Lighting device for automatic vehicles with at least one aperture

Abstract

The invention relates to a light-emitting device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light-emitting module (10), the light-emitting module (10) comprising a plurality of first light sources (100) capable of emitting light and at least one concentrator (101) having a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light emitted by the first light sources (100) into a light beam, a lens (11) associated with the light-emitting module (10) and configured to project the light beam reflected by the concentrator (101), the lens (11) being configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the concentrator (101) on the road, and at least one transparent or semi-transparent diaphragm (12) having an entrance surface capable of receiving a portion of the light beam reflected by the concentrator (101) of the light-emitting module (10) and configured to refract the received portion in a direction away from the lens (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of a light-emitting device for a vehicle. In particular (but not limited to), it is applicable to motor vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, it is a well-known practice to use a light-emitting device comprising a plurality of light-emitting modules each having a light source and a condenser with a reflecting surface. The device includes a lens-type optical projection system common to the plurality of light-emitting modules, and the common lens projects each of the reflecting surfaces of the condensers to form a light beam having an upper cut-off.

[0003] The lens introduces geometric aberrations into the light beam, causing distortion of the cut-off in the vertical direction of the light beam. These aberrations are corrected by using opaque diaphragms arranged on both sides of the light beam between each condenser and the lens. However, these opaque diaphragms create a dark area inside the device when the light-emitting device is observed from the outside, which has an adverse effect on its visual appearance.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, in view of this background, the present invention aims to solve all of the above-mentioned drawbacks. Thus, the present invention attempts to provide a light-emitting device with limited geometric aberrations while enabling the obtaining of a lens having a uniformly emitting appearance and compact dimensions.

[0005] The present invention relates to a light-emitting device for an automatic vehicle, comprising: at least one light-emitting module, the light-emitting module or each light-emitting module comprising a plurality of first light sources capable of emitting light, and at least one light-gatherer having a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light emitted by the first light sources to form a light beam; a lens associated with the light-emitting module and configured to project the light beam reflected by the light-gatherer of the light-emitting module, and configured to form an image of the reflective surface in the light-gatherer of the light-gather module onto the road; and at least one transparent or translucent aperture having an incident surface, the incident surface of which is configured to receive a portion of the light beam reflected by the light-gatherer of the light-gather module and to refract the received portion in a direction away from the lens.

[0006] A transparent or translucent aperture can allow a light beam to pass through it. Thus, the aperture can be positioned between the condenser and the lens along the optical path of the light beam. The aperture can be positioned so that a portion of the light beam reflected by the condenser can reach the incident plane, and so that the incident plane can refract that portion of the beam away from the lens. Thus, aberrations formed in the light beam as a result of the projection of a portion of the light beam by the lens are eliminated thanks to the deflection of that portion of the light beam by the incident plane of the condenser.

[0007] Furthermore, the transparent or semi-transparent aperture improves the visual appearance of the light-emitting device.

[0008] It is advantageous that each first light source can emit a fundamental light beam, the light condenser comprises multiple parts, the reflective surface of each part is configured to reflect one of the fundamental light beams in the fundamental reflection direction through the lens, and that a portion of at least one of the fundamental light beams, referred to as a stray light portion, can reach the side edge region of the lens.

[0009] It is advantageous that the incident surface of the aperture is configured to block the stray light by refracting it in the basic reflection direction and in the refraction direction that deviates laterally from the side edge of the lens.

[0010] Each light condenser may have 12 parts. Thus, the light-emitting module may have 12 first light sources. The lens may be a single lens associated with a light condenser having 12 parts.

[0011] It is advantageous that the lens is configured to project the fundamental light beam reflected by one or each of the parts of the light concentrator, and that the lens is configured to form an image of the reflective surface of this part or each of the parts of the light concentrator onto the road.

[0012] Where appropriate, the lens may have a focal plane, which may be, for example, a cylindrical lens, and the lens may be configured such that this focal plane passes through the edges of each part of the condenser (in particular, the trailing edges of these parts of the condenser). Passing through the trailing edges of each part of the condenser means that the focal plane is located at a distance of less than 10 mm from the trailing edges of each part of the condenser. Thus, the lens can form an illumination segment from the fundamental light beam, and the illumination segment may have a vertical cutoff (preferably an upward horizontal cutoff). All the fundamental light beams reflected by the condenser come together to form a reflected beam.

[0013] The stray light portion in one of the fundamental light beams includes stray rays that may be projected by the side edges of the lens, outside the illumination segment formed from the fundamental light beam by the lens and bounded by vertical cutoffs. Since stray rays can be on both sides of the lens, they may be projected by each side edge of the lens.

[0014] Each side edge of the lens may be vertical at a given position on the lens. In another embodiment, the lens may be rotated so that each side edge of the lens can be horizontal.

[0015] The light-emitting module may have an optical axis determined by the overall projection direction of the light beam by the lens. The incident surface of the aperture may be configured to refract the stray light portion in a refraction direction that deviates from the fundamental reflection direction with respect to the optical axis.

[0016] It is advantageous for the aperture to have a deflection surface facing the incident plane, and for this deflection surface to deflect the stray light portion refracted by the incident plane in a deflection direction that deviates more significantly from the fundamental reflection direction than the refraction direction.

[0017] The angle between the optical axis and the fundamental reflection direction can be smaller than the angle between the optical axis and the refraction direction, and the latter angle itself can be smaller than the angle between the optical axis and the deflection direction.

[0018] A prism can be formed by the incident plane and the deflection plane, and this prism, or in particular the distal portion of the aperture, is defined.

[0019] It is advantageous for the incident plane and the deflection plane to be configured such that the refracted stray light portion is refracted or reflected by the deflection plane.

[0020] The refracted stray light portion may be deflected in front of the prism. The stray light portion may also be deflected behind the prism.

[0021] The aperture has an inner lateral surface that extends from the side edge of the light condenser to the incident surface, and it is advantageous that the incident surface is at an angle to the rest of the inner lateral surface.

[0022] The inner lateral surface forms the inside of the aperture, and this inner lateral surface may face the inside of the light-emitting module. The lateral surface may or may not be adjacent to the lateral edge of the light-gatherer.

[0023] The entrance surface of the aperture may form a convex angle (i.e., an angle between 0 and 180°) with respect to the remainder of the inner lateral surface. The entrance surface of the aperture may form a concave angle (i.e., an angle between 180 and 360°). By using an entrance surface that forms a concave angle, it becomes possible to avoid internal total refraction from the lateral surface of the non-scattered portion of the beam.

[0024] The light-emitting module advantageously comprises an absorber configured to absorb the refracted scattered portion.

[0025] The absorber may be configured to absorb the deflected scattered portion. The absorber may be configured to absorb the reflected scattered portion. The absorber may be configured to absorb the re-refracted scattered portion.

[0026] The aperture has an outer lateral surface opposite the inner lateral surface, and it is advantageous for the absorber to be disposed perpendicular to the outer lateral surface.

[0027] The outer lateral surface forms the outside of the aperture, and the outer lateral surface may face or be directed towards the outside of the light-emitting module.

[0028] The inner lateral surface and the outer lateral surface may be connected to each other by a deflecting surface. Thus, the deflecting surface may form the distal lateral surface of the aperture. The outer lateral surface and the inner lateral surface may be substantially parallel to each other (except for the entrance surface of the inner lateral surface).

[0029] The flatness of the lateral surface of the aperture may enable the absorber to be disposed in the vicinity of this flat surface. For example, a gap may be provided between the flat surface and the absorber.

[0030] The light-emitting module includes two transparent or translucent apertures disposed on both sides of the condenser, and each aperture is configured to receive a part of the light beam reflected by the condenser of the light-emitting module and refract the received part in a direction away from the lens, which is advantageous.

[0031] The two apertures may be symmetric with each other. For example, both apertures may have an incident surface forming a convex angle. Also for example, both apertures may have an incident surface forming a concave angle.

[0032] In another embodiment, the two apertures may be asymmetric with each other. For example, one aperture may have an incident surface forming a convex angle, and the other aperture may have an incident surface forming a concave angle.

[0033] The two apertures are arranged such that a part of the light beam received by the incident surface of one aperture can be deflected in a direction opposite to the direction of a part of the light beam received by the incident surface of the other aperture.

[0034] The light-emitting module includes a second light source fixedly disposed facing the light-incident surface of the aperture and capable of emitting light into the aperture. The aperture is configured such that the light emitted by the second light source propagates to the light-emitting surface of the aperture by total internal reflection from the inner wall of the aperture, and the light-emitting surface is disposed facing the lens of the light-emitting module, which is advantageous.

[0035] The light-emitting device includes a control unit capable of selectively operating the first light sources. The operation is performed, for example, in response to a command to emit a given light beam received by the control unit. The control unit can, for example, operate all of the plurality of first light sources or only a part of the plurality of first light sources.

[0036] The control unit of the light-emitting device may be configured to operate one, more, or each of the first light sources simultaneously with the second light source. The control unit of the light-emitting device may also be configured to control the second light source so that it emits light at a lower intensity than the first light source.

[0037] The light-emitting module may include a third light source. The third light source is provided such that the second light source can be positioned facing the light-receiving surface of one aperture, and the third light source can be positioned facing the light-receiving surface of the other aperture. The control unit of the light-emitting device may be configured to operate the third light source simultaneously with the first light source. The control unit of the light-emitting device may be configured to operate the third light source simultaneously with the second light source. The third light source may emit light at a lower intensity than the first light source, and thus may have the same intensity as the second light source.

[0038] The light-emitting surface of the aperture, which is positioned opposite the lens in question, may coincide with the deflection surface.

[0039] It is advantageous for the aperture to have a lower surface with the light-receiving surface and an upper surface having a coupling surface configured to deflect the light emitted by the second light source and combine it into the aperture.

[0040] The upper surface and the lower surface may be approximately parallel to each other (except for the light-receiving surface and the bonding surface).

[0041] The bonding surface of the upper surface may have a parabolic profile with a focus on the second light source and the point of light entry on the light entry surface of the aperture. In another embodiment, the bonding surface of the upper surface may have an elliptical profile.

[0042] It is advantageous for multiple first and second light sources to be mounted on the same support. If appropriate, a third light source may also be mounted on the same support.

[0043] The support may be the same printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may include a condenser and two apertures. The control unit may be mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0044] Herein, further advantages and features of the present invention will be described using examples that are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention, and based on the accompanying drawings in which various figures appear. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing a light-emitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic plan view showing a light-emitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic profile diagram showing a light-emitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A schematic plan view showing a light-emitting device and a portion of a light beam according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A schematic plan view showing a light-emitting device and a portion of a light beam according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Throughout the following explanation, elements that are identical in structure and function and appear in various diagrams are indicated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a light-emitting device 1 for an automatic vehicle according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. This light-emitting device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The deflection of a portion of the light beam generated by the light-emitting device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0048] The light-emitting device 1 of the automatic vehicle shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a light-emitting module 10 which includes a plurality of first light sources 100 capable of emitting light, and a light-emitting module 101 having 12 parts 101.1, each part of which is associated with one of the first light sources 100. Each part 101.1 of the light-emitting module 101 has a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light emitted by the associated first light source 100 to form a fundamental light beam. All the fundamental light beams reflected by each part 101.1 of the light-emitting module 101 combine to form a light beam.

[0049] The light-emitting device 1 includes a lens 11 associated with a light-emitting module 10. The lens 11 is configured such that each portion 101.1 of the light-gathering unit 101 reflects the fundamental light beam in the fundamental reflection direction passing through the lens 11. The lens 11 is configured to project the light beam reflected by the light-gathering unit 101 of the light-emitting module 10. The lens 11 is configured to form an image of the reflective surface in each portion 101.1 of the light-gathering unit 101 onto the road.

[0050] In particular, it has a focal plane that passes through the rear edge of each portion 101.1 of the light condenser 101 (i.e., located at a distance of less than 10 mm from the rear edge of each portion 101.1 of the light condenser 101).

[0051] The lens 11 includes a first end portion 11a and a second end portion 11b that form the respective side end regions of the lens 11.

[0052] The light-emitting device 1 has an optical axis determined by the overall projection direction of the light beam by the lens 11.

[0053] A portion of the light beam may reach one of the ends 11a, 11b of the lens 11, and this portion is called stray light. The stray light portion of the light beam includes stray light rays A that may be projected by one of the side edge regions of the lens 11.

[0054] The light-emitting device 1 includes two transparent apertures 12 positioned between the light-gatherer 101 and the lens 11 along the optical axis of the light beam. The two apertures 12 are positioned on either side of the light-gatherer 101. The two apertures 12 are symmetrical. Each aperture 12 has an inner lateral surface 120 that forms the inside of each aperture 12. The inner lateral surface 120 faces towards the inside of the light-emitting module 10 and is positioned close to the side edge of the light-gatherer 101. Each aperture 12 has an outer lateral surface 121 that forms the outside of each aperture 12. The outer lateral surface 121, which is opposite to the inner lateral surface 120, faces towards the outside of the light-emitting module 10. The outer lateral surface 121 is flat.

[0055] Each inner lateral surface 120 of the aperture 12 has an incident surface 120.1 that forms an angle with respect to the rest of the inner lateral surface 120. In the embodiment described, the incident surface 120.1 forms a convex angle with respect to the rest of the inner lateral surface 120. The outer lateral surface 121 and the inner lateral surface 120 (except for the incident surface 120.1 of the inner lateral surface 120) may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0056] Each aperture 12 is provided with a deflection surface 122 facing the incident surface 120.1. The incident surface 120.1 and the deflection surface 122 can form a prism. This prism particularly defines the distal portion of each aperture 12. The deflection surface 122 forms a distal lateral surface connecting the inner lateral surface 120 and the outer lateral surface 120. The light-emitting surface (the surface facing the lens) of each aperture 12 coincides with the deflection surface 122.

[0057] The incident surface 120.1 is configured to receive the stray light portion A of the light beam reflected by the light concentrator 101 of the light-emitting module 10, and is positioned to refract the received stray light portion A in a direction away from the lens 11 (i.e., a direction other than the optical path of the light beam).

[0058] The deflection surface 122 is positioned so that the stray light portion B refracted by the incident surface 120.1 is refracted C or reflected D by the deflection surface 122. The two apertures 12 are positioned so that the stray light portion A of the light beam received by the incident surface 120.1 of one aperture 12 is deflected in the opposite direction to the stray light portion A of the light beam received by the incident surface 120.1 of the other aperture 12.

[0059] Each aperture 12 is designed to receive a portion of the light beam, particularly the stray light portion A of the beam.

[0060] The aperture 12 has a lower surface 124 that includes the light-receiving surface of the aperture 12. The aperture 12 has an upper surface 123 having a coupling surface 123.1 that is arranged to deflect light.

[0061] The light-emitting module 10 includes a second light source 14 positioned facing the light-receiving surface of one aperture 12 so as to emit light into the aperture 12. This light propagates to the light-emitting surface of the aperture 12 by total internal reflection from the inner wall of the aperture 12. The light-emitting module 10 also includes a third light source 15 positioned facing the light-receiving surface of the other aperture 12 so as to emit light into the other aperture 12. This light propagates to the light-emitting surface of the aperture 12 by total internal reflection from the inner wall of the aperture 12.

[0062] The coupling surface 123.1 has a parabolic profile with a focal point on the second light source 14 or the third light source 15.

[0063] The light-emitting device 1 includes a control unit (not shown) that enables the selective operation of the first light sources 100. The control unit is configured to operate all of the multiple first light sources 100.

[0064] The control unit of the light-emitting device 1 is configured to operate the second light source 14 simultaneously with the first light source 100. The second light source 14 emits light at a lower intensity than the first light source 100.

[0065] The control unit of the light-emitting device 1 is configured to operate the third light source 15 simultaneously with the first light source 100. The control unit of the light-emitting device 1 is configured to operate the third light source 15 simultaneously with the second light source 14. The third light source 15 emits light at a lower intensity than the first light source 100 and at the same intensity as the second light source 14.

[0066] The light-emitting module 10 includes a printed circuit board 102. Multiple first light sources, second light sources 14, and third light sources 15 are mounted on the printed circuit board 102. A light condenser 101 and two apertures 12 are mounted on the printed circuit board 102.

[0067] The light-emitting module 10 comprises two absorbers 13. Each absorber 13 is associated with an aperture 12 such that it absorbs stray light that is refracted B and / or reflected D and / or rerefracted C by the aperture 12. Each absorber 13 is positioned adjacent to the flat outer lateral surface of the aperture 12 to which it is associated.

[0068] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the fundamental light beam emitted by the first light source 100 is reflected by the light concentrator 101 to form a light beam. Each of the stray light portions A in the light beam is directed onto the incident surface 120.1 of the corresponding aperture 12. The incident surface refracts the light rays of stray light portions A toward the deflection surface 122 of the aperture 12, creating refracted stray light portions B. The deflection surface 122 is configured to deflect the refracted stray light portions B in the deflection direction. This deflection direction deviates significantly from the fundamental reflection direction A than the refraction direction B. The deflection surface 122 deflects the refracted stray light portions B so that they become reflected stray light portions D or re-refracted stray light portions C. The reflected stray light portions D are deflected toward the rear of the prism. The re-refracted stray light portions C are deflected toward the front of the prism.

[0069] The angle between the optical axis and the fundamental reflection direction A is smaller than the angle between the optical axis and the refraction direction B. The latter angle itself is smaller than the angle between the optical axis and the deflection directions C and D.

[0070] The above description clearly explains how the present invention achieves its stated objective, namely, how it obtains a light-emitting device that limits geometric aberrations in the projected beam while enabling a lens with a uniformly illuminated appearance and compact dimensions. This is achieved by providing a light-emitting device comprising a light-emitting module and two transparent or translucent apertures configured to deflect stray light rays emitted by the light-emitting module.

[0071] In no event is the invention limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, but in particular extends to all equivalent means and any technically functional combination thereof. - The light-emitting device 1 comprises a plurality of light-emitting modules 10. - The light-emitting module 10 comprises a light-gathering device 101 having a single part 101.1 associated with the light source 100. - The light-emitting module 10 comprises a light-gathering unit 101 having a single part 101.1 associated with multiple light sources 100, - The aperture 12 is semi-transparent. - The inner lateral surface 120 is located near the lateral edge of the light concentrator 101. - The incident surface 120.1 forms a concave angle. - The bonding surface 123.1 has a parabolic profile with a focus at the point of light entry on the light-receiving surface of the aperture 12. - The bonding surface 123.1 has an elliptical profile. - The control unit operates only a portion of the multiple first light sources 100. - The second light source 14 emits light with the same intensity as the first light source 100. - The third light source 15 emits light with the same intensity as the first light source 100. This can be expected.

Claims

1. a. A light-emitting module (10) comprising at least one light-emitting module (10) or each light-emitting module (10) comprising a plurality of first light sources (100) capable of emitting light, and at least one light-gathering module (101) having a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light emitted by the first light sources (100) to form a light beam, b. A lens (11) associated with the light-emitting module (10) and configured to project the light beam reflected by the light-gathering module (10) (101), wherein the lens (11) is configured to form an image of the reflective surface of the light-gathering module (10) (101) onto the road, c. A pair of transparent or translucent apertures (12) having an incident surface, Equipped with, The pair of apertures (12) are provided on both sides of the light concentrator (101) at a distance from each other and mirror-symmetrical along the direction of the optical axis of the light beam. Each of the pair of apertures (12) has an inner lateral surface (120) that faces the other aperture. Each of the pair of apertures (12) has an incident surface (120.1) on the side furthest from the light concentrator (101). Each of the pair of apertures (12) has an incident surface (120.1) that is inclined with respect to the inner lateral surface (120) excluding the incident surface (120.1) such that the distance between it and the incident surface (120.1) of the other aperture decreases as it moves away from the light concentrator (101). The incident surface (120.1) is capable of receiving a portion of the light beam reflected by the light concentrator (101) of the light-emitting module (10), and refracting the received portion in a direction away from the lens (11). The portion of the light beam that does not enter the incident surface (120.1) enters the lens (11) through the gap between the incident surfaces (120.1) of the pair of apertures (12). Lighting device for an automated vehicle (1).

2. Light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each first light source (100) is capable of emitting a fundamental light beam, the light condenser (101) comprises a plurality of parts (101.1), the reflective surface of each part (101.1) is configured to reflect one of the fundamental light beams in the fundamental reflection direction passing through the lens (11), a portion (101.1) of at least one of the light beams referred to as a stray light portion is reachable to the side edge regions (11a, 11b) of the lens (11), and the incident surface (120.1) of the aperture (12) is configured to block the stray light portion by refracting it in the fundamental reflection direction and in a refraction direction that deviates laterally from the side edge regions (11a, 11b) of the lens (11).

3. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the aperture (12) comprises a deflection surface (122) facing the incident surface (120.1), and the deflection surface (122) is configured to deflect the stray light portion refracted by the incident surface (120.1) in a deflection direction that deviates more significantly from the basic reflection direction than the refraction direction.

4. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the incident surface (120.1) and the deflection surface (122) are configured such that the refracted stray light portion is refracted or reflected by the deflection surface.

5. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the aperture (12) has an inner lateral surface (120) that extends from the side edge of the light-gatherer (101) to the incident surface (120.1) and the incident surface (120.1) is at an angle with respect to the remainder of the inner lateral surface (120).

6. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the light-emitting module (10) comprises an absorber (13) configured to absorb the refracted stray light portion.

7. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the aperture (12) has an outer lateral surface (121) opposite to the inner lateral surface (120), and the absorber (13) is arranged adjacent to the outer lateral surface (121).

8. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, comprising two transparent or translucent apertures (12) positioned on both sides of the light-emitting module (10), each aperture (12) having an incident surface (120.1) configured to receive a portion of the light beam reflected by the light-emitting module (10) and to refract the received portion in a direction away from the lens (11).

9. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting module (10) comprises a second light source (14) that is fixed facing the light-receiving surface of the aperture (12) and capable of emitting light into the aperture (12), and the aperture (12) is configured such that the light emitted by the second light source (14) propagates to the light-emitting surface of the aperture by total internal reflection from the inner wall of the aperture (12), and the light-emitting surface is positioned facing the lens (11) of the light-emitting module (10).

10. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the aperture (12) has a lower surface (124) having the light-receiving surface and an upper surface (123) having a coupling surface (123.1) configured to deflect the light emitted by the second light source (14) and couple it into the aperture (12).

11. The light-emitting device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of first light sources (100) and the second light sources (14) are mounted on the same support (102).

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