modules may be shaped so as to reflect the light emitted by the at least one source perpendicularly to the outer face.

[0007] Advantageously, when the projector comprises at least two lighting modules, the second angle may be such that, for the lighting module emitting the largest light cone, the part of the light cone of the light beam of this module located under the optical axis in the position of use of the projector, in particular the part of the light cone furthest from the optical axis, is reflected by the screen in the direction of said lighting module, above the latter. This makes it possible to further reduce disturbances to the lighting function by the screen.

[0008] Advantageously, the projector may comprise, inside the housing, a light-absorbing element arranged in a part of the housing located above the optical axis in the position of use of the projector, in particular above the light cone, this absorbing element extending over a surface sufficient to receive the part of the light cone of the light beam emitted by said at least one lighting module and reflected by the screen. In other words, the surface of the absorber is at least equal to a surface of intersection of the absorbing element with the part of the light cone emitted by said at least one lighting module and reflected by the screen. This makes it possible to further reduce disturbances to the lighting function by the screen. In particular, this light-absorbing element may be part of the housing or be fixed inside the housing.It can be a dark-colored surface, preferably as dark as possible, or even black, with a matte appearance, possibly presenting asperities that eliminate or reduce specular reflection.

[0009] Advantageously, at least one upper part of an outline of a transparent area of ​​the glass, in particular a part located above the optical axis in the position of use of the projector, is defined by a curve of intersection of the glass with the light cone of said at least one lighting module, in particular with the largest light cone when at least two lighting modules are present or by a curve located outside the intersection curve at a determined distance from it. This makes it possible to limit the outline of a transparent area thereof, in other words to limit the surface of the glass, improving the aesthetic rendering of the lighting functions and reducing external reflections. This transparent area may have a part of the surface of the glass or all of it.

[0010] Most often, the projector may include two or more lighting modules. In this case, they can advantageously be arranged horizontally next to each other, with the projector in the operating position, which simplifies the construction of the projector, particularly compared to placing the lighting modules one above the other, which may require the addition of horizontal partitions between the modules in order to isolate them.

[0011] In some cases, the at least one lighting module may emit a light cone having a narrowing. The light cone may then have, from the lighting module, a first converging part up to the narrowing followed by a second diverging part. In this case, the glass may advantageously be arranged at the narrowing of the light cone along the optical axis. This makes it possible to create the smallest possible transparent area and consequently to have fewer external light rays entering the interior of the projector, and also to obtain a more compact appearance in height.

[0012] The optical modules on the screen may diffuse a portion of the light beams received by the screen and disrupt the lighting function resulting from the activation of the lighting module. This diffusion will be all the more significant as the illumination of a lighting module is high and the surface density of the optical modules is high. In order to reduce this diffusion, the screen may have at least a first illuminated area receiving from said at least one lighting module a first light intensity and at least a second illuminated area receiving from said at least one lighting module a second light intensity lower than the first light intensity. It will then be possible to choose a surface density of the optical modules in said at least one first illuminated area lower than the surface density of said optical modules in said at least one second illuminated area.

[0013] Advantageously, at least one light source can be arranged on at least one edge of the screen emitting a light beam inside the screen and / or at least one light guide extending along at least one edge of the screen, the at least one light source being arranged at one end of the light guide and emitting a light beam inside the light guide.

[0014] The screen can finally be used to define different light zones and thus create light animations and / or shapes. For this purpose, the screen can receive at least two light beams from at least two distinct light sources, in particular separately controlled, and the screen can be divided into at least two zones each receiving one of the light beams, each zone being separated from another zone by an opaque material blocking the light beams.

[0015] Advantageously, the glass may be made of a tinted transparent material. The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying non-limiting drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 schematically represents in section a projector according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents a schematic perspective view of the lighting module, a screen and a lens of a projector according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents a schematic side view of a projector screen according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 partially represents a front view of the optical modules located on the surface of the screen according to an exemplary embodiment, here with conical type optical modules. Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 schematically represents a lighting module, its light cone and the positioning of the screen, the glass and an absorbing element according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 schematically represents the inclination of a window in relation to an external projector. Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 is a schematic front representation of a screen according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0016] In this description, the terms front, rear, upper, lower, above, below refer to the directions of the vehicle, the projector being mounted on the vehicle (in a position of use). The axes X, Y, Z, correspond respectively to the longitudinal (front to back), transverse and vertical axis of the vehicle, the latter resting on the ground. The vertical direction thus corresponds to the direction of gravity.

[0017] By substantially horizontal, longitudinal or vertical, we mean a direction / plane forming an angle of at most ±20°, or even at most ±10° or at most ±5°, with a horizontal, longitudinal or vertical direction / plane.

[0018] There figure 1 represents a projector 1 comprising a housing 2 closed by a transparent glass 3. The glass 3 is made of transparent plastic material (for example polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate) and can be tinted to make the interior of the projector less visible. This tint can increase the absorption of the material used to make the glass by at most 20% compared to the same material without tint. The housing 2 contains inside at least one lighting module 4 and a transparent screen 5.

[0019] In the figures, only one lighting module 4 is shown, but two or more lighting modules may advantageously be provided, for example a lighting module providing a main beam type lighting function and a lighting module providing a dipped beam type lighting function. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the lighting modules next to each other, horizontally. The optical axes of each lighting module typically have an angular deviation of 0 to 5° vertically and 0 to 20° horizontally.

[0020] Any type of lighting module can be used, including lamps (filament or discharge) or using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or LASER, with or without a light guide. However, modules using LEDs are preferred. These light sources are used with a reflector-type or projection-type optical system, with or without a lens. These different types of modules are well known and will not be described in further detail.

[0021] The lighting module 4 emits a light beam in the direction of an optical axis A defining a light cone 6. The light cone corresponds to the beam of divergent light rays exiting the lighting module 4. It may in particular be a surface defined by the useful light rays furthest from the optical axis. These useful light rays may be defined as the light rays for which the illuminance value is equal to a determined value of the maximum illuminance of the light rays of the module. This value may be imposed by regulations; it may usually be between 0 and 1250 Cd. In practice, this cone is formed of a succession of curves extending in planes orthogonal to the optical axis, each curve being defined by the intersection of the useful light rays furthest from the optical axis with a plane orthogonal to the optical axis.By convention, the original curve will be the image of pupil 7 of the lighting module, projected if necessary onto the last optical surface of the lighting module. This pupil 7 is therefore often the reflector or an output lens of a lighting module.

[0022] On the figure 1 , the projector 1 is shown in its position of use mounted on the vehicle, the optical axis A extending horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0023] The shape of the light cone 6 is generally imposed by regulations, as is the photometry required for each type of function (high beam, low beam, etc.) and each lighting module will be chosen accordingly. For example, the following cases may arise: lighting module performing only a dipped beam function, in a vertical plane containing the optical axis, the cone of light forms an angle of +2° to -10° relative to the optical axis, without taking into account the adjustment margins (the positive angles corresponding to the parts of the cone above the optical axis, the negative angles to the parts of the cone below the optical axis), lighting module performing only a high beam function, in a vertical plane containing the optical axis, the cone of light forms an angle of +10° to -3° relative to the optical axis, without taking into account the adjustment margins, lighting module performing both high beam and dipped beam functions, in a vertical plane containing the optical axis, the cone of light forms an angle of +10° to -10° relative to the optical axis, without taking into account the adjustment margins.

[0024] Furthermore, the light cone 6 may have a simple conical shape, the upper and lower limits of which are designated by the references 6a and 6b respectively, as shown figure 1 , or a complex shape having from the lighting module, a converging shape up to a narrowing 6c followed by a diverging shape, this cone having upper and lower limits designated by the references 6'a and 6'b respectively on the figure 5 . In the example shown, the screen 5 is made of transparent plastic material, for example PMMA or polycarbonate. Its thickness may be 2 to 5 mm, in particular to facilitate its manufacture by injection molding. Its color may be colorless.

[0025] The screen 5 has two main opposite faces 50, 51, namely larger than the other faces, preferably parallel, one of which 50 is an internal face located opposite the lighting module 4 and the other 51 is an external face located on the side of the glass 3. The screen 5 also has edges (or edges) 52-55, at least one of which receives a light beam emitted by one or more light sources 8 illuminating the screen in its thickness. Generally, the light source(s) 8 are of the LED type with or without a collimator.

[0026] On the figure 2 , two opposite edges 52, 54 of the screen are thus illuminated, the upper edge 52 being illuminated by a series of light sources 8 and the lower edge 54 is illuminated by a single light source located at one end of a light guide 9 extending along the lower edge 54. This light guide 9 is here a cylindrical guide. The invention is however not limited to a particular form of guide 9 provided that it allows the light to be diffused in the thickness of the screen. Such a light guide is therefore also formed of a transparent plastic material, for example those mentioned above.

[0027] In order to perform a signaling function, the internal face of the screen 5 is provided with a plurality of optical modules 10 diffusing the light emitted by the light sources 8 towards the glass, this light exiting via the external face 51. The optical modules 10, also called micro-optics, are surface alterations of the internal face of the screen, of the boss or hollow type, locally modifying the relief of this face. These optical modules can be formed by surface treatment (laser treatment or mechanical abrasion treatment) or more frequently during the production of the screen by molding. These optical modules 10 have the primary function of extracting the light emitted by the light source(s) 8 from the screen via the external face 51, by reflection towards the outside of the screen of the light rays likely to propagate in the thickness of the screen and emitted by the light source(s) 8.The screen 5 thus plays the role of a surface optical guide, also called a light curtain, the light rays entering through its edges into its thickness, propagating there by a succession of total internal reflections and exiting through the external face, opposite the face provided with optical modules. When at least part of these light rays strike the optical modules 10, the rays are reflected, at least in part, in a direction transverse to the external face, preferably perpendicular. For the observer, everything will then happen as if these optical modules were themselves light sources. Preferably, each of the optical modules 10 is configured so as to reflect the light perpendicular to the external face, thus promoting the exit of the light ray, as shown. figure 3 .

[0028] The lens 3 of the projector forms an angle alpha (α) of 60 to 90°, or even 70° to 90°, with the optical axis of the lighting module 4 in the projector's operating position, as shown schematically in the figures 1 , 5 et 7 . In other words, the glass can be vertical or inclined, its upper edge 3a, more precisely the upper edge 32a of its transparent zone 31, being directed towards the ground, on a side opposite the lighting module. A vertical to inclined position makes it possible to direct the rays of the sun or other lighting mainly towards the ground, as shown schematically figure 1 , an inclination of 60 to 89°, or even 60 to 88°, makes it possible to promote the reflection of external lighting towards the ground. However, it is possible for the glass 3 to form an alpha angle of 90° to 100° with the optical axis of the module (its upper edge is then directed towards the ground but on the side of the lighting module), which would still make it possible to direct the rays of the sun or other lighting mainly towards the ground, in particular if their angle relative to the optical axis of the lighting module is greater than 20°.

[0029] This angle of inclination can be determined according to the types of external lighting that one wishes to reflect towards the ground. For example, if one considers a vehicle arriving in front with a projector 11 mounted slightly lower than the projector of the invention (1.1m vs 0.4m, in other words the optical axis of the projector 11 being located 70 cm below the optical axis A), as shown figure 6 , at a distance of 10m and whose rays have an upward angle of 4°, we will choose an angle α of 88° so that the rays are reflected parallel to the optical axis A or towards the ground.

[0030] Furthermore, the screen 5 forms an angle beta (β) with the optical axis such that, in the position of use of the projector, a part 6b, 6'b of the emission cone of the light beam located under the optical axis is reflected by the screen 5 in the direction of said lighting module, above the latter, as shown schematically. figures 1 And 5. The upper edge 52 of the screen is thus inclined in the direction of the optical axis. According to the invention, this inclination is such that a light ray propagating along the lower limit 6b, 6'b of the light cone, namely along a part of the emission cone furthest from the optical axis, is reflected by the screen above the lighting module 4. This inclination of the screen also makes it possible to limit or prevent external light rays, coming from the glass, from passing through the screen and reaching the optical module 4. If several lighting modules 4 are provided, the angle β is then determined so that, for the lighting module emitting the largest light cone, the part of the emission cone of the light beam located below the optical axis in the position of use of the projector is reflected by the screen in the direction of said lighting module, above it.

[0031] In addition, a light-absorbing element 12 may be arranged in an upper part of the housing 2 as shown in the figures 1 And 5, and dimension this absorber element so that it extends over a sufficient surface area to receive the portion of the light beam emitted by the lighting module and reflected by the screen. Thus, when the lighting module 4 is operating, the screen directs the reflections from this module towards the absorber element 12, which maintains a dark effect inside the projector and prevents the emitted light from returning to the lighting module by specular reflection. Furthermore, since this absorber element 12 is located under an upper part of the housing, it remains invisible to an outside observer (pedestrian). The surface of the absorber element 12 receiving the light rays from the lighting module reflected by the screen may be a dark-colored surface, preferably as dark as possible, or even black, with a matte appearance, possibly having asperities eliminating or reducing the specular reflection.These roughnesses can be produced by graining or form a baffle or a series of hollows with an angle at the tip greater than 45°. If its surface is capable of reflecting a portion of the received light beam, the absorber element 12 can be arranged so as to direct the reflected rays towards an area of ​​the projector not visible to an external observer. The absorber element 12 can be produced in one piece with the housing or form part of an internal covering part of the housing, fixed to the latter.

[0032] In the example shown figure 1 , the glass 3 has a part 30 extending partly above the absorber element 12: provision may be made to make an inner face of this part 30 opaque in order to prevent the penetration of external light rays into the interior of the housing, in particular outside a transparent zone 31 of the surface of the glass, this transparent zone being dedicated to the lighting / signalling functions. In particular, the inner face of this part 30 may be made opaque by a covering part 13 of a dark color, or even black, preferably matt. In particular, this transparent zone 31 may be delimited by a contour 32 defined either by a curve of intersection of the glass with the light cone of the lighting module, in particular with the largest light cone when two or more lighting modules are present, or by a curve located outside the intersection curve at a determined distance therefrom.This latter solution will be preferred because it allows for a margin corresponding to the adjustment margins of the lighting module, the distance separating the contour from the intersection curve corresponding to this margin. On the . figure 5 , we can see the upper 15a and lower 15b limits of a cone corresponding to the light cone 6 to which are added the adjustment margins of the lighting module. This makes it possible to limit the dimensions of the transparent zone 31 and thus to reduce the risks of penetration of external rays inside the housing through this transparent zone. In addition, since these external rays most often come from above the projector (sun, public lighting), it will be possible to simply delimit an upper part of the transparent zone 31 located above the optical axis by the contour 32 as previously described.In particular, it will be possible to choose a lighting module having a light cone whose height (measured vertically in the position of use) is as small as possible (for example less than 130 mm or even less than 50 mm), for example by choosing a lighting module having the smallest possible pupil, in order to reduce as much as possible the surface area of ​​the transparent zone 31 of the glass, at least in the upper part, and consequently the reflections due to external lighting.

[0033] In the example of the figure 1 , the transparent zone 31 of the glass represents only a part of the surface of the glass 3, the rest of the surface being made opaque by one or more coverings 13, 14. However, it could be envisaged that the surface of the glass is equal to the surface of the transparent zone.

[0034] In the example shown figure 5 , the lighting module 4 emits a cone of light 6 having a narrowing, as described above. The glass can then be positioned as shown figure 5 . However, the glass 3 will preferably be placed at the level of the narrowing of the light cone along the optical axis (in the direction of light emission) in order to have the smallest possible light entry to increase the internal dark effect and in order to give a more compact appearance vertically.

[0035] It will be advantageous to select a lighting module 4 whose narrowing 6c is as far away as possible from the lighting module in order to allow the screen to be housed inside the housing without significantly increasing the size of the housing in the direction of the optical axis and increasing the dark appearance and therefore reducing the visibility of the lighting module by an observer. During operation of the lighting module 4, the optical modules of the screen can modify the light beam. In particular, a high surface density of optical modules in an area of ​​high light intensity can increase the glare of an external observer by diffusion. In order to limit these modifications, the optical modules 10 can be distributed differently on the surface of the screen depending on the light intensities emitted by the lighting module and received by the screen.It will thus be possible to define a first illuminated zone 56 of the screen receiving from the lighting module a first light intensity and a second illuminated zone 57 receiving from the lighting module a second light intensity lower than the first light intensity. It will then be possible to choose a surface density of the optical modules in the first illuminated zone lower than the surface density of said optical modules in the second illuminated zone. Typically, in this first zone, the optical modules can cover from 0 to 20% of the surface of the first zone for a spacing between optical modules of 0.15 mm or can cover from 0 to 35% of the surface of the first zone for a spacing of the optical modules of 0.5 mm. As regards the second zone, it may be devoid of optical modules or the optical modules may cover a proportion of the surface of the second zone lower than the aforementioned percentages for the first zone.However, when optical modules are present in this second zone, in particular to draw a pattern illuminated by the light source(s) of the screen or to perform a signaling function, the optical modules can cover a proportion of the surface of the second zone greater than the aforementioned percentages for the first zone, or even almost the entire surface of the second zone. The surface densities of the different zones may be chosen according to the desired light rendering. Typically, depending on the zones of the screen, for a spacing between optical modules of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, the optical modules can thus cover from 0 to 99% of the surface of the screen zone considered. The shape and dimensions of these first and second zones 56, 57 are shown schematically. figure 2 will preferably be determined taking into account the adjustment margins of the lighting module. The distribution of the optical modules 10 on the internal face 50 of the screen will preferably be regular regardless of the zone, as shown schematically figure 4 , with a surface density that differs from one area to another. For example, in an area receiving intense light, for example receiving more than 10,000 Candelas, the optical modules 10 may cover 35% or less, or even 20% or less of the area of ​​the area, in an area receiving weak light, for example receiving less than 10,000 candelas, the optical modules 10 may cover from 0% to 99% of the area of ​​the area.

[0036] Of course, the invention is not limited by the shape and number of first and second screen areas.

[0037] It will also be possible to divide the screen 5 into zones 58, 59 separated by an opaque material 60, here in the form of a strip, blocking the light beams, as shown in figure 7. By using separate light sources to illuminate each of these areas of the screen, different light shapes can be created. In addition, separate control of the light sources will make it possible to illuminate each area 58, 59 independently, for example to perform different signaling functions (flashing / any other regulatory signaling function, or position / flashing). This opaque material will preferably be placed outside an area of ​​the screen receiving a high light intensity from the lighting module. These two areas 58, 59 can be obtained by making the screen in two assembled parts and applying a layer of opaque material between the two assembled parts, or when making the screen by injection by providing a step of injecting the opaque material between the two areas.

[0038] The headlight according to the invention may be a front headlight of a motor vehicle or any other vehicle equipped with a headlight.

Claims

1. Headlamp (1) for a vehicle comprising a housing (2) closed by a transparent outer lens (3), inside which housing there are placed at least one lighting module (4) emitting a beam of light in the direction of an optical axis defining a cone of light (6) and a transparent screen (5) positioned between said at least one lighting module and the outer lens, at least one edge (52-55) of the screen receiving a beam of light emitted by at least one light source (8), distinct from the lighting module (4) and guided inside the screen, - an internal face (50) of the screen, which face is situated facing said at least one lighting module, being equipped with a plurality of optical modules (10) that scatter the light emitted by the at least one light source (8) towards the outer lens, in order to form a signalling function, - the outer lens (3) making a first angle of 60° to 100° with the optical axis of said at least one lighting module (4), characterized in that the screen (5) makes, with the optical axis of said at least one lighting module, a second angle such that part of the cone of light from the beam of light, which part is situated beneath the optical axis and furthest from the optical axis when they headlight is in a position of use, is reflected by the screen towards said lighting module, so as to pass above the same.

2. Headlamp (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two lighting modules (4) and in that the second angle is such that, for the lighting module that emits the largest cone of light, that part of the emission cone of the beam of light from this module, which part is situated beneath the optical axis when the headlamp is in the position of use, is reflected by the screen towards said lighting module, above the same.

3. Headlamp (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises, inside the housing, a light-absorbing element (12) placed in a part of the housing that is situated above the optical axis when the headlamp is in the position of use, this absorbing element extending over a sufficient surface area to receive that part of the cone of light from the beam of light which is emitted by said at least one lighting module and reflected by the screen.

4. Headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least an upper part of a contour (32) of a transparent zone (31) of the outer lens is defined by a curve of intersection of the outer lens with the cone of light (6) from said at least one lighting module, notably with the largest cone of light when at least two lighting modules are present, or by a curve situated outside of the curve of intersection at a determined distance therefrom.

5. Headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two lighting modules (4) placed one beside the other horizontally, the headlamp being in the position of use.

6. Headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one lighting module (4) emits a cone of light (6) that has a complex shape having, starting from the lighting module, a form that converges as far as a narrowing (6c) followed by a divergent shape, and in that the outer lens is placed at the narrowing of the cone of light along the optical axis.

7. Headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (5) has at least one first illuminated zone (56) that receives, from said at least one lighting module, a first intensity of light, and at least one second illuminated zone (57) that receives, from said at least one lighting module, a second intensity of light lower than the first intensity of light, and in that a surface density of optical modules in said at least one first illuminated zone is lower than the surface density of said optical modules in said at least one second illuminated zone.

8. Headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following features: - at least one light source (8) is placed on at least one edge of the screen (52) and emits a beam of light into the screen, - at least one light guide (9) extends along at least one edge of the screen and the at least one light source (8) is placed at one end of the light guide and emits a beam of light into the light guide.

9. Headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (5) receives at least two beams of light from at least two distinct light sources, notably controlled separately, and in that the screen is divided into at least two zones (58, 59) each receiving one of the beams of light, each zone being separated from another zone by an opaque material (60) that blocks the beams of light.

10. Headlamp (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer lens is made from a tinted transparent material.