Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
  • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
  • F21S41/37—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/50—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
  • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
  • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
  • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
  • F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
  • F21S43/33—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
  • F21S43/50—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers

Definitions

• the present invention is in the field of the automotive industry, and relates more particularly to luminous devices making it possible to signal the presence of the motor vehicle.
• Light devices for motor vehicles comprising a plurality of light sources configured to emit light rays and a plurality of light guides, each light source being optically coupled to a base of one of the light guides, so at least a portion of the light rays generated by each light source is injected into the associated light guide. These light rays leave the guide through an exit surface opposite the base.
• the light sources can be controlled individually or by group. These light devices are called matrix because they make it possible to generate a plurality of "light pixels" in order to create numerous light features on motor vehicles.
• Such luminous functionalities make it possible in particular to indicate to a neighboring vehicle one or more pieces of information on a state of the motor vehicle on which the device is mounted, such as for example information on the state of charge, a breakdown, a speed and/or a future trajectory of said motor vehicle. They also make it possible to indicate to a neighboring vehicle one or more pieces of information on a state of the traffic that the neighboring vehicle may not have had the possibility of detecting directly.
• the drawbacks of light guide devices are the high cost and the complexity of their implementation.
• Another drawback of the known devices is that the luminous aspect is variable within a pixel, that is to say that there are differences in luminosity according to the observed portion of a given pixel. This inhomogeneity is generally criticized by customers, who want each pixel to have uniform brightness.
• light guide devices have a low luminous efficiency, because there are losses in the coupling of the light rays as well as in their guidance. Consequently, the light sources must be powerful, which increases the electrical consumption, as well as the heating generated.
• the invention proposes for this purpose an information display device for a motor vehicle making it possible to at least partially overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.
• the display device according to the invention is easy to implement and makes it possible to obtain good homogeneity of the pixels. It is also easy to adapt to various body shapes while using simple design elements. It has good photometric efficiency, which reduces electricity consumption and heating, while guaranteeing high luminosity. The limited heating allows the use of inexpensive materials with limited heat resistance. The good photometric efficiency also makes it possible to reduce the number of light sources used, or to use less expensive light sources. These characteristics thus make it possible to ensure a low cost of the device. It makes it possible to display pixels with a good level of homogeneity, and well separated from each other.
• the invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle, the module comprising: - a plurality of light sources configured to emit light rays; - a plurality of cavities each having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, each light source being associated with a cavity, so that at least a portion of the light rays emitted by each light source enters through the first opening of the associated cavity and leaving said associated cavity through the second opening; the light sources having a radial emission.
• radial emission it is understood that the light emission takes place mostly laterally with respect to a mounting axis of the light source, and all around this axis.
• a mounting axis of the light source For example, in the case of an LED (for Light Emitting Diode in English, or Electroluminescent Diode in French), the latter is mounted on a generally flat support, at least locally at the level of the LED. The radial emission is then lateral with respect to an axis perpendicular to the plane of the support.
• the emission from the light source has a symmetry of revolution around the mounting axis. This allows homogeneous illumination all around the light source.
• a radial emission light source When a radial emission light source is installed facing the cavity, it has an emission peak oriented towards the partitions of said cavity. Thus most of the light rays emitted by the light source go directly onto these partitions, and a small quantity of these rays, or even none of them, is oriented directly towards the second opening, and leaves the cavity without having encountered of bulkhead.
• the module may include one or more of the characteristics below, taken alone or in combination: – the light sources are configured to be selectively activated; – the light module comprises a perforated mask located at a distance from the plurality of light sources in a direction of propagation of the light rays, the perforated mask comprising a grid forming a plurality of light cells opposite the cavities and the associated light sources, each light cell being separated from a directly adjacent light cell; - the light module comprises a mask support placed opposite the second openings, in order to be crossed by the light rays, and supporting the perforated mask; – the mask holder is a diffuser; – the openwork mask is in one piece with the mask support; – the openwork mask and the mask support are obtained by bi-injection molding of plastic materials; - the perforated mask is attached to the mask support, the perforated mask being fixed integrally to the support by fixing means; - the perforated mask is deposited on the mask support, the grid of the perforated mask being formed
• the invention also relates to a motor vehicle light device comprising at least one light module according to the invention.
• the light device is intended to be mounted at the rear of a motor vehicle.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a module according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a module according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a module according to a third embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a module according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a light source positioned on a support
• FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the relative intensity of a radial emitting light source.
• the reference numbers of the first embodiment are used to designate the identical or corresponding elements of the second, third and fourth embodiment, these numbers being however increased by 200, 300 and 400 respectively. Reference is also made to the description of these elements within the framework of the first embodiment.
• the elements appearing from the second embodiment follow a similar numbering, having the same tens and the same units in all the embodiments, and having as a hundreds digit a "2" for the second embodiment, a "3 for the third embodiment, and a "4" for the fourth embodiment. Reference is also made to the description of these elements in the context of the preceding embodiments.
• Module 1 comprises a plurality of light sources 10 arranged on a support 11.
• the light sources are of the LED type.
• the support may be a printed circuit, for example of the PCB (for "Printed Circuit Board” in English) or IMS (for "Insulated Metal Substrate” in English) type. It can also be of the flexible circuit type (“flexboard” in English).
• the support is intended to ensure the electrical supply of the light sources 10, from a source of electrical energy.
• the support may be a heat sink having no electrical track, the power supply circuit for the light sources being attached to it.
• the light sources 10 are configured to be selectively activatable.
• the control module which makes it possible to actuate them is configured to be able to switch on and off each light source 10 individually or in groups.
• Each light source 10 is associated with a cavity 20 having a first opening 31 oriented towards the light source, and a second opening 32 opposite the first opening 31.
• the first opening 31 is proximal and the second opening is distal.
• Each cavity 20 corresponds for example to a through hollow in a cavity element of the module.
• the cavity element comprises a plurality of through hollows, each hollow corresponding to a cavity 20, delimited by partitions 21.
• Each hollow corresponds to a pixel which it is desired to be able to light. Alternatively, it is possible to use several cavity elements juxtaposed side by side and which, when assembled, define the complete range of pixels.
• Each light source 10 has a radial emission, that is to say that the light rays R emitted by the light source, when it is supplied with electricity, are mostly oriented laterally with respect to a mounting axis of the light source 10, and all around this axis.
• the radial emission is lateral with respect to an axis perpendicular to the plane of the support.
• the light source 10 When the light source 10 is supplied with electricity, by usual means not shown in the figures, at least some of the light rays R emitted enter the associated cavity 20 through the first opening 31 and impact the partitions 21 of said cavity 20 They are reflected and/or diffused by said partitions 21 and part of them emerge from said associated cavity 20 through the second opening 32.
• the partitions 21 are advantageously made of a diffusing material, in particular of light color, in particular white in color.
• the walls of the partitions 21 may have a diffusing texture, in particular graining. These characteristics have the effect of diffusing the light rays R. This makes it possible to obtain a good homogeneity of the lit aspect of a pixel.
• each wall of the partition 21 has a re-entrant angle, that is to say it comprises two portions, in particular rectilinear, forming between them a re-entrant angle ⁇ , that is to say greater than 180° , when it is observed from the cavity 20. Furthermore the angle ⁇ has a value less than 270°.
• the partition 21 has a cross-section in the form of two opposite trapeziums whose major bases are common. By way of example, the common base is shown in a dotted line on the rightmost partition 21 of the . The angle is obtuse when it is observed from the inside of the partition 21.
• This configuration makes it possible to have a significant depth of the cavities 21, in particular when the cavity element is obtained by injection molding under pressure, the depth of the cavity 21 being the distance which separates the first opening 31 from the second opening 32.
• the depth of the cavity 21 being the distance which separates the first opening 31 from the second opening 32.
• This clearance angle is generally greater than 3°, and even greater than 5° when the wall has a texture such as graining for example.
• the maximum thickness of the partition 21 being approximately towards its middle, it is possible to approximately double the height of said partition 21, with respect to that which would be possible with a partition whose thickness would increase continuously from the first opening 31 to the second opening 32 or vice versa, and which would have the same maximum thickness. Cavities 20 are thus obtained, the depth of which can be up to 20 mm. Furthermore, this shape of the partitions 21 also allows better light diffusion in the cavity 20, thus improving the level of homogeneity.
• each cavity 20 is associated with a single light source 10. This makes it possible to optimize the necessary flux because the cast shadows that could be created, relative to each other, by several light sources 10 arranged opposite the same cavity 20. These cast shadows correspond to part of the light rays R emitted by a light source and intercepted by a neighboring light source associated with the same cavity. These light rays R do not reach the partitions 21 and are therefore lost for the realization of the light function.
• each light source 10 it may sometimes be necessary to associate at least certain cavities 20, or even all the cavities 20, each with several light sources 10. This is the case in particular when the use of a single light source 10 per cavity does not would not make it possible to obtain a sufficient luminous flux, for example, either because each light source is not powerful enough, or because the luminous function to be carried out requires a large quantity of light.
• the use of several light sources 10 in association with a cavity 20 then makes it possible to increase the luminous flux available in a cavity 20, despite the shadows cast.
• the module 1 comprises a perforated mask 40 located at a distance from the light sources 10 in a direction of travel S of the light.
• the direction of travel of the light is to be understood as the general direction in which the light rays propagate in the cavity 20, oriented from the first opening 31 towards the second opening 32.
• the perforated mask comprises a grid 41 forming a plurality of cells lights 42 opposite the cavities 20 and associated light sources 10. More specifically, each light cell 42 faces a cavity 20. Furthermore, each light cell 42 is separate from a directly adjacent light cell 42. Each light cell 42 corresponds to a pixel.
• the perforated mask 40 can be placed on a mask support 50.
• the mask support 50 is advantageously made of a transparent or translucent material.
• a translucent material is diffusing in the mass, for example it is of the opaline type.
• the mask support 50 has at least one textured face, in particular having graining. The translucent material and/or the presence of the graining makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the lit aspect of the pixel.
• the perforated mask 40 can be fixed on the mask support 50, in particular by gluing or by welding.
• the perforated mask 40 and the mask support 50 form a part obtained by bi-material molding.
• the grid 41 is a layer of an opaque material deposited on one side of the perforated mask, for example painted or printed on the mask 40.
• This alternative is represented on the by the reference 241.
• This layer of opaque material can also be a layer of metal, for example obtained by vacuum deposition.
• the layer of an opaque material the latter can constitute the perforated mask, and be directly deposited on the mask support.
• This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that certain cavities 220' have one or more partitions 221' obtained by the superposition of two sub-partitions 221a, 221a', 221b'.
• the sub-partitions 221a, 221a', 221b' defining a partition 221' are aligned. They are advantageously in contact. They define a cavity 220' of greater depth compared to the first embodiment.
• Sub-partitions 221a and 221a' have a similar or identical height, as do sub-partitions 221b'.
• the height is different between the sub-partitions 221a and 221a' on the one hand, and 221b' on the other hand.
• the sub-partitions 221b' have a lower height than the sub-partitions 221a and 221a'.
• the sub-partitions 221a have the same height as the partitions 221 comprising a single sub-partition.
• the partitions 221 and the sub-partitions 221a are part of the same cavity element. This makes it possible to use a first cavity element located close to the light sources 210, and defining the first opening 231 of each cavity 220, 220'.
• the first cavity element therefore uses an identical height for all the partitions 221 and sub-partitions 221a that it comprises.
• the sub-partitions 221a', 221b' form part of a second cavity element, superimposed on the first cavity element, that is to say it is located between the first cavity element and the perforated mask 240.
• the module 201 comprises a first standardized cavity element on which a second cavity element is superimposed to increase the depth of at least certain cavities.
• the sub-partitions 221a', 221b' have a height which increases from one edge of the module 201 to the other.
• the partitions 221 comprising a single sub-partition, and the sub-partitions 221a, 221a', 221b' have the same characteristics as the partitions 21 of the first embodiment.
• the sub-partitions are standardized elements, or at least have a standardized design, thus making it possible to reduce design and/or manufacturing costs.
• This embodiment allows the module 201 to be adapted to the exterior curve of the vehicle on which it is intended to be installed.
• sub-partitions can have the characteristics described above.
• This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the first cavity element is this time placed opposite the perforated mask 340 and in that the module comprises a first support 311' and a second support 311'' for the sources of light 310.
• the second support 311'' is offset towards the rear with respect to the first support 311', taking as reference the direction of travel S of the light.
• the second cavity element is located between the first cavity element and the light sources 310 located on the second support 311''.
• the second cavity element comprises sub-partitions 321b' having a similar or identical height. Each sub-partition 321b' is advantageously in contact with the sub-partition 321a of the first cavity element with which it defines a partition 321'.
• the second cavity element also comprises at least one sub-partition 321b'' of a different height from that of the sub-partitions 321b', in particular a smaller height.
• This sub-partition 312b'' is located at the edge of the second cavity element, and is intended to come at least partially under the first support 311'.
• This configuration is advantageous for having an identical width for all the cavities 320, 320', while using a first support 311' of significant extension, which allows good dissipation of the heat generated by the light sources 310 located on said first support 311'.
• the partitions 321 comprising a single sub-partition, and the sub-partitions 321a, 321b', 321b'' have the same characteristics as the partitions 21 of the first embodiment.
• This embodiment makes it possible to adapt the depth of the module, in particular when the exterior curve of the vehicle on which it is intended to be installed is not very pronounced.
• This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the partition 421b'' is not located under the support 411' but on its side.
• This configuration is advantageous in order to have standardized sub-partitions 421b', 421b'', that is to say having an entire identical cross-section.
• the partitions 421 comprising a single sub-partition, and the sub-partitions 421a, 421b', 421b'' have the same characteristics as the partitions 21 of the first embodiment.
• the first cavity element of the third and fourth embodiments comprises partitions of variable height, similarly to what is described for the second cavity element of the second embodiment. This makes it possible to adapt the module 301, 401 of the third and fourth embodiments to be further adapted to the exterior curve of the vehicle on which it is intended to be installed.
• the light source 10 has a mounting axis X, perpendicular to the support 11.
• the light source 10 when supplied with electricity, emits light rays R, mainly oriented laterally with respect to the mounting axis X. These form a light intensity indicator which depends on the direction measured by the angle ⁇ with respect to the mounting axis X.
• it is a luminous intensity indicator diagram of the light source.
• the abscissa axis corresponds to the value of the angle ⁇ .
• the ordinate axis corresponds to the relative value of light intensity emitted by the light source 10 in the direction corresponding to the angle ⁇ .
• the value 100 is assigned to the maximum intensity emitted by the source in a given direction. The curve is thus expressed as a percentage of this maximum value.
• the emission from the light source 10 is symmetrical with respect to the assembly axis X, that is to say that the intensity value is substantially equal for a direction corresponding to the angle + ⁇ and at angle – ⁇ . More specifically, the diagram of the represents the emission from the source in a radial plane containing the assembly axis X. Thus, the emission from the light source 10 has a symmetry of revolution around said assembly axis X, that is to say which regardless of the orientation of the radial plane around the mounting axis X.
• the curve is maintained at a low value, less than 20, over an angular range ranging from about -53° to +53°.
• the mounting axis assembly X is substantially parallel to the body of the cavity 20, that is to say to the mean direction connecting the first opening 31 and the second opening 32.
• the mounting axis assembly X is substantially parallel to the body of the cavity 20, that is to say to the mean direction connecting the first opening 31 and the second opening 32.
• the emission peak can be obtained for another angle value ⁇ peak+, ⁇ peak-.
• Angle values ⁇ peak greater than or equal to 45° are well suited to ensure the orientation of a large part of the flow towards the walls of the cavities.
• the emission diagram presents low values, in particular values less than or equal to 20, up to an angle ⁇ of 30°.
• the width at half height can also take other values than those indicated above. It can be more or less narrow, and distributed symmetrically or asymmetrically around the emission peak.
• the width at mid-height can be variable, in particular as a function of the angle ⁇ peak of the emission peak.
• the width at mid-height is less or equal to 30°. This is particularly the case for ⁇ peak between 75 and 90°, or between 45 and 55°.
• the width at mid-height can take higher values.
• ⁇ peak between 55 and 75°, and more specifically between 60 and 70°.
• the width at mid-height is asymmetrical around the emission peak, in order to limit the quantity of light emitted in a direction not oriented towards said partition 21. More specifically, if the angle ⁇ peak is high, in particular between 75 and 90°, it is advantageous for the angular difference between the emission peak and the value at mid-height to be smaller for the mid-height angle greater than ⁇ peak than for the mid-height angle lower than ⁇ peak. This prevents too much luminous flux from being sent beyond the partition 21 on the side of the first opening. This is the case of the configuration represented on the .
• the angle ⁇ peak is approximately 85°.
• the angle ⁇ peak is small, in particular between 45 and 55°, it is advantageous for the angular difference between the emission peak and the value at mid-height to be smaller for the angle at mid-height less than ⁇ peak than for the mid-height angle greater than ⁇ peak. This prevents too much luminous flux from being sent beyond the partition 21 on the side of the second opening.
• the emission from the light source does not have rotational symmetry.
• the characteristics described above for a rotationally symmetric emission are also applicable, and are to be understood in a given radial plane containing the mounting axis X, and which may vary from one radial plane to another. In said radial plane, they can also be different between the positive angle values ⁇ , and the negative ⁇ angle values ⁇ .
• the value of the angle ⁇ pic is higher in a direction corresponding to a partition 21 closer to the light source, and lower in a direction corresponding to a partition 21 further away from the light source.
• the terms “near” and “distant” are to be understood here in relation to each other.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

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Publications (1)

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Family Cites Families (8)

• 2021
  • 2021-05-31 FR FR2105735A patent/FR3123411B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-05-30 WO PCT/EP2022/064620 patent/WO2022253757A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2022-05-30 CN CN202280038568.5A patent/CN117480341A/zh active Pending
  • 2022-05-30 EP EP22730552.1A patent/EP4348103A1/de active Pending

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