WO2017025445A1 - Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle - Google Patents

Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017025445A1
WO2017025445A1 PCT/EP2016/068696 EP2016068696W WO2017025445A1 WO 2017025445 A1 WO2017025445 A1 WO 2017025445A1 EP 2016068696 W EP2016068696 W EP 2016068696W WO 2017025445 A1 WO2017025445 A1 WO 2017025445A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rods
electroluminescent
light source
electroluminescent rods
light
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/068696
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vanesa Sanchez
Christine Roucoules
Zdravko Zojceski
Benoit Reiss
Gilles Briand
Gilles LE-CALVEZ
Pierre Albou
Original Assignee
Valeo Vision
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2017025445A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017025445A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L33/00—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L33/02—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies
    • H01L33/08—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a plurality of light emitting regions, e.g. laterally discontinuous light emitting layer or photoluminescent region integrated within the semiconductor body
    • 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]
    • F21S41/155—Surface emitters, e.g. organic light emitting diodes [OLED]
    • 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
    • F21S41/176—Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L33/00—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L33/02—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies
    • H01L33/20—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate
    • H01L33/24—Semiconductor devices with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of lighting and / or signaling, especially for motor vehicles. It relates more particularly to a device capable of generating two separate lighting and / or signaling functions by alternating ignition of two light sources.
  • a motor vehicle is equipped with headlamps, or headlights, intended to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle, at night or in the case of reduced luminosity.
  • headlamps can generally be used in two lighting modes: a first mode “high beam” and a second mode “low beam”.
  • the "high beam” mode provides strong illumination of the road far ahead of the vehicle.
  • the “low beam” mode provides more limited road lighting, but still offers good visibility without dazzling other road users.
  • the light sources used in these projectors are more frequently constituted by light-emitting diodes, in particular for advantages of space and autonomy compared to conventional light sources.
  • the use of light-emitting diodes in lighting and / or signaling modules has also enabled market players (car manufacturer and designer of lighting and / or signaling devices) to bring a creative touch to the design of these devices, including the use of an ever larger number of these light emitting diodes to achieve optical effects.
  • market players car manufacturer and designer of lighting and / or signaling devices
  • One of the disadvantages of these projectors is their cost, in particular because of the number of diodes and the complexity of the associated optics.
  • the invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing closed by an ice and defining an internal volume in which is housed a semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of electroluminescent rods submillimetric dimensions.
  • optical shaping means means for changing the direction of at least a portion of the light rays.
  • the automotive field is applied to the technology of making the light-emitting zone by a forest of electroluminescent rods that is grown on a substrate, to produce a three-dimensional topology. It will be understood that this three-dimensional topology has the advantage of multiplying the light emission surface with respect to the electroluminescent diodes known hitherto in the automobile field, namely substantially planar diodes. In this way, the luminance of the source may be greater.
  • At least two groups of electroluminescent rods of the light source are arranged to be lit selectively, it being understood that it means that one or more rod groups of the light source can be piloted to play on their light intensity.
  • a separate ignition control system is provided for these groups of sticks, it being understood that this is primarily meant to mean that the rod groups can be switched on or off distinctively from each other, simultaneously or not. It allows the realization of a pixellated light, which can change depending on traffic conditions by the extinction and ignition of one or the other rods forming the light source.
  • a semiconductor light source comprising submillimeter-sized electroluminescent rods, in a motor vehicle headlamp, makes it possible to provide adaptive lighting systems, in which wish to form matrix beams, some of which may be off for example not to dazzle another user of the road.
  • the electroluminescent rods can extend from the same substrate, and they can in particular be formed directly on this substrate. It can be provided that the substrate is based on silicon or silicon carbide. It is understood that the substrate is based on silicon since it comprises mainly silicon, for example at least 50% and in practice about 99%.
  • each characteristic can be taken alone or in combination with the others: each rod has a generally cylindrical shape, in particular of polygonal section; it can be expected that each rod is the same general shape, and in particular a hexagonal shape;
  • the rods are each delimited by an end face and by a circumferential wall which extends along a longitudinal axis of the rod defining its height, the light being emitted at least from the circumferential wall; this light could also be emitted by the terminal face;
  • Each rod may have an end face which is substantially perpendicular to the circumferential wall, and in different variants, it can be provided that this end face is substantially flat or curved or pointed at its center;
  • the rods are arranged in matrix, that this matrix is regular, with a constant spacing between two successive rods of a given alignment, or that the rods are arranged in staggered rows;
  • the height of a stick is between 1 and 10 micrometers; the largest dimension of the end face is at most 10 micrometers, preferably at most 5 micrometers;
  • the largest dimension of the end face is less than 2 micrometers
  • the distance separating two immediately adjacent electroluminescent rods is at least 2 micrometers and at most 100 micrometers; the distance separating two immediately adjacent rods is at least equal to 10 micrometers.
  • the area of the illuminating surface is not more than 8 mm.
  • the semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of submillimeter-sized electroluminescent rods further comprises a layer of a polymeric material in which the rods are at least partially embedded; this polymeric material may be based on silicone, it being understood that the polymer material is based on silicone since it comprises mainly silicone, for example at least 50% and in practice about 99%.
  • the layer of polymeric material may comprise a phosphor or a plurality of phosphors excited by the light generated by at least one of the plurality of rods.
  • This phosphor, or this plurality of phosphors may be at least partially embedded in the polymer.
  • the shaping optics may comprise an optical projection of the light emitted by the semiconductor light source.
  • This projection optics creates a real, and possibly anamorphic, image of a part of the device, for example the source itself or a cache, or an intermediate image of the source, at a distance (finite or infinite) very large. in front of the dimensions of the device (of a ratio of the order of at least 30, preferably 100) of the device.
  • This projection optics may consist of one or more reflectors, or one or more lenses, or a combination of these two possibilities.
  • the light source ensures the generation of light rays which form at least one regulatory light beam for a motor vehicle.
  • Regulatory bundle means a beam that respects one of the photometric grids shown in the figures.
  • the device thus takes place in a projector before as well as in a rear light of a motor vehicle.
  • the distance separating two immediately adjacent rods is between 2 micrometers and 10 micrometers.
  • the luminous flux and the luminance of a light source of the present invention are constrained by the regulations in force concerning lighting and / or signaling in the automotive field and by crosstalk between rods.
  • current motor vehicle electrical architectures limit the power supply of the light source.
  • the parameters of the light source of the invention such as the height and the diameter of the rods or in this case the spacing of the rods on the substrate of the light source can be varied. It has thus been found that the distance separating two immediately adjacent rods must advantageously be between 2 micrometers and 10 micrometers.
  • this range makes it easy to manufacture shaping optics whose resolving power will distinguish two distinct groups of rods and will not distinguish two separate rods.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a lighting and / or signaling device according to the invention; , in which light rays emitted by a semiconductor light source according to the invention have been illustrated in the direction of a shaping optics;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the semiconductor light source of FIG. 1, in which a row of electroluminescent rods has been made visible in section;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view of a particular embodiment of the invention, in which two electroluminescent rods protrude from a substrate, said electroluminescent rods being encapsulated in a protective layer; and FIGS.
  • FIG. 4 to 6 are photometric grids of different lighting functions, among which the low beam function (FIG. 4), the high beam function superimposed on the code, ie the code / route (FIG. fog function (FIG. 6), in order to illustrate the type of regulatory light beam emitted by the semiconductor light source according to the invention.
  • the device of FIG. 1 is a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle. It comprises a light source 1, housed in a housing 2 closed by an ice-cream 4 and which defines an internal receiving volume of this emitter device.
  • the light source is associated with a shaping optics 6 of at least one part part of the light rays emitted by the semiconductor source. As has been previously stated, the shaping optics change a direction of at least a portion of the light rays emitted by the source.
  • Light source 1 is a semiconductor source comprising electroluminescent rods of submillimetric dimensions, that is to say semiconductor sources in three dimensions as will be explained hereinafter, unlike conventional sources in two dimensions, having substantially flat emissive layers, while a light emitting rod source has emitting layers in the form of protruding reliefs.
  • the light source 1 comprises a plurality of electroluminescent rods 8 of submillimeter dimensions, which will be called thereafter electroluminescent rods. These electroluminescent rods 8 originate on the same substrate 10.
  • Each electroluminescent rod here formed by use of gallium nitride (GaN), extends perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, projecting from the substrate, here made of silicon, d
  • the substrate here made of silicon, d
  • the electroluminescent rods could be made from a compound based on aluminum nitride and gallium nitride (AlN / GaN), or from an aluminum-based compound, from indium and gallium.
  • the substrate 10 has a lower face 12, to which a first electrode 14 is connected, and an upper face 16, projecting from which the electroluminescent rods 8 extend and to which a second electrode 18 is attached.
  • Different layers of materials are superimposed on the upper face 16, in particular after the growth of electroluminescent rods from the substrate obtained here by an ascending approach.
  • This layer is etched so as to connect a particular rod between them, the ignition of these rods can then be controlled simultaneously by a control module not shown here.
  • at least two electroluminescent rods or at least two groups of electroluminescent rods of the semiconductor light source 1 are arranged to be lit separately by means of an ignition control system.
  • the submillimetric electroluminescent rods extend from the substrate and comprise, as can be seen in FIG.
  • Each rod extends along a longitudinal axis 22 defining its height, the base 23 of each rod being disposed in a plane 24 of the upper face 16 of the substrate 10.
  • the electroluminescent rods 8 of the semiconductor light source advantageously have the same shape. These rods are each delimited by an end face 26 and a circumferential wall 28 which extends along the longitudinal axis. When the electroluminescent rods are doped and polarized, the resultant light output from the semiconductor source is emitted primarily from the circumferential wall 28, it being understood that radii may be provided Also, at least a small amount of light emanates from the end face 26.
  • each rod acts as a single light-emitting diode and the density of the electroluminescent rods 8 improves the luminance of this semiconductor source.
  • the circumferential wall 28 of a rod 8, corresponding to the gallium nitride shell, is covered by a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer 29 which forms the anode of each rod complementary to the cathode formed by the substrate.
  • TCO transparent conductive oxide
  • This circumferential wall 28 extends along the longitudinal axis 22 from the substrate 10 to the end face 26, the distance from the end face 26 to the upper face 16 of the substrate, from which the electroluminescent rods 8 originate. , defining the height of each stick.
  • the height of a light emitting rod 8 is between 1 and 10 micrometers, while it is expected that the largest transverse dimension of the end face, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22 of the electroluminescent rod concerned, ie less than 2 micrometers. It will also be possible to define the surface of a rod, in a sectional plane perpendicular to this longitudinal axis 22, in a range of determined values, and in particular between 1.96 and 4 microns square. These dimensions, given by way of non-limiting example, make it possible to demarcate a semiconductor light source comprising electroluminescent rods of a light source of substantially flat diode sources as used previously.
  • the semiconductor light source according to the invention may also be provided, and in particular a dimension of the illuminating surface, for example of at most 8 mm 2 .
  • the density of the rods and the surface area of the illuminating surface may in particular be calculated so that the luminance obtained by the plurality of electroluminescent rods is for example at least 60Cd / mm.
  • it may be a variant of any suitable size and illuminating surface, including an illuminating surface, for example greater than 8mm.
  • the optimal size of the illuminating surface of the source will depend on the focal length of the lens, its frontal area and the target function.
  • the height can be changed from one light source to another, so as to increase the luminance of the semiconductor light source when the height is increased.
  • the height of the rods may also be modified within a single light source, so that one group of rods may have a height, or heights, different from another group of rods, both groups being the semiconductor light source comprising electroluminescent rods of submillimeter dimensions.
  • the shape of the electroluminescent rods 8 may also vary from one device to another, in particular on the section of the rods and on the shape of the end face 26.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates electroluminescent rods having a generally cylindrical shape. , and in particular of polygonal section, here more particularly hexagonal. It is understood that it is important that light can be emitted through the circumferential wall, that it has a polygonal or circular shape for example.
  • end face 26 may have a substantially flat shape and perpendicular to the circumferential wall, so that it extends substantially parallel to the upper face 16 of the substrate 10, as shown in FIG. 2, or although it may have a domed or pointed form at its center, so as to multiply the directions of emission of the light emerging from this end face, as illustrated in FIG.
  • the electroluminescent rods 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. This arrangement could be such that the electroluminescent rods are arranged in staggered rows.
  • the invention covers other distributions of the rods, including rod densities which can be variable from one light source to another, and which can be variable in different areas of the same light source.
  • FIG. 2 shows the separation distance d1 of two immediately adjacent electroluminescent rods in a first transverse direction and the separation distance d2 of two immediately adjacent electroluminescent rods in a second transverse direction. The separation distances d1 and d2 are measured between two longitudinal axes 20 of adjacent electroluminescent rods.
  • the number of electroluminescent rods 8 projecting from the substrate 10 may vary from one device to another, in particular to increase the light density of the light source, but it is appropriate that one or the other of the distances dl, d2 should be at least equal to 10 micrometers, so that the light emitted by the circumferential wall 28 of each electroluminescent rod 8 can exit the matrix of rods.
  • the light source 1 may further comprise, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a layer 30 of a polymeric material in which electroluminescent rods 8 are at least partially embedded.
  • the layer 30 may thus extend over the entire extent of the substrate or only around a given group of electroluminescent rods 8.
  • the polymer material which may in particular be based on silicone, makes it possible to protect the electroluminescent rods 8 without disturbing the diffusion of light rays.
  • wavelength converting means and for example phosphors, able to absorb at least a portion of the rays emitted by one of the rods and to converting at least a portion of said absorbed excitation light into an emission light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light.
  • the light source may further comprise a coating 32 of light reflecting material which is disposed between the electroluminescent rods 8 to deflect the rays, initially oriented towards the substrate, towards the end face 26 of the 8.
  • the upper face 16 of the substrate 10 may comprise a reflecting means which reflects the light rays, initially oriented towards the upper face 16, towards the output face of the light source. This recovers rays that otherwise would be lost.
  • This coating 32 is disposed between the electroluminescent rods 8 on the transparent conductive oxide layer 29.
  • the light source 1 here comprises a rectangular shape, but it will be understood that it can present without departing from the context of the invention other general shapes, and in particular a form of parallelogram.
  • a separation 34 between two electroluminescent rods or two groups of electroluminescent rods can be provided so as to split the beams that can be emitted by this three-dimensional light source.
  • This separation 34 embodied for example by a dashed line in FIG. 2, can be obtained by physically producing a wall projecting from the substrate, but it is first of all carried out by the determined wiring of a particular electroluminescent rod or such or such group of electroluminescent rods 8 between them.
  • the shaping optics 6 may in particular comprise a projection optics 6, which here consists of a lens 36 which deflects the rays emitted by the light source disposed at the object focus of the lens to form a beam at the prescribed infinity that is to say, which respects the photometric grid of a particular light beam.
  • FIGS. 4 to 6 show examples of such photometric grids, respectively for a low beam (FIG. 4), for a high beam superimposed on the code (FIG. 5) and for a fog lamp (FIG. 6).
  • a mask 38 is provided between the light source 1 and the lens 36 to deflect the rays towards the lens, it being understood that the three-dimensional shape of the semiconductor light source according to the invention generates light rays in different directions.
  • the present invention applies to both a front projector and a rear light of a motor vehicle.

Abstract

A lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle comprises a casing (2) closed by an outer lens (4) and defining an internal volume, and a semiconductor light source (1) housed in said internal volume. The semiconductor light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting rods of submillimetre dimensions. The device furthermore includes optics for forming the light produced by said light-emitting rods.

Description

DISPOSITIF D'ECLAIRAGE ET/OU DE SIGNALISATION POUR  LIGHTING AND / OR SIGNALING DEVICE FOR
VEHICULE AUTOMOBILE  MOTOR VEHICLE
L'invention a trait au domaine de l'éclairage et/ou de la signalisation, notamment pour véhicules automobiles. Elle concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif apte à générer deux fonctions distinctes d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation par allumage alternatif de deux sources de lumière. The invention relates to the field of lighting and / or signaling, especially for motor vehicles. It relates more particularly to a device capable of generating two separate lighting and / or signaling functions by alternating ignition of two light sources.
Un véhicule automobile est équipé de projecteurs, ou phares, destinés à illuminer la route devant le véhicule, la nuit ou en cas de luminosité réduite. Ces projecteurs peuvent généralement être utilisés selon deux modes d'éclairage : un premier mode « feux de route » et un deuxième mode « feux de croisement ». Le mode « feux de route » permet d'éclairer fortement la route loin devant le véhicule. Le mode « feux de croisement » procure un éclairage plus limité de la route, mais offrant néanmoins une bonne visibilité, sans éblouir les autres usagers de la route. Les sources de lumière utilisées dans ces projecteurs sont de plus en plus fréquemment constituées par des diodes électroluminescentes, notamment pour des avantages d'encombrement et d'autonomie par rapport à des sources de lumière classiques. L'utilisation de diodes électroluminescentes dans les modules d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation a permis en outre aux acteurs du marché (fabricant d'automobiles et concepteur de dispositifs d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation) d'apporter une touche créative à la conception de ces dispositifs, notamment par l'utilisation d'un nombre toujours plus grand de ces diodes électroluminescentes pour réaliser des effets optiques. Un des inconvénients de ces projecteurs est leur coût, en raison notamment du nombre de diodes et de la complexité des optiques associées. L'invention a pour objet un dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comprenant un boîtier fermé par une glace et définissant un volume interne dans lequel est logée une source de lumière à semi-conducteur comprenant une pluralité de bâtonnets électroluminescents de dimensions submillimétriques. Et il est prévu d'associer une optique de mise en forme d'au moins une partie des rayons lumineux émis par les bâtonnets électroluminescents. Par optique de mise en forme, on entend des moyens permettant de changer la direction d'au moins une partie des rayons lumineux. Ainsi, on applique au domaine automobile une technologie consistant à réaliser la zone émettrice de lumière par une forêt de bâtonnets électroluminescents que l'on fait croître sur un substrat, pour réaliser une topologie en trois dimensions. On comprend que cette topologie en trois dimensions présente l'avantage de multiplier la surface d'émission lumineuse par rapport aux diodes électroluminescentes connues jusque-là dans le domaine de l'automobile, à savoir des diodes sensiblement planes. De la sorte, la luminance de la source peut être plus importante. A motor vehicle is equipped with headlamps, or headlights, intended to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle, at night or in the case of reduced luminosity. These headlamps can generally be used in two lighting modes: a first mode "high beam" and a second mode "low beam". The "high beam" mode provides strong illumination of the road far ahead of the vehicle. The "low beam" mode provides more limited road lighting, but still offers good visibility without dazzling other road users. The light sources used in these projectors are more frequently constituted by light-emitting diodes, in particular for advantages of space and autonomy compared to conventional light sources. The use of light-emitting diodes in lighting and / or signaling modules has also enabled market players (car manufacturer and designer of lighting and / or signaling devices) to bring a creative touch to the design of these devices, including the use of an ever larger number of these light emitting diodes to achieve optical effects. One of the disadvantages of these projectors is their cost, in particular because of the number of diodes and the complexity of the associated optics. The invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing closed by an ice and defining an internal volume in which is housed a semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of electroluminescent rods submillimetric dimensions. And it is expected to combine an optical shaping at least a portion of the light rays emitted by the electroluminescent rods. By optical shaping means means for changing the direction of at least a portion of the light rays. Thus, the automotive field is applied to the technology of making the light-emitting zone by a forest of electroluminescent rods that is grown on a substrate, to produce a three-dimensional topology. It will be understood that this three-dimensional topology has the advantage of multiplying the light emission surface with respect to the electroluminescent diodes known hitherto in the automobile field, namely substantially planar diodes. In this way, the luminance of the source may be greater.
Par ailleurs, on peut prévoir qu'au moins deux groupes de bâtonnets électroluminescents de la source de lumière soient agencés pour être allumés de manière sélective, étant entendu qu'on entend par cela qu'un ou plusieurs groupes bâtonnets de la source de lumière peuvent être pilotés pour jouer sur leur intensité lumineuse. On prévoit un système de contrôle de l'allumage distinct de ces groupes de bâtonnets, étant entendu qu'on entend principalement par cela que les groupes de bâtonnets peuvent être allumés ou éteints distinctivement les uns des autres, simultanément ou non. On permet la réalisation d'une lumière pixellisée, qui peut évoluer en fonction des conditions de circulation par l'extinction et l'allumage de l'un ou l'autre des bâtonnets formant la source de lumière. En d'autres termes, l'application d'une source de lumière à semi-conducteur, comportant des bâtonnets électroluminescents de dimensions submillimétriques, dans un projecteur de véhicule automobile, permet d'assurer des systèmes d'éclairage adaptatifs, dans lesquels on peut souhaiter former des faisceaux matriciels dont une partie peut être éteinte pour par exemple ne pas éblouir un autre usager de la route. Moreover, it can be provided that at least two groups of electroluminescent rods of the light source are arranged to be lit selectively, it being understood that it means that one or more rod groups of the light source can be piloted to play on their light intensity. A separate ignition control system is provided for these groups of sticks, it being understood that this is primarily meant to mean that the rod groups can be switched on or off distinctively from each other, simultaneously or not. It allows the realization of a pixellated light, which can change depending on traffic conditions by the extinction and ignition of one or the other rods forming the light source. In other words, the application of a semiconductor light source, comprising submillimeter-sized electroluminescent rods, in a motor vehicle headlamp, makes it possible to provide adaptive lighting systems, in which wish to form matrix beams, some of which may be off for example not to dazzle another user of the road.
Les bâtonnets électroluminescents peuvent s'étendre à partir d'un même substrat, et ils peuvent notamment être formés directement sur ce substrat. On peut prévoir que le substrat soit à base de Silicium ou de carbure de silicium. On comprend que le substrat est à base de silicium dès lors qu'il comporte majoritairement du silicium, par exemple au moins 50% et dans la pratique environ 99%. The electroluminescent rods can extend from the same substrate, and they can in particular be formed directly on this substrate. It can be provided that the substrate is based on silicon or silicon carbide. It is understood that the substrate is based on silicon since it comprises mainly silicon, for example at least 50% and in practice about 99%.
Selon des caractéristiques propres à la constitution des bâtonnets électroluminescents et à la disposition de ces bâtonnets électroluminescents sur le substrat, on pourra prévoir que, chaque caractéristique pouvant être prise seule ou en combinaison avec les autres : - chaque bâtonnet présente une forme générale cylindrique, notamment de section polygonale ; on pourra prévoir que chaque bâtonnet est la même forme générale, et notamment une forme hexagonale ; According to characteristics specific to the constitution of the electroluminescent rods and the arrangement of these electroluminescent rods on the substrate, it can be provided that each characteristic can be taken alone or in combination with the others: each rod has a generally cylindrical shape, in particular of polygonal section; it can be expected that each rod is the same general shape, and in particular a hexagonal shape;
- les bâtonnets sont chacun délimités par une face terminale et par une paroi circonférentielle qui s'étend le long d'un axe longitudinal du bâtonnet définissant sa hauteur, la lumière étant émise au moins à partir de la paroi circonférentielle ; cette lumière pourrait également être émise par la face terminale ; the rods are each delimited by an end face and by a circumferential wall which extends along a longitudinal axis of the rod defining its height, the light being emitted at least from the circumferential wall; this light could also be emitted by the terminal face;
- chaque bâtonnet peut présenter une face terminale qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire à la paroi circonférentielle, et dans différentes variantes, on peut prévoir que cette face terminale est sensiblement plane ou bombée, ou pointue, en son centre ; - Each rod may have an end face which is substantially perpendicular to the circumferential wall, and in different variants, it can be provided that this end face is substantially flat or curved or pointed at its center;
- les bâtonnets sont agencés en matrice, que cette matrice soit régulière, avec un espacement constant entre deux bâtonnets successifs d'un alignement donné, ou que les bâtonnets soient disposés en quinconce ; the rods are arranged in matrix, that this matrix is regular, with a constant spacing between two successive rods of a given alignment, or that the rods are arranged in staggered rows;
- la hauteur d'un bâtonnet est comprise entre 1 et 10 micromètres ; - la plus grande dimension de la face terminale est d'au plus 10 micromètres, de préférence d'au plus 5 micromètres ; the height of a stick is between 1 and 10 micrometers; the largest dimension of the end face is at most 10 micrometers, preferably at most 5 micrometers;
- la plus grande dimension de la face terminale est inférieure à 2 micromètres ; the largest dimension of the end face is less than 2 micrometers;
- la distance qui sépare deux bâtonnets électroluminescents immédiatement adjacents est d'au moins 2 micromètres et d'au plus 100 micromètres ; - la distance qui sépare deux bâtonnets immédiatement adjacents est au minimum égale à 10 micromètres. the distance separating two immediately adjacent electroluminescent rods is at least 2 micrometers and at most 100 micrometers; the distance separating two immediately adjacent rods is at least equal to 10 micrometers.
- l'aire de la surface éclairante est d'au plus 8 mm . - the area of the illuminating surface is not more than 8 mm.
- la luminance obtenue par la pluralité de bâtonnets électroluminescents est par exemple d'au moins 60Cd/mm . Selon d'autres caractéristiques, on pourra prévoir que la source de lumière à semiconducteur comprenant une pluralité de bâtonnets électroluminescents de dimensions submillimétriques comporte en outre une couche d'un matériau polymère dans laquelle les bâtonnets sont au moins partiellement noyés ; ce matériau polymère peut être à base de silicone, étant entendu que le matériau polymère est à base de silicone dès lors qu'il comporte majoritairement du silicone, par exemple au moins 50% et dans la pratique environ 99%. La couche de matériau polymère peut comprendre un luminophore ou une pluralité de luminophores excités par la lumière générée par au moins un de la pluralité de bâtonnets. On entend par luminophore, ou convertisseur de lumière, et par exemple un matériau phosphorescent, la présence d'au moins un matériau luminescent conçu pour absorber au moins une partie d'au moins une lumière d'excitation émise par une source lumineuse et pour convertir au moins une partie de ladite lumière d'excitation absorbée en une lumière d'émission ayant une longueur d'onde, ou une couleur, différente de celle de la lumière d'excitation. Ce luminophore, ou cette pluralité de luminophores, peut être au moins partiellement noyé dans le polymère. Selon l'invention, l'optique de mise en forme peut comprendre une optique de projection de la lumière émise par la source de lumière à semi-conducteur. Cette optique de projection crée une image réelle, et éventuellement anamorphosée, d'une partie du dispositif, par exemple la source elle-même ou un cache, ou d'une image intermédiaire de la source, à distance (finie ou infinie) très grande devant les dimensions du dispositif (d'un rapport de l'ordre d'au moins 30, de préférence 100) du dispositif. Cette optique de projection peut consister en un ou plusieurs réflecteurs, ou bien en une ou plusieurs lentille(s), ou encore en une combinaison de ces deux possibilités. - The luminance obtained by the plurality of electroluminescent rods is for example at least 60Cd / mm. According to other features, it may be provided that the semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of submillimeter-sized electroluminescent rods further comprises a layer of a polymeric material in which the rods are at least partially embedded; this polymeric material may be based on silicone, it being understood that the polymer material is based on silicone since it comprises mainly silicone, for example at least 50% and in practice about 99%. The layer of polymeric material may comprise a phosphor or a plurality of phosphors excited by the light generated by at least one of the plurality of rods. The term phosphor, or light converter, and for example a phosphorescent material, the presence of at least one luminescent material designed 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 excitation light absorbed into an emission light having a wavelength, or a color, different from that of the excitation light. This phosphor, or this plurality of phosphors, may be at least partially embedded in the polymer. According to the invention, the shaping optics may comprise an optical projection of the light emitted by the semiconductor light source. This projection optics creates a real, and possibly anamorphic, image of a part of the device, for example the source itself or a cache, or an intermediate image of the source, at a distance (finite or infinite) very large. in front of the dimensions of the device (of a ratio of the order of at least 30, preferably 100) of the device. This projection optics may consist of one or more reflectors, or one or more lenses, or a combination of these two possibilities.
Selon une caractéristique particulière de l'invention, on prévoit que la source de lumière assure la génération de rayons de lumière qui forment au moins un faisceau lumineux réglementaire pour véhicule automobile. Par faisceau réglementaire, on entend un faisceau qui respecte une des grilles photométriques illustrée dans les figures. According to a particular characteristic of the invention, it is provided that the light source ensures the generation of light rays which form at least one regulatory light beam for a motor vehicle. Regulatory bundle means a beam that respects one of the photometric grids shown in the figures.
Le dispositif prend ainsi place aussi bien dans un projecteur avant que dans un feu arrière de véhicule automobile. The device thus takes place in a projector before as well as in a rear light of a motor vehicle.
Selon une autre caractéristique particulière de l'invention, la distance qui sépare deux bâtonnets immédiatement adjacents est comprise entre 2 micromètres et 10 micromètres. According to another particular characteristic of the invention, the distance separating two immediately adjacent rods is between 2 micrometers and 10 micrometers.
Le flux lumineux et la luminance d'une source lumineuse de la présente invention sont contraints par les réglementations en vigueur concernant l'éclairage et/ou la signalisation dans le domaine automobile et par la diaphonie entre bâtonnets. En outre les architectures électriques actuelles des véhicules automobiles limitent la puissance d'alimentation de la source lumineuse. Ainsi pour obtenir un faisceau d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation conforme à ces règlements avec une telle source lumineuse et dans la limite de ces architectures électriques, les paramètres de la source de lumière de l'invention comme la hauteur et le diamètre des bâtonnets ou en l'occurrence l'espacement des bâtonnets sur le substrat de la source lumineuse peuvent être variés. Il a ainsi été constaté que la distance qui sépare deux bâtonnets immédiatement adjacents doit avantageusement être comprise entre 2 micromètres et 10 micromètres. The luminous flux and the luminance of a light source of the present invention are constrained by the regulations in force concerning lighting and / or signaling in the automotive field and by crosstalk between rods. In addition, current motor vehicle electrical architectures limit the power supply of the light source. Thus to obtain a lighting beam and / or signaling according to these regulations with such a light source and within the limits of these electrical architectures, the parameters of the light source of the invention such as the height and the diameter of the rods or in this case the spacing of the rods on the substrate of the light source can be varied. It has thus been found that the distance separating two immediately adjacent rods must advantageously be between 2 micrometers and 10 micrometers.
D'autre part, cette fourchette permet de fabriquer facilement des optiques de mise en forme dont le pouvoir de résolution permettra de distinguer deux groupes distincts de bâtonnets et ne permettra pas de distinguer deux bâtonnets distincts. On the other hand, this range makes it easy to manufacture shaping optics whose resolving power will distinguish two distinct groups of rods and will not distinguish two separate rods.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à l'aide de la description et des dessins parmi lesquels : la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'un dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation selon l'invention, dans lequel on a illustré des rayons lumineux émis par une source de lumière à semi-conducteur selon l'invention en direction d'une optique de mise en forme ; - la figure 2 est une représentation schématique en perspective de la source de lumière à semi-conducteur de la figure 1, dans laquelle on a rendu visible en coupe une rangée de bâtonnets électroluminescents ; la figure 3 est une vue en coupe d'un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, dans lequel deux bâtonnets électroluminescents s'étendent en saillie d'un substrat, lesdits bâtonnets électroluminescents étant encapsulés dans une couche protectrice ; et les figures 4 à 6 sont des grilles photométriques de différentes fonctions d'éclairage, parmi lesquelles la fonction de feu de croisement (figure 4), la fonction de feu de route superposée au code, i.e. code/route (figure 5) ou la fonction antibrouillard (figure 6), afin d'illustrer le type de faisceau lumineux réglementaire pouvant être émis par la source de lumière à semi-conducteur selon l'invention. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the description and the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a lighting and / or signaling device according to the invention; , in which light rays emitted by a semiconductor light source according to the invention have been illustrated in the direction of a shaping optics; FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the semiconductor light source of FIG. 1, in which a row of electroluminescent rods has been made visible in section; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a particular embodiment of the invention, in which two electroluminescent rods protrude from a substrate, said electroluminescent rods being encapsulated in a protective layer; and FIGS. 4 to 6 are photometric grids of different lighting functions, among which the low beam function (FIG. 4), the high beam function superimposed on the code, ie the code / route (FIG. fog function (FIG. 6), in order to illustrate the type of regulatory light beam emitted by the semiconductor light source according to the invention.
Le dispositif de la figure 1 est un dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation de véhicule automobile. Il comporte une source de lumière 1, logée dans un boîtier 2 fermé par une glace 4 et qui définit un volume interne de réception de ce dispositif émetteur. La source de lumière est associée à une optique de mise en forme 6 d'une partie au moins une partie des rayons lumineux émis par la source à semi-conducteur. Tel que cela a pu être précisé précédemment, l'optique de mise en forme change une direction d'au moins une partie des rayons lumineux émis par la source. The device of FIG. 1 is a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle. It comprises a light source 1, housed in a housing 2 closed by an ice-cream 4 and which defines an internal receiving volume of this emitter device. The light source is associated with a shaping optics 6 of at least one part part of the light rays emitted by the semiconductor source. As has been previously stated, the shaping optics change a direction of at least a portion of the light rays emitted by the source.
La source de lumière 1 est une source à semi-conducteur, comprenant des bâtonnets électroluminescents de dimensions submillimétriques, c'est-à-dire des sources à semiconducteur en trois dimensions tel que cela sera exposé ci-après, contrairement aux sources classiques en deux dimensions, présentant des couches émissives sensiblement planes, alors qu'une source à bâtonnets électroluminescents présente des couches émissives sous la forme de reliefs en saillie. La source de lumière 1 comprend une pluralité de bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 de dimensions submillimétriques, que l'on appellera par la suite bâtonnets électroluminescents. Ces bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 prennent naissance sur un même substrat 10. Chaque bâtonnet électroluminescent, ici formé par utilisation de nitrure de gallium (GaN), s'étend perpendiculairement, ou sensiblement perpendiculairement, en saillie du substrat, ici réalisé à base de silicium, d'autres matériaux comme du carbure de silicium pouvant être utilisés pour le substrat sans sortir du contexte de l'invention. A titre d'exemple, les bâtonnets électroluminescents pourraient être réalisés à partir d'un composé à base de nitrure d'aluminium et de nitrure de gallium (AIN/GaN), ou à partir d'un composé à base d'aluminium, d'indium et de gallium. Sur la figure 2, le substrat 10 présente une face inférieure 12, sur laquelle est rapportée une première électrode 14, et une face supérieure 16, en saillie de laquelle s'étendent les bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 et sur laquelle est rapportée une deuxième électrode 18. Différentes couches de matériaux sont superposées sur la face supérieure 16, notamment après la croissance des bâtonnets électroluminescents depuis le substrat ici obtenue par une approche ascendante. Parmi ces différentes couches, on peut trouver au moins une couche de matériau conducteur électriquement, afin de permettre l'alimentation électrique des bâtonnets. Cette couche est gravée de manière à relier tel ou tel bâtonnet entre eux, l'allumage de ces bâtonnets pouvant alors être commandé simultanément par un module de commande ici non représenté. On pourra prévoir qu'au moins deux bâtonnets électroluminescents ou au moins deux groupes de bâtonnets électroluminescents de la source de lumière à semi-conducteur 1 sont agencés pour être allumés de manière distincte par l'intermédiaire d'un système de contrôle de l'allumage. Les bâtonnets électroluminescents de dimensions submillimétriques s'étirent depuis le substrat et comportent, tel que cela est visible sur la figure 2, chacun un noyau 19 en nitrure de gallium, autour duquel sont disposés des puits quantiques 20 formés par une superposition radiale de couches de matériaux différents, ici du nitrure de gallium et du nitrure de gallium-indium, et une coque 21 entourant les puits quantiques également réalisée en nitrure de gallium. Light source 1 is a semiconductor source comprising electroluminescent rods of submillimetric dimensions, that is to say semiconductor sources in three dimensions as will be explained hereinafter, unlike conventional sources in two dimensions, having substantially flat emissive layers, while a light emitting rod source has emitting layers in the form of protruding reliefs. The light source 1 comprises a plurality of electroluminescent rods 8 of submillimeter dimensions, which will be called thereafter electroluminescent rods. These electroluminescent rods 8 originate on the same substrate 10. Each electroluminescent rod, here formed by use of gallium nitride (GaN), extends perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, projecting from the substrate, here made of silicon, d Other materials such as silicon carbide can be used for the substrate without departing from the context of the invention. By way of example, the electroluminescent rods could be made from a compound based on aluminum nitride and gallium nitride (AlN / GaN), or from an aluminum-based compound, from indium and gallium. In FIG. 2, the substrate 10 has a lower face 12, to which a first electrode 14 is connected, and an upper face 16, projecting from which the electroluminescent rods 8 extend and to which a second electrode 18 is attached. Different layers of materials are superimposed on the upper face 16, in particular after the growth of electroluminescent rods from the substrate obtained here by an ascending approach. Among these different layers, one can find at least one layer of electrically conductive material, in order to allow the power supply of the rods. This layer is etched so as to connect a particular rod between them, the ignition of these rods can then be controlled simultaneously by a control module not shown here. It can be provided that at least two electroluminescent rods or at least two groups of electroluminescent rods of the semiconductor light source 1 are arranged to be lit separately by means of an ignition control system. . The submillimetric electroluminescent rods extend from the substrate and comprise, as can be seen in FIG. 2, each a nucleus 19 made of gallium nitride, around which are disposed quantum wells 20 formed by a radial superposition of layers of different materials, here gallium nitride and gallium-indium nitride, and a shell 21 surrounding the quantum wells also made of gallium nitride.
Chaque bâtonnet s'étend selon un axe longitudinal 22 définissant sa hauteur, la base 23 de chaque bâtonnet étant disposée dans un plan 24 de la face supérieure 16 du substrat 10. Les bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 de la source de lumière à semi-conducteur présentent avantageusement la même forme. Ces bâtonnets sont chacun délimités par une face terminale 26 et par une paroi circonférentielle 28 qui s'étend le long de l'axe longitudinal. Lorsque les bâtonnets électroluminescents sont dopés et font l'objet d'une polarisation, la lumière résultante en sortie de la source à semi-conducteur est émise principalement à partir de la paroi circonférentielle 28, étant entendu que l'on peut prévoir que des rayons lumineux sortent également, au moins en petite quantité, à partir de la face terminale 26. Il en résulte que chaque bâtonnet agit comme une unique diode électroluminescente et que la densité des bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 améliore la luminance de cette source à semi-conducteur. La paroi circonférentielle 28 d'un bâtonnet 8, correspondant à la coquille de nitrure de gallium, est recouverte par une couche d'oxyde conducteur transparent (TCO) 29 qui forme l'anode de chaque bâtonnet complémentaire à la cathode formée par le substrat. Cette paroi circonférentielle 28 s'étend le long de l'axe longitudinal 22 depuis le substrat 10 jusqu'à la face terminale 26, la distance de la face terminale 26 à la face supérieure 16 du substrat, depuis laquelle prennent naissance les bâtonnets électroluminescents 8, définissant la hauteur de chaque bâtonnet. A titre d'exemple, on prévoit que la hauteur d'un bâtonnet électroluminescent 8 est comprise entre 1 et 10 micromètres, tandis que l'on prévoit que la plus grande dimension transversale de la face terminale, perpendiculairement à l'axe longitudinal 22 du bâtonnet électroluminescent concerné, soit inférieure à 2 micromètres. On pourra également prévoir de définir la surface d'un bâtonnet, dans un plan de coupe perpendiculaire à cet axe longitudinal 22, dans une plage de valeurs déterminées, et notamment entre 1.96 et 4 micromètres carré. Ces dimensions, données à titre d'exemple non limitatif, permettent de démarquer une source de lumière à semi-conducteur comprenant des bâtonnets électroluminescents d'une source de lumière des sources à diodes sensiblement planes telle qu'utilisée précédemment. On pourra également prévoir d'autres dimensionnements particuliers de la source de lumière à semi-conducteur selon l'invention, et notamment une dimension de la surface éclairante par exemple d'au plus 8 mm2. La densité des bâtonnets et la superficie de la surface éclairante peuvent notamment être calculées pour que la luminance obtenue par la pluralité de bâtonnets électroluminescents soit par exemple d'au moins 60Cd/mm . Cependant, il peut s'agir en variante de toute dimension et surface éclairante adaptées, y compris une surface éclairante par exemple supérieure à 8mm . La dimension optimale de la surface éclairante de la source dépendra de la focale de la lentille, de sa surface frontale et de la fonction visée. Each rod extends along a longitudinal axis 22 defining its height, the base 23 of each rod being disposed in a plane 24 of the upper face 16 of the substrate 10. The electroluminescent rods 8 of the semiconductor light source advantageously have the same shape. These rods are each delimited by an end face 26 and a circumferential wall 28 which extends along the longitudinal axis. When the electroluminescent rods are doped and polarized, the resultant light output from the semiconductor source is emitted primarily from the circumferential wall 28, it being understood that radii may be provided Also, at least a small amount of light emanates from the end face 26. As a result, each rod acts as a single light-emitting diode and the density of the electroluminescent rods 8 improves the luminance of this semiconductor source. The circumferential wall 28 of a rod 8, corresponding to the gallium nitride shell, is covered by a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer 29 which forms the anode of each rod complementary to the cathode formed by the substrate. This circumferential wall 28 extends along the longitudinal axis 22 from the substrate 10 to the end face 26, the distance from the end face 26 to the upper face 16 of the substrate, from which the electroluminescent rods 8 originate. , defining the height of each stick. For example, it is expected that the height of a light emitting rod 8 is between 1 and 10 micrometers, while it is expected that the largest transverse dimension of the end face, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22 of the electroluminescent rod concerned, ie less than 2 micrometers. It will also be possible to define the surface of a rod, in a sectional plane perpendicular to this longitudinal axis 22, in a range of determined values, and in particular between 1.96 and 4 microns square. These dimensions, given by way of non-limiting example, make it possible to demarcate a semiconductor light source comprising electroluminescent rods of a light source of substantially flat diode sources as used previously. Other particular dimensions of the semiconductor light source according to the invention may also be provided, and in particular a dimension of the illuminating surface, for example of at most 8 mm 2 . The density of the rods and the surface area of the illuminating surface may in particular be calculated so that the luminance obtained by the plurality of electroluminescent rods is for example at least 60Cd / mm. However, it may be a variant of any suitable size and illuminating surface, including an illuminating surface, for example greater than 8mm. The optimal size of the illuminating surface of the source will depend on the focal length of the lens, its frontal area and the target function.
On comprend que lors de la formation des bâtonnets 8, la hauteur peut être modifiée d'une source de lumière à l'autre, de manière à accroître la luminance de la source de lumière à semi-conducteur lorsque la hauteur est augmentée. La hauteur des bâtonnets peut également être modifiée au sein d'une unique source de lumière, de sorte qu'un groupe de bâtonnets peut avoir une hauteur, ou des hauteurs, différentes d'un autre groupe de bâtonnets, ces deux groupes étant constitutifs de la source de lumière à semiconducteur comprenant des bâtonnets électroluminescents de dimensions submillimétriques. It is understood that during the formation of the rods 8, the height can be changed from one light source to another, so as to increase the luminance of the semiconductor light source when the height is increased. The height of the rods may also be modified within a single light source, so that one group of rods may have a height, or heights, different from another group of rods, both groups being the semiconductor light source comprising electroluminescent rods of submillimeter dimensions.
La forme des bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 peut également varier d'un dispositif à l'autre, notamment sur la section des bâtonnets et sur la forme de la face terminale 26. Il a été illustré sur la figure 2 des bâtonnets électroluminescents présentant une forme générale cylindrique, et notamment de section polygonale, ici plus particulièrement hexagonale. On comprend qu'il importe que de la lumière puisse être émise à travers la paroi circonférentielle, que celle-ci présente une forme polygonale ou circulaire par exemple. The shape of the electroluminescent rods 8 may also vary from one device to another, in particular on the section of the rods and on the shape of the end face 26. FIG. 2 illustrates electroluminescent rods having a generally cylindrical shape. , and in particular of polygonal section, here more particularly hexagonal. It is understood that it is important that light can be emitted through the circumferential wall, that it has a polygonal or circular shape for example.
Par ailleurs, la face terminale 26 peut présenter une forme sensiblement plane et perpendiculaire à la paroi circonférentielle, de sorte qu'elle s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à la face supérieure 16 du substrat 10, tel que cela est illustré sur la figure 2, ou bien elle peut présenter une forme bombée ou en pointe en son centre, de manière à multiplier les directions d'émission de la lumière sortant de cette face terminale, tel que cela est illustré sur la figure 3. Moreover, the end face 26 may have a substantially flat shape and perpendicular to the circumferential wall, so that it extends substantially parallel to the upper face 16 of the substrate 10, as shown in FIG. 2, or although it may have a domed or pointed form at its center, so as to multiply the directions of emission of the light emerging from this end face, as illustrated in FIG.
Sur la figure 2, les bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 sont agencés en matrice à deux dimensions. Cet agencement pourrait être tel que les bâtonnets électroluminescents soient agencés en quinconce. L'invention couvre d'autres répartitions des bâtonnets, avec notamment des densités de bâtonnets qui peuvent être variables d'une source de lumière à l'autre, et qui peuvent être variables selon différentes zones d'une même source de lumière. On a représenté sur la figure 2 la distance de séparation dl de deux bâtonnets électroluminescents immédiatement adjacents dans une première direction transversale et la distance de séparation d2 de deux bâtonnets électroluminescents immédiatement adjacents dans une deuxième direction transversale. Les distances de séparation dl et d2 sont mesurées entre deux axes longitudinaux 20 de bâtonnets électroluminescents adjacents. Le nombre de bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 s'étendant en saillie du substrat 10 peut varier d'un dispositif à l'autre, notamment pour augmenter la densité lumineuse de la source de lumière, mais on convient que l'une ou l'autre des distances de séparation dl, d2 doit être au minimum égale à 10 micromètres, afin que la lumière émise par la paroi circonférentielle 28 de chaque bâtonnet électroluminescent 8 puisse sortir de la matrice de bâtonnets. In FIG. 2, the electroluminescent rods 8 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. This arrangement could be such that the electroluminescent rods are arranged in staggered rows. The invention covers other distributions of the rods, including rod densities which can be variable from one light source to another, and which can be variable in different areas of the same light source. FIG. 2 shows the separation distance d1 of two immediately adjacent electroluminescent rods in a first transverse direction and the separation distance d2 of two immediately adjacent electroluminescent rods in a second transverse direction. The separation distances d1 and d2 are measured between two longitudinal axes 20 of adjacent electroluminescent rods. The number of electroluminescent rods 8 projecting from the substrate 10 may vary from one device to another, in particular to increase the light density of the light source, but it is appropriate that one or the other of the distances dl, d2 should be at least equal to 10 micrometers, so that the light emitted by the circumferential wall 28 of each electroluminescent rod 8 can exit the matrix of rods.
La source de lumière 1 peut comporter en outre, tel qu'illustré sur la figure 3, une couche 30 d'un matériau polymère dans laquelle des bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 sont au moins partiellement noyés. La couche 30 peut ainsi s'étendre sur toute l'étendue du substrat ou seulement autour d'un groupe déterminé de bâtonnets électroluminescents 8. Le matériau polymère, qui peut notamment être à base de silicone, permet de protéger les bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 sans gêner la diffusion des rayons lumineux. En outre, il est possible d'intégrer dans cette couche 30 de matériau polymère des moyens de conversion de longueur d'onde, et par exemple des luminophores, aptes à absorber au moins une partie des rayons émis par l'un des bâtonnets et à convertir au moins une partie de ladite lumière d'excitation absorbée en une lumière d'émission ayant une longueur d'onde différente de celle de la lumière d'excitation. La source de lumière peut comporter en outre un revêtement 32 de matériau réfléchissant la lumière qui est disposé entre les bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 pour dévier les rayons, initialement orientés vers le substrat, vers la face terminale 26 des bâtonnets électroluminescents 8. En d'autres termes, la face supérieure 16 du substrat 10 peut comporter un moyen réfléchissant qui renvoie les rayons lumineux, initialement orientés vers la face supérieure 16, vers la face de sortie de la source de lumière. On récupère ainsi des rayons qui autrement seraient perdus. Ce revêtement 32 est disposé entre les bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 sur la couche d'oxyde conducteur transparent 29. The light source 1 may further comprise, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a layer 30 of a polymeric material in which electroluminescent rods 8 are at least partially embedded. The layer 30 may thus extend over the entire extent of the substrate or only around a given group of electroluminescent rods 8. The polymer material, which may in particular be based on silicone, makes it possible to protect the electroluminescent rods 8 without disturbing the diffusion of light rays. In addition, it is possible to integrate in this layer 30 of polymeric material wavelength converting means, and for example phosphors, able to absorb at least a portion of the rays emitted by one of the rods and to converting at least a portion of said absorbed excitation light into an emission light having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light. The light source may further comprise a coating 32 of light reflecting material which is disposed between the electroluminescent rods 8 to deflect the rays, initially oriented towards the substrate, towards the end face 26 of the 8. In other words, the upper face 16 of the substrate 10 may comprise a reflecting means which reflects the light rays, initially oriented towards the upper face 16, towards the output face of the light source. This recovers rays that otherwise would be lost. This coating 32 is disposed between the electroluminescent rods 8 on the transparent conductive oxide layer 29.
La source de lumière 1 comporte ici une forme rectangulaire, mais on comprendra qu'il peut présenter sans sortir du contexte de l'invention d'autres formes générales, et notamment une forme de parallélogramme. The light source 1 here comprises a rectangular shape, but it will be understood that it can present without departing from the context of the invention other general shapes, and in particular a form of parallelogram.
On peut prévoir une séparation 34 entre deux bâtonnets électroluminescents ou deux groupes de bâtonnets électroluminescents, de manière à scinder les faisceaux pouvant être émis par cette source de lumière en trois dimensions. Cette séparation 34, matérialisée à titre d'exemple par un trait pointillé sur la figure 2, peut être obtenue par la réalisation physique d'un muret s'étendant en saillie du substrat, mais elle est en premier lieu réalisée par le câblage déterminé de tel ou tel bâtonnet électroluminescent ou tel ou tel groupe de bâtonnets électroluminescents 8 entre eux. A separation 34 between two electroluminescent rods or two groups of electroluminescent rods can be provided so as to split the beams that can be emitted by this three-dimensional light source. This separation 34, embodied for example by a dashed line in FIG. 2, can be obtained by physically producing a wall projecting from the substrate, but it is first of all carried out by the determined wiring of a particular electroluminescent rod or such or such group of electroluminescent rods 8 between them.
L'optique de mise en forme 6 peut notamment comprendre une optique de projection 6, qui consiste ici en une lentille 36 qui dévie les rayons émis par la source de lumière disposée au foyer objet de la lentille pour former un faisceau à l'infini réglementaire, c'est-à-dire qui respecte la grille photométrique de tel ou tel faisceau d'éclairage. On a illustré sur les figures 4 à 6 des exemples de telles grilles photométriques, respectivement pour un feu de croisement (figure 4), pour un feu de route superposé au code (figure 5) et pour un feu antibrouillard (figure 6). The shaping optics 6 may in particular comprise a projection optics 6, which here consists of a lens 36 which deflects the rays emitted by the light source disposed at the object focus of the lens to form a beam at the prescribed infinity that is to say, which respects the photometric grid of a particular light beam. FIGS. 4 to 6 show examples of such photometric grids, respectively for a low beam (FIG. 4), for a high beam superimposed on the code (FIG. 5) and for a fog lamp (FIG. 6).
Un masque 38 est prévu entre la source de lumière 1 et la lentille 36 pour dévier les rayons en direction de la lentille, étant entendu que la forme en trois dimensions de la source de lumière à semi-conducteur selon l'invention génère des émissions de rayons lumineux dans différentes directions. A mask 38 is provided between the light source 1 and the lens 36 to deflect the rays towards the lens, it being understood that the three-dimensional shape of the semiconductor light source according to the invention generates light rays in different directions.
La présente invention s'applique aussi bien à un projecteur avant qu'à un feu arrière de véhicule automobile. The present invention applies to both a front projector and a rear light of a motor vehicle.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comprenant :  1. A lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- un boîtier (2) fermé par une glace (4) et définissant un volume interne,  a housing (2) closed by an ice (4) and defining an internal volume,
- une source de lumière (1) à semi-conducteur logée dans ledit volume interne, la dite source de lumière à semi-conducteur comprenant une pluralité de bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) de dimensions submillimétriques, et  a semiconductor light source (1) housed in said internal volume, said semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of electroluminescent rods (8) of submillimetric dimensions, and
- une optique (6) de mise en forme d'au moins une partie des rayons lumineux émis par lesdits bâtonnets électroluminescents.  an optics (6) for shaping at least a portion of the light rays emitted by said electroluminescent rods.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) sont sur un même substrat (10). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the electroluminescent rods (8) are on the same substrate (10).
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) sont formés sur le substrat (10). 3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the electroluminescent rods (8) are formed on the substrate (10).
4. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que le substrat (10) est à base de silicium ou de carbure de silicium. 4. Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the substrate (10) is based on silicon or silicon carbide.
5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) présentent une forme générale cylindrique, notamment de section polygonale. 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electroluminescent rods (8) have a generally cylindrical shape, in particular of polygonal section.
6. Dispositif selon l"une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) sont agencés en matrice à deux dimensions. 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electroluminescent rods (8) are arranged in two-dimensional matrix.
7. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la hauteur d'un bâtonnet électroluminescent (8) est d'au moins 1 micromètre et d'au plus 10 micromètres. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height of an electroluminescent rod (8) is at least 1 micrometer and at most 10 micrometers.
8. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) sont chacun délimités par une face terminale (26) et par une paroi circonférentielle (28) qui s'étend le long d'un axe longitudinal (23) du bâtonnet définissant sa hauteur, la lumière étant émise au moins à partir de la paroi circonférentielle . 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electroluminescent rods (8) are each delimited by an end face (26) and a circumferential wall (28) extending along a longitudinal axis (23) rod defining its height, the light being emitted at least from the circumferential wall.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que la plus grande dimension de la face terminale (26) est d'au plus 10 micromètres, de préférence d'au plus 5 micromètres. 9. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the largest dimension of the end face (26) is at most 10 micrometers, preferably at most 5 micrometers.
10. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la distance (dl, d2, d3) qui sépare deux bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) immédiatement adjacents est d'au moins 2 micromètres et d'au plus 100 micromètres. 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (dl, d2, d3) separating two electroluminescent rods (8) immediately adjacent is at least 2 micrometers and at most 100 micrometers.
11. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) sont noyés au moins partiellement dans une couche (30) d'un matériau polymère. 11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electroluminescent rods (8) are embedded at least partially in a layer (30) of a polymeric material.
12. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que la couche (30) de matériau polymère comprend un luminophore ou une pluralité de luminophores excités par au moins une partie des rayons lumineux générés par au moins un bâtonnet électroluminescent (8). 12. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the layer (30) of polymeric material comprises a phosphor or a plurality of phosphors excited by at least a portion of the light rays generated by at least one electroluminescent rod (8).
13. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins deux bâtonnets électroluminescents (8) de la source de lumière (1) à semi-conducteur sont agencés pour être allumés de manière distincte. 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two electroluminescent rods (8) of the light source (1) semiconductor are arranged to be lit separately.
14. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la source de lumière (1) à semi-conducteur assure la génération de rayons de lumière qui forment au moins une partie d'un faisceau lumineux réglementaire pour véhicule automobile. 14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (1) semiconductor ensures the generation of light rays which form at least a portion of a regulatory light beam for a motor vehicle.
PCT/EP2016/068696 2015-08-07 2016-08-04 Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle WO2017025445A1 (en)

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FR3065818A1 (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-11-02 Valeo Vision LUMINOUS MODULE FOR A CONFIGURED MOTOR VEHICLE FOR PROJECTING A LIGHT BEAM FORMING A PIXELIZED IMAGE
FR3066578A1 (en) * 2017-05-22 2018-11-23 Valeo Vision LIGHT SOURCE COMPRISING REFLECTING ELEMENTS AND LUMINOUS MODULE EQUIPPED WITH A LIGHT SOURCE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
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FR3063795A1 (en) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-14 Valeo Vision LUMINOUS DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR LIGHTING AND / OR SIGNALING, FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
EP3376096A1 (en) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-19 Valeo Vision Light device, in particular for lighting and/or signalling, for a motor vehicle
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FR3066578A1 (en) * 2017-05-22 2018-11-23 Valeo Vision LIGHT SOURCE COMPRISING REFLECTING ELEMENTS AND LUMINOUS MODULE EQUIPPED WITH A LIGHT SOURCE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
WO2020136349A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2020-07-02 Aledia Optoelectronic device with micrometric or nanometric light-emitting diode on which an optical lens is mounted
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DE102022100027A1 (en) 2022-01-03 2023-07-06 deconta GmbH connection device
DE102022100023A1 (en) 2022-01-03 2023-07-06 deconta GmbH connection device

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