EP3616471A1

EP3616471A1 - Method and system for controlling the electric current within a semiconductor light source defining at least two distinct light emission regions

Info

Publication number: EP3616471A1
Application number: EP18719209.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre Albou; Vincent Godbillon
Original assignee: Valeo Vision SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Vision SAS
Priority date: 2017-04-28
Filing date: 2018-04-27
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-27
Also published as: CN110583099A; KR102271012B1; FR3065822B1; FR3065822A1; US20200149698A1; EP3616471B1; KR20190126933A; US11041598B2; WO2018197686A1; CN110583099B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electric current within a semiconductor light source, said light source comprising a substrate where at least two light-emitting regions are distinct, the method comprising the following steps: - activating a first luminous region, - regulating the mean value of the electrical quantity relating to the electric current received by the light source according to a first setpoint so as to obtain a first value of a first light flux corresponding to the flux emitted by said first luminous region, - activating at least a second luminous region of the light source, - regulating the mean value of the electrical quantity relative to the electrical current received by the light source so as to obtain a second value of a second light flux corresponding to the flux emitted by at least said second luminous region.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL CURRENT WITHIN A SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHT SOURCE DEFINING AT LEAST

The present invention relates to the field of methods and systems for controlling an electric current within a semiconductor light source provided with a substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling an electric current, the system comprising a device for adjusting the average value of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source, as well as a device for connecting the light source to the adjustment member. In particular, but not exclusively, the semiconductor light source may include a plurality of electroluminescent rods extending from the substrate. The invention also relates to a light assembly comprising such a control system; and a vehicle light device comprising at least one such light assembly.

A method for controlling an electric current in a semiconductor light source provided with a substrate, for modifying the luminous flux of the light source, is known. The method is implemented by a control system comprising a device for adjusting the average value of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source, and a device for connecting the light source to the body. adjustment. The electrical quantity is for example the voltage, the intensity or the electric power of the electric current. Such a method comprises a step of adjusting, via the regulating member, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a current, voltage or average electrical power setpoint. (born) . Setpoint current, voltage or electrical power (ne) then corresponds to the desired luminous flux for the light source.

However, a disadvantage of such a method for controlling a current is that it does not provide a high luminous flux dynamics. Indeed, the adjusting member is generally a chopper connected to a switching power supply, and the adjustment performed by the chopper is a pulse width modulation type of control. However, the minimum duty cycle of this regulation, below which it is not necessary to go down under penalty of greatly impairing the accuracy of the current control, is generally between 5 and 7%. More precisely, if the duty cycle applied during this modulation by pulse width modulation is less than the value of 5%, "soft" fronts may appear in the control of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source. Such "soft" edges, which can go up to triangular aliasing instead of the recommended rectangular aliasing, impede the accuracy of the current control, and introduce significant losses of efficiency, or even problems of electromagnetic compatibility within the system. . Indeed, the tolerance on the width of the pulse is absolute and does not depend on this width. In other words, when this width decreases the tolerance is more and more important in relative.

This is particularly problematic in the case where the light source is intended to be used according to several functions each having a distinct luminous flux value, and where the ratio between the extreme values of the flows is in particular greater than or equal to 20. In this case, this is because the minimum duty cycle that should be applied during pulse width modulation regulation to achieve such a dynamic flow should be less than or equal to 5%. Such a situation is known for example in the field of vehicles, when the light source is intended to be used both in a "daytime running light" function and in a "position light" function.

In order to solve the above-mentioned drawback, a known solution consists in adding a resistance to the control system previously described, and in connecting this series resistance of the light source whose current is to be controlled. The value of this resistance is chosen so as to allow a heat dissipation of the energy related to the "soft" fronts. However, such a solution is extremely expensive because of the cost of such resistance. In addition, such resistance does not improve the accuracy of the current control.

The technical problem that is aimed at solving the invention is therefore to propose a method and a control system of an electric current in a semiconductor light source ^¬ conductor provided with a substrate, to increase the dynamics of flow of the source, in particular to obtain a ratio between the extreme values of flux greater than or equal to 100, and in a simple manner, at low cost, and without loss of efficiency or electromagnetic disturbance in the system.

For this purpose, a first object of the invention is a method for controlling an electric current within a semiconductor light source, said light source comprising a substrate, said light source defining on its substrate at least two separate light emission zones, said method being implemented by a control system of the electric current within the light source, said control system comprising a device for adjusting the average value of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source, said adjustment member being adapted to be connected to a source power supply or input voltage, in particular current or continuous DC voltage, said control system further comprising a device for connecting the light source to the control member, this connection device being connected to the separate light emission zones of the light source and being able to selectively activate said light emission zones, the method comprising the following steps:

activate a first light zone of the light source,

adjust, via the regulating member, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a first current, voltage or average electrical power (ne), so as to obtaining a first value of a first light flux for the light source, said first light flux corresponding to the flux emitted by said first light zone,

activate at least a second light zone of the light source,

adjust, via the adjustment member, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a second current, voltage or mean power (ne) setpoint, so as to obtain a second value of a second luminous flux for the light source, said second luminous flux corresponding to the flux emitted by at least said second light zone.

Thanks to the fact that the light source defines on its substrate at least two selectively activatable light emitting zones, it is possible to adjust separately and independently, via the regulating member, the luminous flux values associated respectively with each of the light-emitting zones. light emission. It is thus possible, via this setting as well as the addition or selective activation of the light zones, to obtain a greater range of adjustment of the luminous flux, without sacrificing the precision of the current control, or lead to problems of efficiency or electromagnetic compatibility in within the system. In addition, this increase in the range of adjustment of the possible values for the luminous flux is obtained without modification of the other physical characteristics of the light source, such as the hue for example. In addition, the control method according to the invention implements only one adjustment member, this member being a conventional adjustment member. Thus, the control method according to the invention makes it possible to increase the flow dynamics of the light source, and in a simple manner, at low cost, and without loss of efficiency or electromagnetic disturbance in the system.

The control method according to the invention may optionally have one or more of the following characteristics:

- The setting member is a chopper, and the adjustment performed by the chopper is a pulse width modulation type of control; this makes it possible to further increase the flow dynamics of the light source, or to simplify the structure of the light source for a given flow dynamics;

at least two light emission zones are concentric zones; this makes it possible to obtain a variable flux dynamics as a function of the zone considered on the light source; this makes it possible, with a single light assembly provided with a single optical module, to perform several photometric functions of very different intensity values and also different distributions;

the light source defines on its substrate three distinct light emission zones, a first zone light emission being surrounded by a second light emission zone, the second light emission zone being surrounded by a third light emission zone, and the method further comprises a step of activating the third light zone, and a step of adjusting, via the adjustment member, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a third current, voltage or average electrical power setpoint (not ), so as to obtain a third value of a third luminous flux for the light source, said third luminous flux corresponding to the flux emitted by at least the third light zone;

during the adjustment steps, the adjustment member adjusts the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source, so that the ratio between the second value of the second luminous flux obtained at the end of the the second adjustment step, and the first value of the first luminous flux obtained after the first adjustment step, is greater than or equal to 3, and preferably between 3 and 30; and that the ratio between the third value of the third luminous flux obtained at the end of the third adjustment step, and the second value of the second luminous flux obtained at the end of the second adjustment step, is greater than or equal to at 4, and preferably between 4 and 100;

the first value of the first luminous flux obtained for the light source and the second value of the second luminous flux obtained for the light source are such that the ratio between the second value of the second luminous flux and the first value of the first luminous flux; luminous flux is greater than or equal to 100, and is preferably between 100 and 1000;

during the step of adjusting the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a second current, voltage or average electrical power (ne) setpoint, the second flow light obtained corresponds to the flux emitted by said first light zone and by said second light zone;

the control system further comprises a measuring member of an electrical quantity representative of a current flowing within the light source, the setting member being connected to the measuring member, said method further comprising a step of measuring an electrical quantity representative of the electric current flowing in the light source, and a step of supplying at least one measurement data of said electrical quantity, and each step of setting the average value of the quantity. electric relative to the electric current received by the light source is a regulation of said average value performed as a function of said measurement data and a first, respectively a second, current, voltage or average electrical power ( born) ; this makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the regulation of the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source with respect to an open-loop device.

The invention also relates to a control system of an electric current in a semiconductor light source ^¬ conductor, said light source comprising a substrate, said light source on its substrate defining at least two light emitting zones separate, the system being able to implement the method of controlling a current electrical system as described above, the system comprising a member for adjusting the average value of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source, and a device for connecting the light source to the adjustment member, this connection device being connected to the light emission zones distinct from the light source and being able to selectively activate said light emission zones; the adjusting member being adapted to be connected to a source of power supply or input voltage, in particular current or continuous electrical voltage (e), and being configured to adjust, for each zone illuminated activated, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a set current, voltage or electrical power (ne) associated with said activation.

The control system according to the invention may optionally have one or more of the following characteristics:

the control system is integrated with the light source;

- The adjustment member is a chopper, said chopper being adapted to perform a modulation of pulse width modulation type; this makes it possible to further increase the flow dynamics of the light source, or to simplify the structure of the light source for a given flow dynamics;

the connection device comprises a semiconductor electronic switching component, such as a transistor, said electronic component comprising two conduction electrodes and a control electrode, said control electrode being able to receive a control signal for activating one of said light emission zones;

- The control system further comprises a measuring member of an electrical quantity representative of a current flowing in the light source, the measuring member being able to provide at least one piece of measurement of said electrical quantity; the adjusting member being connected to the measuring member, and being configured to regulate, for each activated light zone, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of the value of the data. measuring and a setpoint of current, electrical voltage or average electrical power (not) associated with said activation; this makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the regulation of the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source with respect to an open-loop device. The subject of the invention is also a luminous assembly comprising a semiconductor light source and a system for controlling an electric current within the light source, said light source comprising a substrate and defining on its substrate at least two separate light emission areas, wherein the electric current control system is as described above.

The light assembly according to the invention may optionally have one or more of the following characteristics:

the light source further comprises a plurality of electroluminescent rods extending from the substrate;

each electroluminescent rod has submillimetric dimensions;

each electroluminescent rod extends in a preferred direction from the substrate; the electroluminescent rods extend in the same preferred direction from the substrate;

the electroluminescent rods are divided into several groups of separate rods, each rod group corresponding to all or part of one of said light emission zones;

for each group of sticks, the rods of said group are electrically connected to one another;

for each group of rods, the rods of said group are electrically connected in parallel.

According to another embodiment, the light assembly according to the invention may optionally have one or more of the following characteristics:

the light source further comprises a plurality of electroluminescent pads extending from the substrate;

each electroluminescent pad has submillimetric dimensions;

each electroluminescent pad extends in a preferred direction from the substrate;

- The electroluminescent pads extend in the same preferred direction from the substrate;

the electroluminescent pads are distributed in several groups of distinct pads, each group of pads corresponding to all or part of one of said light emission zones;

for each group of pads, the pads of said group are electrically connected to one another;

for each group of pads, the pads of said group are electrically connected in parallel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, the light-emitting elements being distributed in several groups of distinct light-emitting elements, each group of light emitting elements corresponding to one of said light zones, the light emitting elements of the groups corresponding to said at least two light emitting zones being interlaced so that said groups of light emitting elements form interlaced matrices of discrete light emitting elements.

This preferred embodiment of the invention advantageously makes it possible to maintain an almost uniform appearance in the visual rendering of the light source, whatever the value of the luminous flux emitted by this source.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, said at least two light emission zones of the light source are concentric zones.

The light assembly according to this particular embodiment of the invention may optionally have one or more of the following characteristics:

the light source defines on its substrate a first light emission zone, and a second light emission zone distinct from the first zone and surrounding the first zone, the surface of the second light emission zone being greater than that of the first light emission zone, for example such that the ratio between this surface and the surface of the first light emission zone is greater than or equal to 9, and is preferably greater than or equal to 10;

the light source defines on its substrate a first light emission zone, and a second light emission zone distinct from the first zone and surrounding the first zone, the density of the electroluminescent rods of the group corresponding to the second emission zone; light source being greater than that of the first light emission zone, for example such as the ratio between this density and the density of the electroluminescent rods of the group corresponding to the first light emission zone is greater than or equal to 9, and is preferably greater than or equal to 10; the light source is a high definition light source;

- The control system is integrated with the light source.

The invention also relates to a vehicle light device comprising at least one light assembly as described above.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the vehicle light device according to the invention is a road lighting device, in particular a headlamp, or a signaling device, in particular a signaling light, or a lightning device. lighting of a vehicle interior.

The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising at least one vehicle light device as described above.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of the following nonlimiting examples, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings, among which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle light device provided with a light assembly, the light assembly comprising a light source and a control system of an electric current according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light source of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 according to a second embodiment of the light source; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the method for controlling an electric current according to the invention, implemented by the control system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a set of three diagrams each representing the evolution of a duty cycle of application of an electrical input voltage across a light zone of the light source, as represented in FIG. 3, according to the total luminous flux emitted by the light source.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle light device 10 comprising a light assembly 12. The light device 10 is for example a road lighting device, in particular a headlamp. As a variant not shown, the light device 10 is a signaling device, in particular a signaling light. In another variant not shown, the light device 10 is a lighting device of a vehicle interior.

The light assembly 12 comprises a semiconductor light source 13, and a system 16 for controlling an electric current within the light source 13. The light assembly 12 also comprises an optical module, such a module n ' being not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light source

13 comprises a substrate 18 and defines, on its substrate 18, at least two separate light emission zones 20. The substrate 18 is for example essentially composed of silicon.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the light source 13 furthermore comprises several light-emitting elements 22. The light-emitting elements 22 are distributed in several groups 24A, 24B, 24C of elements separate photoemitters. Each group 24A, 24B, 24C of light emitting elements 22 corresponds to one of the distinct light emitting zones 20. Thus, in the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the light emitting elements 22 are divided into three groups 24A, 24B, 24C of separate light emitting elements, and the light source 13 defines on its substrate 18 three corresponding light emission zones 20A, 20B, 20C.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the light emitting elements 22 of the groups 24A, 24B, 24C are interlaced so that these groups 24A, 24B, 24C of light emitting elements form interlaced matrices of discrete light emitting elements 22. By "matrix "discrete photoemitter elements" means an array of interconnected light emitting elements forming a group of discrete light emitting elements, whether this network is regular or not.

Preferably, each light emitting element 22 comprises at least one electroluminescent rod 26. In a particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, each light emitting element 22 comprises at least one electroluminescent rod 26 and a photoluminescent element 28. Preferably, each light emitting element 22 comprises a plurality of electroluminescent rods 26 and a photoluminescent element 28. The electroluminescent rods 26 are thus distributed in several groups of electroluminescent rods 26, each group corresponding here to a light emitting element 22. Preferably, the electroluminescent rods 26 within the same light emitting element 22 are electrically connected to each other. More preferably, the electroluminescent rods 26 within the same light emitting element 22 are electrically connected in parallel.

Each electroluminescent rod 26 extends from the substrate 18. Preferably, each electroluminescent rod 26 has submillimeter dimensions. Each stick For example, the electroluminescent rods 26 of the light source 13 extend in the same preferred direction from the substrate 18. Each electroluminescent rod 26 comprises, for example, a nitride of metal, in particular a gallium nitride.

Each photoluminescent element 28 is for example formed of a layer of photoluminescent material. Each photoluminescent element 28 designates a light converter comprising at least one luminescent material adapted to absorb at least a portion of at least one excitation light emitted by a light source and to convert at least a portion of said absorbed excitation light in an emission light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light. In the case of a yellow light, the material of the photoluminescent element is for example one of the following components: Y ₃ A ₁₅ O ₁ 2: Ce ³⁺ (YAG), (Sr, Ba) ₂ SiO ₄ : Eu ²⁺ , Ca _x (Si, Al) ₁₂ (O, N) ₁₆ : Eu ²⁺

As an alternative to the particular exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the light source 13 is a two-dimensional monolithic source, for example of the two-dimensional monolithic light-emitting diode type, and each light-emitting element 22 is an element of this monolithic source. . The light emitting elements are divided into several groups of separate light emitting elements on this source, each group corresponding to one of the separate light emitting zones. The light emitting elements of the groups are intertwined so that these groups of light emitting elements form interlaced matrices of discrete light emitting elements. This is the case where the light emitting elements take the form of a plot. In an exemplary embodiment, the light is emitted by the top of the pads. FIG. 3 represents the light source 13, according to a second embodiment, which is an alternative to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. In this second embodiment, the light source 13 defines on its substrate 18 several concentric light emission zones. 20D, 20E, 20F. In the particular exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the light source 13 defines on its substrate 18 three concentric light emission zones: a first light emission zone 20D, a second light emission zone 20E surrounding the first zone 20D, and a third light emission zone 20F surrounding the second zone 20E. For example, when the first light emitting zone 20D is activated, the light source 13 is used in the vehicle according to a "position light"function; when at least the second light zone 20E is activated, the light source 13 is used in the vehicle according to a function of "daytime running light"; and when at least the third light zone 20F is activated, the light source 13 is used in the vehicle according to a "high beam" function.

Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the light source 13 comprises several electroluminescent rods 26. The electroluminescent rods 26 are thus distributed in several groups 29D, 29E, 29F of electroluminescent rods 26, each group corresponding to one of the emission zones light 20D, 20E, 20F. Preferably, the electroluminescent rods 26 within the same group 29D, 29E, 29F are electrically connected to each other. More preferably, the electroluminescent rods 26 within the same group 29D, 29E, 29F are electrically connected in parallel.

Each electroluminescent rod 26 extends from the substrate 18. Preferably, each electroluminescent rod 26 has submillimeter dimensions. Each electroluminescent rod 26 extends for example in a direction Preferred, from the substrate 18. Preferably, the electroluminescent rods 26 of the light source 13 extend in the same preferred direction from the substrate 18. Each electroluminescent rod 26 comprises for example a metal nitride, in particular a gallium nitride.

As an alternative to the particular exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the light source 13 according to this second embodiment is a high-definition light source. By "high-definition light source" is meant a light source comprising a high number, typically greater than or equal to 1000, of electroluminescent elements capable of being powered separately.

As a further variant, the light source 13 according to this second embodiment defines on its substrate two concentric light emission zones: a first light emission zone and a second light emission zone surrounding the first zone. Preferably, according to this exemplary embodiment, the surface of the second light emission zone is greater than that of the first light emission zone, for example such that the ratio between this surface area and the area of the first light emission zone. light emission is greater than or equal to 9, and is preferably greater than or equal to 10. Alternatively or in addition, when the light source 13 further comprises a plurality of electroluminescent rods distributed in groups of rods, the density of the electroluminescent rods of the group corresponding to the second light emission zone is greater than that of the group corresponding to the first light emission zone, for example such that the ratio of this density to the density of the electroluminescent rods of the group corresponding to the first light emission zone is greater than or equal to 9, and is preferably greater than or equal to 10. Referring back to FIG. 1, the control system 16 comprises a device 30 for adjusting the average value of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source 13, and a device 32 for connecting the light source 13 to the adjusting member 30. Preferably, the control system 16 further comprises a member 34 for measuring an electrical quantity relative to an electric current flowing within the light source 13.

The connection device 32 is connected to the separate light emitting zones 20 of the light source 13 and is adapted to selectively activate these light emitting zones 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connection device 32 comprises, for example, a semiconductor switching electronic component 38, such as a transistor for example. The electronic component 38 comprises two conduction electrodes and a control electrode, not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity. One of the conduction electrodes forms for example a negative terminal 40A. The other conduction electrode is for example adapted to be connected to one or more positive terminals 40B. In the embodiments of the light source 13 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the negative terminal 40A is connected to a cathode 42A arranged on the substrate 18. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, each positive terminal 40B is connected to anodes 42B belonging to the same group 24A, 24B, 24C of light-emitting elements, each anode 42B being arranged on a light-emitting element 22. More specifically, each anode 42B is for example formed by a conductive layer deposited above the light-emitting element. substrate 18, on the stick side 26 of the light emitting element 22 on which the anode 42B is arranged. Preferably, each anode 42B electrically joins the rods 26 of the light emitting element 22 on which it is arranged. In the embodiment 3, each positive terminal 40B is connected to an anode 43B arranged within a group 29D, 29E, 29F of electroluminescent rods 26. More specifically, each anode 43B is for example formed by a conductive layer deposited above the substrate 18, the side of the rods 26 of the group 29D, 29E, 29F in which the anode 43B is arranged. Preferably, each anode 43B electrically joins to each other the rods 26 of the group 29D, 29E, 29F in which it is arranged.

The control electrode is able to receive a control signal 44 for activating one of the light emission zones 20.

The regulator 30 is connected to a source 36 for supplying current or electrical input voltage, in particular current or continuous DC voltage (e) input. The power source 36 is for example arranged within the light assembly 12. In a variant, the power source 36 is arranged within the vehicle and forms, for example, the battery of the vehicle. In this case, the power source 36 is for example connected via a splitter, also located within the vehicle. In the particular exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the power source 36 is an input DC voltage source, providing a substantially constant input voltage voltage Uo.

The adjusting member 30 is configured to set, for each activated light zone 20, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source 13, as a function of a current reference 46A, 46B, 46C, electrical voltage or average electrical power (not) associated with this activation. The reference 46A, 46B, 46C of current, electrical voltage or average electrical power (ne) is for example stored in a memory internal or external to the light device 10, not shown in the figures. The instruction 46A, 46B, 46C can be updated dynamically in the memory, in particular as a function of temperature, by a control module connected to the memory. Such a control module is not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the regulator 30 is a chopper capable of supplying an electric output current intended to flow within the light source 13. According to this preferred embodiment, the electrical quantity to set is the voltage, and the regulator 30 is configured to adjust the average value of the output voltage U L according to a setpoint 46A, 46B, 46C average current. Preferably, the chopper forming the adjusting member 30 has a switching frequency of between 50 Hz and 1 kHz, preferably between 200 Hz and 1 kHz so that the human eye does not distinguish oscillations, preferably substantially equal to 400 Hz.

According to the particular exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the control system 16 implements a voltage supply and a current control of the light source 13.

The measuring member 34 is connected to the adjusting member 30. The measuring member 34 is able to provide at least one measurement data Ism of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source 13. According to FIG. the particular embodiment of FIG. 1, the measured electrical quantity is an electric current, and the measuring device 34 is able to provide a data Ism for measuring the average value of the electric current received by the light source 13. Thus, the adjusting member 30 is advantageously configured to regulate, for each activated light zone 20, the average value of the electric output current as a function of the value of a measurement data Ism supplied by the measuring device 34, and the reference 46A, 46B, 46C of average current.

The measuring device 34 comprises, for example, a resistor 48, connected in series with the light source 13, and a signal amplification module 50 intended to amplify the voltage value taken by the resistor 48.

In an embodiment not shown, the control system can be integrated, that is to say mounted, on the light source. In this case, the control unit may further comprise a central processing unit coupled with a memory on which is stored a computer program which includes instructions allowing the processor to perform steps generating signals allowing the control of the computer. light source. The control unit may be an integrated circuit, for example an ASIC (English acronym for "Application-Specific Integrated Circuit") or an ASSP (acronym for "Application Specifies Standard Product").

The method for controlling an electric current according to the invention, implemented by the control system 16, will now be described with reference to FIG. 4.

During an initial step 60, the control system 16 receives an activation control signal from a first light emission zone 20A; 20D of the light source 13. The connection device 32 then receives a corresponding activation control signal 44, and accordingly activates the first light emission zone 20A; 20D.

In a subsequent step 62, the regulator 30 adjusts the average value of the output voltage U1 that it supplies to the light source 13, as a function of a first average current setpoint 46A. A first value of a first luminous flux is thus obtained for the light source 13. This first luminous flux corresponds to the flux emitted by the first light emission zone 20A; 20D. according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the chopper forming the regulating member 30 regulates the average value of the electric current which it supplies to the light source 13, by modifying the duty cycle of application of the electrical voltage Uo input terminal of the first light zone 20A; 20D. During this adjustment step 62, however, the duty ratio, modified by the chopper, remains greater than a value equal to 5%.

In the preferred embodiment in which the control system 16 further comprises a measuring member 34, the adjustment step 62 comprises a first substep of measuring, by the measuring member 34, the average current received. by the light source 13; and a second substep of providing, by the measuring member 34 to the regulating member 30, a measurement data Ism of this average current. The chopper forming the regulating member 30 then regulates the average value of the output electric current as a function of the value of the average current measurement data Ism supplied by the measuring device 34, and of the first current setpoint 46A. way.

In a next step 64, the control system

16 receives an activation control signal from a second light emitting area 20B; 20E of the light source 13. The connection device 32 then receives a corresponding activation control signal 44, and accordingly activates the second light emission zone 20B; 20E.

In a subsequent step 66, the regulator 30 adjusts the average value of the output voltage U1 that it supplies to the light source 13, as a function of a second mean current setpoint 46B. A second value of a second luminous flux is thus obtained for the light source 13. This second luminous flux corresponds to the flux emitted by at least the second light emission zone 20B; 20E. Indeed, according to a first example of implementation of the method, the second luminous flux corresponds to the flux emitted by the first light emitting area 20A; 20D and by the second light emitting area 20B; 20E. As a variant, the second luminous flux corresponds to the flux emitted solely by the second light emission zone 20B; 20E. In this case, the method comprises, prior to step 66, an additional step of deactivating the first light emission zone 20A; 20D by the connection device 32. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the chopper forming the regulating member 30 regulates the average value of the electric current that it supplies to the light source 13, by modifying the cyclic ratio of application of the input voltage Uo across at least the second light zone 20B; 20E. During this adjustment step 66, the duty cycle, modified by the chopper, however, remains greater than a value equal to 5%.

Preferably, during the adjustment step 66, the adjusting member 30 adjusts the average value of the output voltage U1 that it supplies to the light source 13, so that the ratio between the second value the second luminous flux obtained at the end of this step 66, and the first value of the first luminous flux obtained at the end of the adjustment step 64 is greater than or equal to 100, and preferably between 100 and 1000. To obtain a ratio value equal to 1000, it is possible, for example, to set the value of the duty cycle to 5%, and to play on the first and second concentric light emitting zones, so that the ratio between the areas of these areas and / or between the electroluminescent rod densities of these areas be equal to 50.

Preferably, the method further comprises a next step 68 during which the control system 16 receives an activation control signal from a third light emission zone 20C; 20F of the light source 13. The connection device 32 then receives a control signal corresponding activation 44, and accordingly activates the third light emission zone 20C; 20F.

Preferably still, during a subsequent step 70, the adjusting member 30 adjusts the average value of the output voltage U1 that it supplies to the light source 13, as a function of a third current setpoint 46C way. A third value of a third luminous flux is thus obtained for the light source 13. This third luminous flux corresponds to the flux emitted by at least the third light emission zone 20C; 20F. Indeed, according to a first example of implementation of the method, the third luminous flux corresponds to the flux emitted by the first light emission zone 20A; 20D, by the second light emitting area 20B; 20E and by the third light emitting zone 20C; 20F. As a variant, the third luminous flux corresponds to the flux emitted by one of the first and second light emission zones 20A, 20B; 20D, 20E and the third light emitting area 20C; 20F, or to the flux emitted solely by the third light emission zone 20C; 20F. In this case, the method comprises, prior to step 70, an additional step of deactivating the first light emission zone 20A; 20D and / or the second light emission zone 20B; 20E by the connection device 32. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the chopper forming the regulating member 30 regulates the average value of the electric current that it supplies to the light source 13, by modifying the cyclic ratio of application of the input voltage Uo across at least the third light zone 20C; 20F. During this adjustment step 70, the duty ratio, modified by the chopper, however, remains greater than a value equal to 5%.

Preferably, during the adjustment step 70, the adjusting member 30 adjusts the average value of the electrical voltage of output Ul that it provides to the light source 13, so that the ratio between the third value of the third luminous flux obtained at the end of this step 70, and the second value of the second luminous flux obtained at the end the adjustment step 66 is greater than or equal to 4, and preferably between 4 and 100; and that the ratio between the second value of the second luminous flux obtained at the end of the adjustment step 66, and the first value of the first luminous flux obtained at the end of the adjustment step 64 is greater than or equal to 3, and preferably between 3 and 30.

The adjustment made by the chopper forming the adjusting member 30 during the adjustment steps 62, 66, 70 is for example a modulation of the pulse width modulation type.

FIG. 5 is an example of control of the duty cycle of application of the input voltage Uo, illustrating the steps 60 to 70 of the current control method described above, for a light source 13 according to FIG. particular embodiment shown in FIG. 3. More precisely, FIG. 5 is a set of three diagrams 72D, 72E, 72F each representing the evolution of the duty cycle R of application of the input voltage Uo to the respective terminals one of the light zones 20D, 20E, 20F, as a function of the total luminous flux φ emitted by the light source 13. For example, it is assumed that the maximum luminous flux emitted by the third light emission zone 20F is greater than the luminous flux maximum emitted by the second light emitting zone 20E, which is itself greater than the maximum luminous flux emitted by the first light emitting zone 20D.

Initially, the total light flux φ emitted by the light source 13 has for example a minimum value _{Μ ± η}

During the initial step 60, the connection device 32 activates the first light emission zone 20D, as shown in diagram 72D. The duty cycle R of application of the input voltage Uo across the first light zone 20D has for example a minimum value R _m i _n .

In the following step 62, the regulator 30 regulates the average value of the output voltage U1 that it supplies to the light source 13, by modifying the duty cycle R of application of the electrical voltage d Uo input at the terminals of the first light zone 20D. This regulation is done by gradually increasing the duty ratio R between the minimum value R _m i _n and a maximum value R _ma x, as shown in the diagram 72D. The value R _m in is for example substantially equal to 5%, and the value R _max is for example substantially equal to 100%.

In the next step 64, the connection device 32 activates the second light emitting zone 20E, as shown in the diagram 72E. The duty cycle R for applying the input voltage Uo across the terminals of the second light zone 20E has, for example, a minimum value R _m in. During this step 64, in order to ensure continuity in the luminous flux. total φ emitted by the light source 13, the duty cycle R of application of the input voltage Uo across the first light zone 20D is switched from its maximum value R _max to its minimum value R _m in - For that this continuity of total luminous flux is obtained, the following condition must be verified:

(1) (R max - -Rmin) · Φιηιη 20D -Rmin · Φιηιη 20E with φ ΐη 2OD, respectively φ _Μ ΐη 2OE, the value of the luminous flux emitted by the first light zone 20D, respectively by the second light zone 20E, when the duty ratio R has its minimum value R _m i _n . In the following step 66, the regulator 30 regulates the average value of the output voltage U1 that it supplies to the light source 13, by modifying the duty ratio R of application of the electrical voltage d Uo input across the first and second light areas 20D, 20E. This regulation is done by gradually increasing the duty ratio R between the minimum value R _m i _n and the maximum value R _ma x, as shown in the diagrams 72D, 72E. In a variant not shown, in order to increase the value of the total luminous flux φ emitted by the light source 13, it is possible to increase only the value of the duty cycle R across one of the light zones 20D, 20E, and keep constant the value of the duty cycle across the other light zone 20D, 20E. A plateau is then obtained and not a positive slope on the diagram which corresponds to this last light zone 20D, 20E.

In the next step 68, the connection device 32 activates the third light emitting area 20F, as shown in the diagram 72F. The duty ratio R of application of the input voltage Uo across the third light zone 20F has for example a minimum value R _m i _n . During this step 68, in order to ensure continuity in the total luminous flux φ emitted by the light source 13, the duty cycle R of application of the input voltage Uo across the first light zone 20D and the duty cycle R of application of the input voltage Uo across the second light zone 20E are each switched from their maximum value R _max to their minimum value R _m i _n . For this continuity of total luminous flux to be obtained, the following condition must be verified:

(2) (R max - R _m in) · (Φπιίη 20D + Φιηίη 20E) ■ Rmin · Φηιιη 20F r with φ _η ΐη 2OD, Φιηΐη 20Ε, respectively φ _η ι _η 2OF, the value of the luminous flux emitted by the first light zone 20D, by the second light zone 20E, respectively by the third light zone 20F, when the duty cycle

R presents its minimum value R _m i _n .

During the final step 70, the regulator 30 regulates the average value of the output voltage U1 that it supplies to the light source 13, by modifying the duty cycle R of application of the electrical voltage d U1 input across the first, second and third light areas 20D, 20E, 20F. This regulation is done by gradually increasing the duty ratio R between the minimum value R _m i _n and the maximum value R _ma x, as shown in the diagrams 72D, 72E, 70F. At the end of this final step 70, the total luminous flux φ emitted by the light source 13 reaches a maximum value _max .

More generally, a principle of control of the duty cycle identical or similar to that described above can be implemented in the case where the light source 13 defines on its substrate a number of light emission areas greater than or equal to two. The same principle of tilting of the duty cycle is then implemented, to ensure the continuity of the total luminous flux emitted by the light source 13 at the time of activation of new light areas.

In another embodiment not shown, the values of R _m i _n and R _max may be different from one area of the source to another. They can also be different for a given area, from one stage to another of the ignition. The duty ratio R _max is advantageously 100%, in particular for obtaining φ _¾ χ · The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that the skilled person is able to achieve different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, although the invention is described with reference to a light assembly of a vehicle light device, it more generally applies to any light assembly comprising a semiconductor light source which defines on its substrate at least two separate light emission areas.

Claims

A method for controlling an electric current within a semiconductor light source, said light source comprising a substrate, said light source defining on its substrate at least two distinct light emission zones, said method being set implemented by a control system of the electric current within the light source, said control system comprising a member for adjusting the average value of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source, said adjustment member being adapted to be connected to a source of power supply or input voltage, in particular current or continuous DC voltage, said control system further comprising a connection device of the light source to the regulator, this connection device being connected to the light emission zones distinct from the light source and being suitable for selectively activating said light emission zones, the method comprising the following steps:

activate a first light zone of the light source,

adjust, via the adjustment member, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a first current, voltage or average electrical power (ne), so as to obtaining a first value of a first light flux for the light source, said first light flux corresponding to the flux emitted by said first light zone,

activate at least a second light zone of the light source, adjust, via the adjusting member, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a second current, voltage or mean power (ne) setpoint so as to obtain a second value of a second luminous flux for the light source, said second luminous flux corresponding to the flux emitted by at least said second light zone.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting member is a chopper, and the adjustment performed by the chopper is a modulation of pulse width modulation type.

The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least two light emitting areas are concentric zones.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, in which the light source defines on its substrate three distinct light emission zones, a first light emission zone being surrounded by a second light emission zone, the second light emission zone. being surrounded by a third light emission zone, and wherein the method further comprises a step of activating the third light zone, and a setting step, via the adjusting member, of the average value of the magnitude electric relative to the electric current received by the light source according to a third setpoint of current, electrical voltage or average electrical power (ne), so as to obtain a third value of a third luminous flux for the light source, said third stream light corresponding to the flux emitted by at least the third light zone.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein, during the adjustment steps, the adjusting member adjusts the average value of the electrical magnitude relative to the electric current received by the light source, so that the ratio between the second value of the second luminous flux obtained at the end of the second adjustment step, and the first value of the first luminous flux obtained after the first adjustment step, is greater than or equal to 3, and preferably between 3 and 30; and that the ratio between the third value of the third luminous flux obtained at the end of the third adjustment step, and the second value of the second luminous flux obtained at the end of the second adjustment step, is greater than or equal to at 4, and preferably between 4 and 100.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first value of the first luminous flux obtained for the light source and the second value of the second luminous flux obtained for the light source are such that the ratio between the second value of the second light source. luminous flux and the first value of the first luminous flux is greater than or equal to 100, and is preferably between 100 and 1000.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control system further comprises a measuring member of an electrical quantity representative of a current flowing in the light source, the adjusting member being connected. to the measuring member, said method further comprising a step of measuring an electrical quantity representative of the electric current circulating within the light source, and a step of supplying at least one measurement data of said electrical quantity, and wherein each step of adjusting the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source is a regulation of said average value performed as a function of said measurement data and a first, respectively a second, current, voltage or average electrical power (ne).

8. A system for controlling an electric current within a semiconductor light source, said light source comprising a substrate, said light source defining on its substrate at least two distinct light emission zones, the system being clean to implement the method of controlling an electric current according to any one of the preceding claims, the system comprising a device for adjusting the average value of an electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source, and a device for connecting the light source to the regulator, this connection device being connected to the light emission zones distinct from the light source and being able to selectively activate said light emission zones; the adjusting member being adapted to be connected to a source of power supply or input voltage, in particular current or continuous DC voltage, and being configured to adjust, for each light area activated, the average value of the electrical quantity relative to the electric current received by the light source as a function of a setpoint of current, electrical voltage or average electrical power (ne) associated with said activation.

A luminous assembly comprising a semiconductor light source and a system for controlling an electric current within the light source, said light source comprising a substrate, and defining on its substrate at least two distinct light emission zones. , wherein the electric current control system is in accordance with claim 9.

The light assembly of claim 9, wherein the light source further comprises a plurality of electroluminescent rods extending from the substrate.

11. Light assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the electroluminescent rods are divided into several groups of separate rods, each rod group corresponding to all or part of one of said light emission zones.

12. Light assembly according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting elements, the light emitting elements being divided into several groups of separate light emitting elements, each group of light emitting elements corresponding to one light emitting element. said light areas, the light emitting elements of the groups corresponding to said at least two light emitting regions being interlaced so that said groups of light emitting elements form interlaced matrices of discrete light emitting elements.

13. Illuminated assembly according to one of claims 9 to

11, wherein said at least two light emission zones are concentric zones.

14. Light assembly according to claim 13, wherein the light source defines on its substrate a first light emission zone, and a second light emission zone distinct from the first zone and surrounding the first zone, the surface of the second zone. light emission zone being greater than that of the first light emission zone, for example such that the ratio between this surface and the surface of the first light emission zone is greater than or equal to 9, and is preferably greater than or equal to 10.

15. A light assembly according to claim 13 or 14 when dependent on claim 18, wherein the light source defines on its substrate a first light emission zone, and a second light emission zone distinct from the first zone and surrounding the first zone, the density of the electroluminescent rods of the group corresponding to the second light emission zone being greater than that of the group corresponding to the first light emission zone, for example such as the ratio between this density and the density of the Electroluminescent rods of the group corresponding to the first light emission zone is greater than or equal to 9, and is preferably greater than or equal to 10.

Vehicle light device comprising at least one light assembly, wherein the light assembly is according to one of claims 9 to 15.