Lighting module for a vehicle, vehicle headlamp and vehicle

Abstract

The present application discloses a lighting module (10) for a vehicle, the lighting module comprising: a first light source (100) and a second light source (200), which are each configured to emit light; a first light collector (101) having a first reflective surface (1011), the first reflective surface (1011) being configured to collect light emitted by the first light source (101), and reflect this light to form a first light beam (F1) along an optical axis (X) of the lighting module (10); a second light collector (102) having a second reflective surface (1021), the second reflective surface (1021) being configured to collect and reflect light emitted by the second light source (200), and form a second light beam (F2); and an optical projection system (103), configured to project the first light beam and the second light beam.

Description

LIGHTING MODULE FOR A VEHICLE, VEHICLE HEADLAMP AND VEHICLE

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle lighting, in particular to a lighting module, a vehicle headlamp comprising the lighting module, and a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicles are generally always equipped with headlamps, also known as headlights, which usually have a high beam function, a low beam function, a daytime running lamp function and a position lamp function. Usually, when the low beam function is implemented, the lens part that corresponds to the high beam function will not be lit. This difference cannot meet the current requirements for lighting appearance.Summary of the Invention

[0003] An objective of the present disclosure is to solve at least one aspect of the abovementioned problems and shortcomings in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting module for a vehicle is provided, comprising a first light source and a second light source, which are each configured to emit light; a first light collector having a first reflective surface, the first reflective surface being configured to collect light emitted by the first light source, and reflect this light to form a first light beam along an optical axis of the lighting module; a second light collector having a second reflective surface, the second reflective surface being configured to collect and reflect light emitted by the second light source, and form a second light beam; and an optical projection system, configured to project the first light beam and the second light beam.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments, the lighting module further comprises a mirror having a third reflective surface, the third reflective surface being arranged opposite the second reflective surface of the second light collector, and the third reflective surface being configured to receive and reflect light from the second light collector.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, an angle between the mirror and the optical axis of the lighting module in a direction of light propagation is in the range of 0 - 60°.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the second light collector has a paraboloid or elliptical profile.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the mirror is a planar mirror or has a paraboloid or elliptical profile.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the third reflective surface of the mirror is formed with a metal plating layer or coating layer.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the second reflective surface of the second light collector and / or the third reflective surface of the mirror is a granulated surface or provided with a grain pattern.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the lighting module also has a heat sink, and the mirror is arranged on the heat sink of the lighting module.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the mirror is formed integrally with the heat sink of the lighting module.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the second light source is controlled so as to light up when the first light source turns off.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the first light beam is a high-beam light beam of a vehicle.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the second light beam is an ambient light beam or a complementary low-beam light beam.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the first light source and the second light source are arranged on the same printed circuit board.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a headlamp for a vehicle is also provided, the headlamp comprising the lighting module described above.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is also provided, the vehicle having the headlamp described above.

[0019] As a result of additionally providing a light source and a corresponding light collector and mirror in the lighting module according to the present invention, a lens corresponding to a high beam function can be lit up in low beam mode, without interfering with a low beam function. The lighting module according to the present disclosure has a simple structure, can achieve an ideal illumination effect at a low cost, and effectively improves the illumination appearance in low beam mode.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] A description of the present invention is provided below by referring to the accompanying drawings to make other objectives and advantages of the present invention apparent and help achieve a comprehensive understanding of the present invention.

[0021] shows a 3D drawing of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] shows an optical path diagram of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] shows a schematic drawing of a light collector of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] shows a schematic drawing of a heat sink of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] A detailed description of the present disclosure is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings to make other objectives and advantages of the present disclosure apparent and help achieve a comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description of embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings is intended to explain the overall disclosed concept of the present disclosure. As those skilled in the art will realize, the embodiments described could be modified in various ways without departing from the concept of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Thus, the drawings and this Description are essentially exemplary and non-limiting. Hereinafter, identical reference numerals generally denote functionally identical or similar elements.

[0027] In addition, in the following detailed description, for ease of explanation, many specific details are expounded to provide a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details. In other scenarios, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of illustrations to simplify the drawings.

[0028] shows a 3D drawing of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;shows an optical path diagram of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;shows a schematic drawing of a light collector of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; andshows a schematic drawing of a heat sink of a vehicle lighting module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] According to a general technical concept of the present disclosure, as shown in Figs. 1 - 3, a lighting module 10 for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a first light source 100 and a second light source 200, each configured to emit light; a first light collector 101, having a first reflective surface 1011, the first reflective surface 1011 being configured to collect light emitted by the first light source 101, and reflect this light to form a first light beam F1 along an optical axis X of the lighting module 10; a second light collector 102, having a second reflective surface 1021, the second reflective surface 1021 being configured to collect and reflect light emitted by the second light source 200, and form a second light beam F2; and an optical projection system 103, configured to project the first light beam F1 and the second light beam F2.

[0030] In a specific example, the first light source 100 and the second light source 200 are semiconductor light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes. Each of the first light source 100 and the second light source 200 emits light in a half-space bounded by a main plane thereof; in the example shown, light is emitted in a main direction perpendicular to the main plane and the optical axis X. Of course, the first light source 100 and the second light source 200 could also employ any other suitable light emitting devices, and the present invention does not impose specific restrictions in this respect.

[0031] The first light collector 101 and the second light collector 102 respectively comprise the first reflective surface 1011 and the second reflective surface 1021 located on inner surfaces thereof.

[0032] In a specific example, the first reflective surface 1011 has an elliptical profile or a parabolic profile. Specifically, the first reflective surface 1011 is a surface obtained by rotation about an axis parallel to the optical axis. Alternatively, the first reflective surface 1011 may be a free-form surface, or a swept surface, or an asymmetric surface. The reflective surface may also comprise multiple segments. The term “parabolic” generally applies to a reflector having a surface with a single focus (that is, a convergence region of light, i.e. a region which causes light rays emitted by a light source placed in the convergence region to be projected to a remote distance after being reflected by the surface). The expression “projected to a remote distance” means that these light rays do not converge towards a region located at a distance at least 10 times the size of the reflector. In other words, the reflected light rays do not converge towards a convergence region; or if the reflected light rays do converge, the convergence region is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the size of the reflector. Thus, a parabolic surface may or may not have a parabolic segment feature. A reflector with such a surface is generally used alone to produce a light beam. Alternatively, it may be used as a projecting surface associated with an elliptical reflector. In such a scenario, a light source of the parabolic reflector is a convergence region of light reflected by the elliptical reflector.

[0033] In a specific example, the second reflective surface 1021 has an elliptical profile or a parabolic profile. Specifically, the second reflective surface 1021 is a surface obtained by rotation about an axis parallel to the optical axis. Alternatively, the second reflective surface 1021 may be a free-form surface, or a swept surface, or an asymmetric surface. The second reflective surface 1021 collects and reflects light from the second light source 200.

[0034] In a specific example, the first light collector 101 and the second light collector 102 are both made of a material having good heat resistance, e.g. glass or a synthetic polymer (such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyetherimide (PEI)).

[0035] In an example, as shown in, the first light collector 101 and the second light collector 102 are integrally formed, to simplify the assembly process and reduce costs, and at the same time avoid assembly errors and increase optical precision and optical efficiency. Of course, in other examples, the first light collector 101 and the second light collector 102 could also be separately formed, and the present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect.

[0036] Specifically, the first light source 100 is arranged at a focus of the first reflective surface 1011 of the first light collector 101, such that light from the first light source 100 can be collected more efficiently, and reflected along the optical axis by the first reflective surface 1011.

[0037] Specifically, the second light source 200 is arranged at a focus of the second reflective surface 1021 of the second light collector 102, so that the second light beam has maximum intensity.

[0038] The optical projection system 103 may be a planoconvex lens, or an optical projection system of another form, different from a lens. The present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect. A focus of the optical projection system 103 is located at the height of the first reflective surface 1011 of the first light collector 101.

[0039] In a specific example, as shown in Figs. 2 - 3, the focus of the optical projection system 103 is at or near a rear edge of the first reflective surface 1011 of the first light collector 101. It should be noted that the focus could also be located behind or in front of the first reflective surface 1011, as long as the focus is close to the first reflective surface 1011.

[0040] In an embodiment, the lighting module 10 further comprises a mirror 104 with a third reflective surface 1041, the third reflective surface 1041 being arranged opposite the second reflective surface 1021 of the second light collector 102, and the third reflective surface 1041 being configured to receive and reflect light from the second light collector 102. The mirror 104 is arranged downstream of the second light collector 102; as shown in, with the aid of the mirror 104, after reflection by the third reflective surface 1041, light from the second light source 200 can be caused to reach a position midway up the height of the optical projection system 103 in the vertical direction, in the case where the second light source 200 and the first light source 100 are located at the same side of a circuit board, so that a lens corresponding to a high beam function can be illuminated in low beam mode, thus ensuring the illumination effect and optical efficiency.

[0041] In an embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the mirror 104 is a planar mirror. The planar mirror 104 provides a reflecting function, guiding light from the second light collector 102 to a suitable position in the projection system 103.

[0042] In other examples, the mirror 104 may also have a paraboloid or elliptical profile; the specific choice can be made according to actual needs. When the mirror 104 is required to subject light from the second light collector 102 to further dispersion or convergence, the mirror 104 preferably has a paraboloid or elliptical profile.

[0043] In an embodiment, the mirror 104 is oriented at an angle β with respect to the optical axis of the lighting module 10, in the direction of light propagation. Specifically, the angle β can be adjusted as required within the range of 0 - 60°, to ensure the efficiency of reflection and collection of light. Preferably, the angle β is greater than 0 degrees, to ensure that the mirror 104 is only able to reflect light from the second light source; for example, it is 5 - 60 degrees. More preferably, the range of the angle β may be 5 - 55°, 5 - 45°, 15 - 45°, etc.

[0044] In an embodiment, a metal plating layer or coating layer is formed on the third reflective surface 1041 of the mirror 104, to enhance the reflection effect thereof, and improve optical efficiency. The reflection effect of the third reflective surface 1041 could also be enhanced in any other suitable way, and the present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect.

[0045] In an embodiment, the second reflective surface 1021 of the second light collector 102 and / or the third reflective surface 1041 of the mirror 104 is a granulated surface or provided with a grain pattern. Such a configuration can disperse light from the second light source 200, increasing the uniformity of the second light beam F2. The dimensions of the granulation and the type of the grain pattern can be chosen according to actual needs, and the present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect.

[0046] In an embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 - 2 and 4, the lighting module 10 also has a heat sink 105, to dissipate heat from the light sources of the lighting module 10. The mirror 104 is arranged on the heat sink 105 of the lighting module 10. The mirror 104 may be fixed to the heat sink 105 in any suitable way. In an example, as shown in, the mirror 104 is formed integrally with the heat sink 105 of the lighting module 10, to simplify the assembly process and reduce costs, and at the same time avoid assembly errors and increase optical precision and optical efficiency.

[0047] In an embodiment, the second light source 200 is controlled so as to light up when the first light source 100 turns off. Specifically, the first light beam F1 from the first light source 100 is a high-beam light beam of the vehicle, for realizing a high beam function. The corresponding first light collector 101 is a light collector for the high beam function. The specific arrangement and design of the first light source 100 and the first light collector 101 may be chosen according to requirements; an example is the matrix-type high-beam module shown in Figs. 1 - 2, but any other type of high-beam module is also possible, and the present invention imposes no restrictions in this respect.

[0048] The second light beam F2 from the second light source 200 is an ambient light beam, for lighting up the optical projection system of high beam mode when the vehicle is in low beam mode, thereby improving the uniform and constant lighting appearance of the lighting device.

[0049] In other examples, the second light beam F2 from the second light source 200 may also serve to complement the near beam function, so as to increase the brightness of low-beam lighting, or serve as part of a low-beam light distribution; the specific choice can be made according to requirements, and the present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect.

[0050] In an example, to ensure that the second light source 200 is able to light up the optical projection system 103, the second light source 200 is arranged near the first light source 100.

[0051] Preferably, the second light source 200 should be arranged in a position which avoids the focus of the first reflective surface 1011 of the first reflector 101, and at the same time should be at a suitable distance from the first light source 100, so that the second light beam produced by the second light source 200 does not dazzle oncoming traffic in low beam mode. Moreover, the distance between the second light source 200 and the first light source 100 should not be too great, so that the second light source 200 does not block the first light beam F1 from the first light source 100. In an example, the distance between the second light source 200 and the first light source 100 may be set as 5 - 15 mm, to realize a better illumination effect. Of course, the distance between the second light source 200 and the first light source 100 may be chosen and adjusted according to actual needs, and the present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in, the light emitting module 10 further comprises a printed circuit board 300, and the first light source 100 and the second light source 200 are arranged on the printed circuit board 300. As an example, the first light source 100 and the second light source 200 are arranged on the same printed circuit board, so that the structure of the optical module is more compact and the manufacturing cost is reduced. However, those skilled in the art should understand that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light source 100 and the second light source 200 could also be separately arranged on different printed circuit boards.

[0053] As an example, the first light source 100, the second light source 200 and a third light source 203 may each comprise a light emitting diode (LED). LEDs have the advantages of small volume, low power consumption and a high light emission intensity. The use of LED light sources can make the structure of the optical module more compact.

[0054] In the lighting module according to the present invention, as a result of additionally providing a mirror 104 in the lighting module, with the aid of the mirror 104, after reflection by the third reflective surface 1041, light from the second light source 200 can be caused to reach a position midway up the height of the optical projection system 103 in the vertical direction, in the case where the second light source 200 and the first light source 100 are located at the same side of the circuit board. The lens corresponding to the high beam function can thus be illuminated in low beam mode, ensuring the illumination effect and optical efficiency, without interfering with the low beam function. The lighting module according to the present disclosure has a simple structure, can achieve an ideal illumination effect at a low cost, and effectively improves the illumination appearance in low beam mode.

[0055] The present application also provides a lighting device, comprising multiple lighting modules 10, the multiple lighting modules 10 being combined to form a lighting light beam or signalling light beam, wherein at least one of the lighting modules 10 is the lighting module described in any one of the embodiments above.

[0056] Specifically, the lighting device may comprise two lighting modules, to expand a light beam in a horizontal direction or a width direction. In other examples, the lighting device could also comprise three, four or a greater number of lighting modules as required; the quantity thereof and the manner in which they are arranged may be adjusted according to actual needs, and the present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect.

[0057] In an example, the optical projection system 103 is shared by the multiple lighting modules. For this purpose, it correspondingly comprises multiple different parts, each part corresponding to one optical projection system, and being respectively suitable for the lighting module discussed. However, it should be understood that in other examples, separate optical projection systems could also be used.

[0058] Although a lighting device in which the lighting modules of the present invention are used to produce a light beam for lighting (e.g. near beam, high beam, or high beam with linear-array-type subregions as parallel vertical strips) has been described here, these lighting modules could also be designed to perform a signalling function, for example, a signalling function of a direction indicator, a daytime running lamp or a position lamp, etc. The present invention imposes no specific restrictions in this respect.

[0059] The present application also provides a vehicle, having the lighting device 100 described above. The vehicle has the advantages of the lighting device described above. The term “vehicle” mentioned herein may refer to any type of vehicle, e.g. a vehicle, a motorcycle, or any other moving machine capable of carrying at least one passenger or used for transporting people or goods.

[0060] The vehicle and the headlamp for a vehicle according to the present invention at least have the advantages of the lighting module described above.

[0061] Those skilled in the art should understand that all the embodiments described above are exemplary. In addition, those skilled in the art can improve them. The structures described in various embodiments can be freely combined without a conflict in structure or in principle.

[0062] Although the present invention has been explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are intended to provide an exemplary illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and must not be interpreted as a limitation of the present invention.

[0063] Although some embodiments of the concept of the present disclosure have been shown and explained, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the overall inventive concept. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0064] It should be noted that the word “comprise” does not rule out other elements or steps, and the word “a” or “one” does not rule out a plurality. In addition, any element labels in the claims should not be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Lighting module (10), characterized by comprising:a first light source (100) and a second light source (200), which are each configured to emit light;a first light collector (101) having a first reflective surface (1011), the first reflective surface (1011) being configured to collect light emitted by the first light source (101), and reflect the light to form a first light beam (F1) along an optical axis (X) of the lighting module (10);a second light collector (102) having a second reflective surface (1021), the second reflective surface (1021) being configured to collect and reflect light emitted by the second light source (200), and form a second light beam (F2);an optical projection system (103), configured to project the first light beam and the second light beam.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lighting module (10) further comprises a mirror(104) having a third reflective surface (1041), the third reflective surface (1041) being arranged opposite the second reflective surface (1021) of the second light collector (102), and the third reflective surface (1041) being configured to receive and reflect light from the second light collector (102).Lighting module (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that an angle between the mirror (104) and the optical axis (X) of the lighting module (10) in a direction of light propagation is in the range of 0 - 60°.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second light collector (102) has a paraboloid or elliptical profile.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second light collector (102) is formed integrally with the first light collector (101).Lighting module (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the mirror (104) is a planar mirror or has a paraboloid or elliptical profile.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the third reflective surface (1041) of the mirror (104) is formed with a metal plating layer or coating layer.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the second reflective surface (1021) of the second light collector (102) and / or the third reflective surface (1041) of the mirror (104) is a granulated surface or provided with a grain pattern.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the lighting module also has a heat sink (105), and the reflector (104) is arranged on the heat sink (105) of the lighting module (10).Lighting module (10) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the mirror (104) is formed integrally with the heat sink (105) of the lighting module (10).Lighting module (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second light source is controlled so as to light up when the first light source turns off.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the first light beam is a high-beam light beam of a vehicle.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the second light beam is an ambient light beam or a complementary low-beam light beam.Lighting module (10) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first light source (100) and the second light source (200) are arranged on the same circuit board.Vehicle headlamp, characterized by comprising the lighting module according to any one of Claims 1 - 14.Vehicle, characterized by having the lighting module according to any one of Claims 1 - 14 or the vehicle headlamp according to Claim 15.

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