WO2020260542A1 - Light module with imager with damping and heating attachment - Google Patents

Light module with imager with damping and heating attachment Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020260542A1
WO2020260542A1 PCT/EP2020/067960 EP2020067960W WO2020260542A1 WO 2020260542 A1 WO2020260542 A1 WO 2020260542A1 EP 2020067960 W EP2020067960 W EP 2020067960W WO 2020260542 A1 WO2020260542 A1 WO 2020260542A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
imager
strip
light module
flexible material
electrically heating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/067960
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lingxuan Zhu
Kedar SATHAYE
Original Assignee
Valeo Vision
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Vision filed Critical Valeo Vision
Priority to CN202080046329.5A priority Critical patent/CN114080525A/en
Priority to EP20734544.8A priority patent/EP3990827A1/en
Publication of WO2020260542A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020260542A1/en

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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
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
    • 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
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/63—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates
    • F21S41/64—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates by changing their light transmissivity, e.g. by liquid crystal or electrochromic devices
    • F21S41/645—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates by changing their light transmissivity, e.g. by liquid crystal or electrochromic devices by electro-optic means, e.g. liquid crystal or electrochromic devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/60—Heating of lighting devices, e.g. for demisting
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/133382—Heating or cooling of liquid crystal cells other than for activation, e.g. circuits or arrangements for temperature control, stabilisation or uniform distribution over the cell
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1339—Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes

Definitions

  • TITLE LUMINOUS MODULE WITH DAMPER AND HEATING FIXING IMAGER
  • the invention relates to the field of light signaling and lighting, in particular for motor vehicles.
  • This type of module comprises, in a known manner, an imager with a rear face and a front face, and a backlighting device arranged vis-à-vis the rear face of the imager.
  • the imager is thus backlit and emits from its front face a light beam modulated by the imager, this beam illuminating the glass of the fire, forming the light image in question.
  • the imager can be a liquid crystal display.
  • Liquid crystal displays use the polarization of light by polarizing filters and the birefringence of certain liquid crystals in the nematic phase, the orientation of which can be varied depending on the electric field. From an optical point of view, the liquid crystal display is a passive device: it does not emit light, only its transparency varies, and therefore it must have lighting. Due to the viscous nature of liquid crystals, a liquid crystal display is likely to exhibit too long a response time, or even no response, at low temperatures. More specifically, a liquid crystal display has too long a response time at temperatures below or equal to -20 ° C and no response from -40 ° C.
  • Published patent document CN 101510020 A discloses a heater for a liquid crystal display.
  • This device comprises a glass substrate with two conductive side bands intended to be supplied electrically.
  • An electrically conductive and transparent coating based on indium tin oxide (or indium oxide doped with tin or ITO for the English name: Indium tin oxide), is deposited on the substrate and is partially removed in a non-homogeneous manner transversely between the lateral power supply bands, so as to produce heat by the Joule effect, and this more near the two side edges than in the central part.
  • This device thus makes it possible to compensate for the edge effects and thus ensure a homogeneous temperature of the liquid crystal screen.
  • This device is interesting for the performance and finesse of heating. However, it has a cost disadvantage as well as a light loss insofar as all of the backlight light from the screen must pass through the heater.
  • the electrically conductive and transparent layer in fact has a non-zero absorption rate.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the aim of the invention is to ensure proper operation of an imager in a light module, even at low temperature, in particular below -10 ° C.
  • the subject of the invention is a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an imager with a front face, a rear face and an edge
  • the light module further comprises at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating in contact with the peripheral edge of the imager and the reception area of said imager on the support.
  • the imager is an electric imager configured to produce an image by transmitting light.
  • the imager is advantageously a liquid crystal display.
  • the flexible and electrically heating material is capable of being elastically deformed.
  • the flexible and electrically heating material is able to absorb or dampen vibrations, in particular the vibrations present during the use of the device.
  • a strip made of this material helps dampen vibrations that may be transmitted by the environment to the imager.
  • Such a strip also makes it possible to limit the forces applied to the surfaces of the imager. Too great a force could damage or even break this imager.
  • Such a strip also makes it possible to absorb the manufacturing tolerances of the various elements, and to dispense with the assembly clearances that would be necessary in its absence.
  • An assembly with play is likely to generate parasitic noises during the use of the device, in particular because of the vibrations, and could also possibly cause the breakage of the imager.
  • the flexible and electrically heating material has a hardness of less than 80 ° Shore A. More
  • the flexible and electrically heating material has a hardness of less than 60 ° Shore A.
  • At least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating has an average thickness greater than 0.1 mm and / or less than 3mm.
  • the flexible and electrically heating material is honeycombed.
  • At least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating comprises metal wires and / or conductive particles.
  • the contact of at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating with the peripheral edge of the imager is on at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear faces of said imager.
  • at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating is configured to be able to maintain the imager at an average temperature above -10 ° C when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to -40 ° C.
  • At least one strip of flexible and electrically heating material is configured to be able to increase an average temperature of the imager by at least 10 ° C in one minute, when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to - 40 ° C.
  • said module further comprises an electrical supply unit for at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heated, said unit being configured to maintain a
  • the subject of the invention is also a method for controlling the temperature of an imager of a light module, remarkable in that said light module is according to the invention, and in that at least one strip of flexible material and heater is electrically powered to heat the imager provided the ambient temperature is below -10 ° C.
  • the measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to ensure functionality of the imager under cold ambient conditions in a simple and economical manner, without any optical disturbance.
  • the fact of heating the imager along its peripheral edge is not only interesting from an optical point of view and size but also from a thermal point of view, because it is indeed at the edges that the imager tends to cool down and show too long a response time.
  • Combining the electric heating function with the damping function also has advantages of compactness, cost and ease of assembly.
  • FIG 1 is a schematic sectional view of a light module according to the invention, housed in a light device for a motor vehicle.
  • FIG 2 is a schematic front view of the module of Figure 2.
  • FIG 3 is a sectional view III-III of Figure 2.
  • FIG 4 is a sectional view IV-IV of Figure 2.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional diagram of a lighting device enclosing a light module according to the invention.
  • the lighting device 2 essentially comprises an envelope 4 and at least one light module 6 disposed inside the envelope 4.
  • the latter essentially comprises a housing 4.1 forming an open cavity, and a glass 4.2 fixed to the housing 4.1 and closing the casing. Opening in question. Ice 4.2 is transparent or translucent.
  • the light module 6 essentially comprises an electronic imager 8, preferably of the liquid crystal type, and a backlighting device 10.
  • Such an imager forms a generally flat screen with a front face 8.1, a rear face 8.2 and a peripheral edge 8.3. It consists of two glass plates between which are housed liquid crystals. At each of the interfaces with liquid crystals, a grooved polymer layer anchors the molecules at rest. The two internal faces of the glass plates have a matrix of transparent electrodes for black and white. For color applications, there are three cells per pixel and a colored filter of red, green, and blue patterns.
  • the filter is a succession of vertical bands alternating the three colors.
  • the basic principle is that the application of a greater or lesser potential difference between the two electrodes of a pixel causes a change in the orientation of the molecules, a variation of the plane of polarization, and therefore a variation of the transparency of the whole device.
  • Such a screen is passive in that it does not emit light; it requires lighting, in this case a backlight in order to be crossed by light.
  • the backlighting device 10 is arranged opposite the rear face 8.2 of the imager 8, so that the light emitted by said device is passed through and transmitted by the imager and is then projected onto the inside face of the lens 4.2 in order to form a signal light beam displaying on the lens 4.2 a potentially changing image, which may form a pictogram.
  • the imager can be controlled electronically to form these pictograms.
  • These pictograms can be configured or selected to display information useful for safety, such as the presence of a danger in front of the vehicle, opening of the vehicle door when stationary, parking status of the vehicle, etc. This principle of displaying luminous information is known per se to those skilled in the art.
  • the backlighting device 10 essentially comprises a plate 10.1 and light sources 10.2 arranged and distributed on the plate 10.1.
  • the plate 10.1 is advantageously a printed circuit board, made of epoxy resin reinforced with glass fibers, such as in particular FR-4 (abbreviation of the English “Flame Resistant 4”).
  • the light sources are advantageously of the semiconductor type, preferentially light-emitting diodes.
  • the light module 4 also comprises a support 12 on which the device is fixed.
  • the support comprises, between the backlighting device 10 and the imager of the walls forming a housing 12.1 configured to channel light towards the imager 8.
  • the walls of the housing 12.1 may have diffusing white surfaces.
  • the support 12 also comprises means for positioning and fixing 12.2 of the plate 10.1 of the backlighting device 10.
  • These means may comprise tabs 12.2 extending in the extension of the walls of the housing 12.1 and passing through holes of suitable shapes. practiced in the plate 10.1 of the backlighting device.
  • a shoulder at the base of each tongue may be provided to form a bearing surface for the plate 10.1.
  • These tabs may have a hooking surface with an edge of the orifices in the plate 10.1, in particular of the clipping type.
  • the support 12 also comprises reception areas 12.3 and 12.4 of the peripheral edge 8.3 of the imager 8. These reception areas 12.3 and 12.4 in this case form a shoulder 12.3 capable of receiving the rear face 8.2 of the adjacent imager. at the peripheral edge 8.3.
  • One or more retainers 12.4 are attached to the shoulders 12.3 so as to extend opposite the front face 8.1 of the imager, along the peripheral edge 8.3.
  • strips of flexible material 14 and 16 are arranged on the rear 8.2 and front faces 8.1, respectively, of the imager, between these said faces and the corresponding surfaces of the shoulders 12.3 and the corresponding surfaces of the retaining piece (s) 12.4.
  • the function of these bands of flexible material 14 and 16 is to ensure damping of the vibrations likely to be transmitted by the environment to the imager 8.
  • the latter is in fact essentially constituted by two superimposed glass plates, these plates forming the front 8.1 and rear 8.2. Too much tightening of the imager at its edge
  • the flexible material of at least one of the bands 14 and 16 is also electrically heated and connected to an electrical supply, in order to ensure heating of the imager. 8 in cold conditions otherwise likely to increase the response time of the imager 8.
  • the strip of flexible material 16 is electrically heated and connected to a power supply, the other 14 is not. not. It is understood that various variations are possible; it is in particular possible to provide strips of flexible and heating material on the two faces 8.1 and 8.2 of the imager 8, or only on the rear face 8.2.
  • the flexible material is advantageously a cellular material of the foam type, in particular polyurethane. Alternatively it can be made of solid material.
  • the flexible material is advantageously of the polymer type. It advantageously has a reduced hardness of less than 80 ° Shore A, more advantageously less than 60 °
  • the strip (s) of flexible material 14 and 16 may have a thickness greater than 0.1 mm and / or less than 3mm, preferably greater than 0.2mm and / or less than 2mm, more preferably still greater than 0.3mm and / or less than 1 mm.
  • the strip or bands of flexible material 14 and 16 can have a width greater than 2mm and / or less than 5mm.
  • the flexible and electrically heating material further comprises
  • electrical conductors to form an electrical resistance along the strip of said material.
  • These electrical conductors can be metal wires, for example copper, embedded in the matrix formed by the flexible material, and / or conductive particles distributed in the matrix.
  • the flexible and electrically heating material then has a resistivity (corresponding to the resistance of a section of material one meter in length and one square meter in section and is expressed in ohm-meters) of between 0.004 and 0.024 Qm. For a strip with a section of 4mm 2 and a length of 50mm, this gives a resistance between 50 and 300 W.
  • P the electrical and thermal power
  • R the resistance of the strip of flexible material and electrically heating
  • / the current flowing through said strip.
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of module 6 of FIG. 1.
  • a power supply unit 18 of the flexible and electrically heating material strip 16 is electrically connected to said strip.
  • the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 extends continuously over almost all (except for the area of the lower left corner in FIG. 2) of the peripheral edge 8.3 of the imager. , so as to form a single heating resistance along the four sides of the imager 8. Echoing what has been mentioned previously, it is understood that it is possible to envisage providing several strips of flexible material and electrically heating 16, and this on the same face of the imager. In this case, it is then necessary to provide several electrical connections with the power supply unit 18.
  • FIGS 3 and 4 which are sectional views III-III and IV-IV in Figure 2, illustrate an example of electrical connection of the strip of flexible material and electrically heated 16.
  • the retaining part 12.4 made of electrically insulating plastic material, comprises an electrode 12.4.1 overmolded by the plastic material.
  • This electrode forms the outer surface of the retaining piece 12.4 facing the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16, and extending transversely away from the imager so as to form, by way of example , a plug or an electrical contact terminal.
  • the contact zone of the electrode 12.4.1 in vis-à-vis the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 will approach said strip until it contacts it.
  • the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 comprises electrical conductors 16.1 embedded in a mass of flexible electrically insulating material 16.2, as illustrated in FIG. 3, it is then advisable to provide a length of said conductors exceeding by the end of the flexible electrically insulating material 16.2, in order to fold them back by 180 ° against the face of the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16, opposite the imager.
  • Figure 4 illustrates this situation where one can observe the electrical conductors 16.1, namely the metal wires, bent at 180 ° upwards so as to extend over the face of the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 which faces it. - with respect to the retaining part 12.4, more particularly the contact zone of the electrode 12.4.1 of said part.
  • the strip (s) of flexible and electrically heating material 16 and the power supply unit are advantageously sized to be able to increase the average temperature of the imager by at least 10 ° C. in less than 60 seconds.
  • the power supply unit 18 can be configured to supply the strip (s) of flexible material and electrically heating, the latter ensuring the regulation of the current according to the temperature of the imager.
  • the power supply unit can be powered and / or binary controlled (on / off) depending on the ambient temperature. For example, it can be powered or controlled to operate as soon as the ambient temperature is below - 10 ° C.
  • an electrical supply unit 18 with a regulation function.
  • a temperature sensor of the thermistor type can be placed in contact with the imager 8 and be connected independently to the electric power supply unit 18. The latter can then modulate the supply voltage and hence , the current, depending on the
  • the effective temperature of the imager 8 In general, regardless of the level of refinement and complexity of the power supply 18, the latter will advantageously not be supplied or at least controlled to operate. only when the module is active, that is, when the backlight device and the imager are electrically powered.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Surface Heating Bodies (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (6), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: an imager (8) with a front face (8.1), a rear face (8.2) and a peripheral edge (8.3); a device (10) for backlighting the imager (8) which is arranged opposite the rear face (8.2) of the imager; a support (12) with a zone (12.3, 12.4) for receiving the imager (8) and a zone (12.2) for attaching the backlighting device (10); the light module is characterised in that it further comprises at least one strip of flexible and electrically heating material (16) in contact with the peripheral edge (8.3) of the imager (8) and the zone (12.3, 12.4) for receiving the imager on the support (12). The invention also relates to a method for controlling the temperature of the imager (8) of the light module.

Description

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
TITRE : MODULE LUMINEUX AVEC IMAGEUR A FIXATION AMORTISSANTE ET CHAUFFANTE TITLE: LUMINOUS MODULE WITH DAMPER AND HEATING FIXING IMAGER
Domaine technique Technical area
L’invention a trait au domaine de la signalisation lumineuse et de l’éclairage, en particulier pour les véhicules automobiles. The invention relates to the field of light signaling and lighting, in particular for motor vehicles.
Technique antérieure Prior art
Il est actuellement courant dans le domaine de la signalisation lumineuse automobile de prévoir, dans un feu arrière, un ou plusieurs modules aptes à former sur la glace de fermeture du feu des images à géométrie variable, telles que des pictogrammes destinés à transmettre des informations additionnelles. Ce type de module comprend, de manière connue, un imageur avec une face arrière et une face avant, et un dispositif de rétroéclairage disposé en vis-à-vis de la face arrière de l’imageur. L’imageur est ainsi rétroéclairé et émet par sa face avant un faisceau lumineux modulé par l’imageur, ce faisceau éclairant la glace du feu en y formant l’image lumineuse en question. L’imageur peut être un écran à cristaux liquide. Les écrans à cristaux liquides utilisent la polarisation de la lumière par des filtres polarisants et la biréfringence de certains cristaux liquides en phase nématique, dont on peut faire varier l’orientation en fonction du champ électrique. Du point de vue optique, l’écran à cristaux liquides est un dispositif passif : il n’émet pas de lumière, seule sa transparence varie, et il doit donc disposer d'un éclairage. En raison de la nature visqueuse des cristaux liquides, un écran à cristaux liquide est susceptible de présenter un temps de réponse trop grand, voire même une absence de réponse, à des températures basses. Plus spécifiquement, un écran à cristaux liquides présente un temps de réponse trop long à des températures inférieures ou égales à -20°C et pas de réponse à partir de -40°C. It is currently common in the field of automotive light signaling to provide, in a rear light, one or more modules capable of forming on the closing glass of the light images of variable geometry, such as pictograms intended to transmit additional information. . This type of module comprises, in a known manner, an imager with a rear face and a front face, and a backlighting device arranged vis-à-vis the rear face of the imager. The imager is thus backlit and emits from its front face a light beam modulated by the imager, this beam illuminating the glass of the fire, forming the light image in question. The imager can be a liquid crystal display. Liquid crystal displays use the polarization of light by polarizing filters and the birefringence of certain liquid crystals in the nematic phase, the orientation of which can be varied depending on the electric field. From an optical point of view, the liquid crystal display is a passive device: it does not emit light, only its transparency varies, and therefore it must have lighting. Due to the viscous nature of liquid crystals, a liquid crystal display is likely to exhibit too long a response time, or even no response, at low temperatures. More specifically, a liquid crystal display has too long a response time at temperatures below or equal to -20 ° C and no response from -40 ° C.
Le document de brevet publié CN 101510020 A divulgue un dispositif de chauffage pour un écran à cristaux liquides. Ce dispositif comprend un substrat en verre avec deux bandes latérales conductrices destinées à être alimentées électriquement. Un revêtement conducteur électriquement et transparent, à base d’oxyde d'indium-étain (ou oxyde d'indium dopé à l'étain ou ITO pour l'appellation anglaise : Indium tin oxide), est déposé sur le substrat et est enlevé partiellement de manière non- homogène transversalement entre les bandes latérales d’alimentation électrique, de manière à produire de la chaleur par effet Joule, et ce davantage à proximité des deux bords latéraux que dans la partie centrale. Ce dispositif permet ainsi de compenser les effets de bords et ainsi assurer une température homogène de l’écran à cristaux liquides. Ce dispositif est intéressant par la performance et la finesse de chauffage. Il présente toutefois un inconvénient de coût ainsi qu’une perte lumineuse dans la mesure où la totalité de la lumière de rétro-éclairage de l’écran doit traverser le dispositif de chauffage. La couche conductrice électriquement et transparente présente en effet au taux d’absorption non nul. Published patent document CN 101510020 A discloses a heater for a liquid crystal display. This device comprises a glass substrate with two conductive side bands intended to be supplied electrically. An electrically conductive and transparent coating, based on indium tin oxide (or indium oxide doped with tin or ITO for the English name: Indium tin oxide), is deposited on the substrate and is partially removed in a non-homogeneous manner transversely between the lateral power supply bands, so as to produce heat by the Joule effect, and this more near the two side edges than in the central part. This device thus makes it possible to compensate for the edge effects and thus ensure a homogeneous temperature of the liquid crystal screen. This device is interesting for the performance and finesse of heating. However, it has a cost disadvantage as well as a light loss insofar as all of the backlight light from the screen must pass through the heater. The electrically conductive and transparent layer in fact has a non-zero absorption rate.
Exposé de l'invention Disclosure of the invention
L’invention a pour objectif de pallier au moins un des inconvénients de l’état de la technique susmentionné. Plus particulièrement, l’invention a pour objectif d’assurer un bon fonctionnement d’un imageur dans un module lumineux et ce même à basse température, notamment en dessous de -10°C. The object of the invention is to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the aim of the invention is to ensure proper operation of an imager in a light module, even at low temperature, in particular below -10 ° C.
L’invention a pour objet un module lumineux notamment pour véhicule automobile, comprenant un imageur avec une face avant, une face arrière et un bord The subject of the invention is a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an imager with a front face, a rear face and an edge
périphérique ; un dispositif de rétroéclairage de l’imageur, disposé en vis-à-vis de la face arrière dudit dispositif ; un support avec une zone de réception de l’imageur et une zone de fixation du dispositif de rétroéclairage ; remarquable en ce que le module lumineux comprend, en outre, au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement en contact avec le bord périphérique de l’imageur et la zone de réception dudit imageur sur le support. peripheral; a backlighting device for the imager, arranged opposite the rear face of said device; a support with an imager receiving area and a backlight mounting area; remarkable in that the light module further comprises at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating in contact with the peripheral edge of the imager and the reception area of said imager on the support.
L’imageur est un imageur électrique configuré pour produire une image par transmission de lumière. L’imageur est avantageusement un écran à cristaux liquides. The imager is an electric imager configured to produce an image by transmitting light. The imager is advantageously a liquid crystal display.
De préférence, le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement est apte à se déformer élastiquement. De préférence, le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement est apte à absorber ou à amortir des vibrations, notamment les vibrations présentes lors de l’utilisation du dispositif. Preferably, the flexible and electrically heating material is capable of being elastically deformed. Preferably, the flexible and electrically heating material is able to absorb or dampen vibrations, in particular the vibrations present during the use of the device.
Ainsi, une bande faite dans ce matériau permet d’assurer un amortissement des vibrations susceptibles d’être transmises par l’environnement à l’imageur. Thus, a strip made of this material helps dampen vibrations that may be transmitted by the environment to the imager.
Une telle bande permet également de limiter les efforts appliqués sur les surfaces de l’imageur. Des efforts trop importants pourraient endommager, voir casser cet imageur. Such a strip also makes it possible to limit the forces applied to the surfaces of the imager. Too great a force could damage or even break this imager.
Une telle bande permet également d’absorber les tolérances de fabrication des différents éléments, et de s’affranchir des jeux de montage qui seraient nécessaires en son absence. Un montage avec jeu est susceptible de générer des bruits parasites lors de l’utilisation du dispositif, notamment du fait des vibrations, et pourrait aussi éventuellement engendrer la casse de l’imageur. Such a strip also makes it possible to absorb the manufacturing tolerances of the various elements, and to dispense with the assembly clearances that would be necessary in its absence. An assembly with play is likely to generate parasitic noises during the use of the device, in particular because of the vibrations, and could also possibly cause the breakage of the imager.
Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement présente une dureté inférieure à 80° Shore A. Plus According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flexible and electrically heating material has a hardness of less than 80 ° Shore A. More
avantageusement, le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement présente une dureté inférieure à 60° Shore A. advantageously, the flexible and electrically heating material has a hardness of less than 60 ° Shore A.
Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement présente une épaisseur moyenne supérieure à 0.1 mm et/ou inférieure à 3mm. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating has an average thickness greater than 0.1 mm and / or less than 3mm.
Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement est alvéolé. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the flexible and electrically heating material is honeycombed.
Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement comprend des fils métalliques et/ou des particules conductrices. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating comprises metal wires and / or conductive particles.
Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, le contact de l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement avec le bord périphérique de l’imageur est sur au moins une, préférentiellement chacune, des faces avant et arrière dudit imageur. Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement est configurée pour pouvoir maintenir l’imageur à une température moyenne supérieure à -10°C lorsque ledit module est soumis à des conditions ambiantes avec une température allant de -10°C jusqu’à -40°C. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact of at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating with the peripheral edge of the imager is on at least one, preferably each, of the front and rear faces of said imager. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating is configured to be able to maintain the imager at an average temperature above -10 ° C when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to -40 ° C.
Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement est configurée pour pouvoir augmenter une température moyenne de l’imageur d’au moins 10°C en une minute, lorsque ledit module est soumis à des conditions ambiantes avec une température allant de -10°C jusqu’à - 40°C. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one strip of flexible and electrically heating material is configured to be able to increase an average temperature of the imager by at least 10 ° C in one minute, when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to - 40 ° C.
Selon un mode avantageux de l’invention, ledit module comprend, en outre, une unité d’alimentation électrique de l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement, ladite unité étant configurée pour maintenir une According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said module further comprises an electrical supply unit for at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heated, said unit being configured to maintain a
température moyenne de l’imageur supérieure à -10°C lorsque ledit module est soumis à des conditions ambiantes avec une température allant de -10°C jusqu’à - 40°C. average temperature of the imager above -10 ° C when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to -40 ° C.
L’invention a également pour objet un procédé de contrôle de température d’un imageur d’un module lumineux, remarquable en ce que ledit module lumineux est selon l’invention, et en ce que l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement est alimentée électriquement de manière à réchauffer l’imageur à la condition que la température ambiante est inférieure à -10°C. The subject of the invention is also a method for controlling the temperature of an imager of a light module, remarkable in that said light module is according to the invention, and in that at least one strip of flexible material and heater is electrically powered to heat the imager provided the ambient temperature is below -10 ° C.
Les mesures de l’invention sont intéressantes en ce qu’elles permettent d’assurer une fonctionnalité de l’imageur dans des conditions ambiantes froides et ce de manière simple et économique, sans aucune perturbation optique. Le fait de chauffer l’imageur le long de son bord périphérique est non seulement intéressant d’un point de vue optique et encombrement mais également d’un point de vue thermique, car c’est en effet au niveau des bords que l’imageur tend à se refroidir et à montrer un temps de réponse trop long. Le fait de combiner la fonction de chauffage électrique à la fonction d’amortissement présente aussi des avantages de compacité, de coût et de facilité de montage. D’autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention seront mieux compris à l’aide de la description et des dessins. The measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to ensure functionality of the imager under cold ambient conditions in a simple and economical manner, without any optical disturbance. The fact of heating the imager along its peripheral edge is not only interesting from an optical point of view and size but also from a thermal point of view, because it is indeed at the edges that the imager tends to cool down and show too long a response time. Combining the electric heating function with the damping function also has advantages of compactness, cost and ease of assembly. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description and the drawings.
Brève description des dessins Brief description of the drawings
[Fig 1 ] est une vue schématique en coupe d’un module lumineux conforme à l’invention, logé dans un dispositif lumineux pour véhicule automobile. [Fig 1] is a schematic sectional view of a light module according to the invention, housed in a light device for a motor vehicle.
[Fig 2] est une vue schématique de face du module de la figure 2. [Fig 2] is a schematic front view of the module of Figure 2.
[Fig 3] est une vue en coupe lll-lll de la figure 2. [Fig 3] is a sectional view III-III of Figure 2.
[Fig 4] est une vue en coupe IV-IV de la figure 2. [Fig 4] is a sectional view IV-IV of Figure 2.
Description détaillée detailed description
La figure 1 est une schématique en coupe d’un dispositif lumineux renfermant un module lumineux selon l’invention. Figure 1 is a sectional diagram of a lighting device enclosing a light module according to the invention.
Le dispositif lumineux 2 comprend essentiellement une enveloppe 4 et au moins un module lumineux 6 disposé à l’intérieur de l’enveloppe 4. Cette dernière comprend essentiellement un boîtier 4.1 formant une cavité ouverte, et une glace 4.2 fixée au boîtier 4.1 et refermant l’ouverture en question. La glace 4.2 est transparente ou translucide. The lighting device 2 essentially comprises an envelope 4 and at least one light module 6 disposed inside the envelope 4. The latter essentially comprises a housing 4.1 forming an open cavity, and a glass 4.2 fixed to the housing 4.1 and closing the casing. opening in question. Ice 4.2 is transparent or translucent.
Le module lumineux 6 comprend essentiellement un imageur électronique 8, préférentiellement du type à cristaux liquides et un dispositif de rétro-éclairage 10.The light module 6 essentially comprises an electronic imager 8, preferably of the liquid crystal type, and a backlighting device 10.
Un tel imageur forme un écran généralement plan avec une face avant 8.1 , une face arrière 8.2 et un bord périphérique 8.3. Il est constitué de deux plaques de verre entre lesquelles sont logés des cristaux liquides. A chacune des interfaces avec les cristaux liquides, une couche de polymère rainurée assure l’ancrage des molécules au repos. Les deux faces internes des plaques de verres comportent une matrice d’électrodes transparentes pour le noir et blanc. Pour les applications en couleur, il y a trois cellules par pixels et un filtre coloré de motifs rouges, verts et bleus. Such an imager forms a generally flat screen with a front face 8.1, a rear face 8.2 and a peripheral edge 8.3. It consists of two glass plates between which are housed liquid crystals. At each of the interfaces with liquid crystals, a grooved polymer layer anchors the molecules at rest. The two internal faces of the glass plates have a matrix of transparent electrodes for black and white. For color applications, there are three cells per pixel and a colored filter of red, green, and blue patterns.
Généralement le filtre est une succession de bandes verticales alternant les trois couleurs. Le principe de base est que l’application d’une différence de potentiel plus ou moins élevée entre les deux électrodes d’un pixel entraîne un changement d’orientation des molécules, une variation du plan de polarisation, et donc une variation de la transparence de l’ensemble du dispositif. Un tel écran est passif en ce qu’il n’émet pas de lumière ; il requiert un éclairage, en l’occurrence un rétro éclairage afin d’être traversé par de la lumière. Usually the filter is a succession of vertical bands alternating the three colors. The basic principle is that the application of a greater or lesser potential difference between the two electrodes of a pixel causes a change in the orientation of the molecules, a variation of the plane of polarization, and therefore a variation of the transparency of the whole device. Such a screen is passive in that it does not emit light; it requires lighting, in this case a backlight in order to be crossed by light.
A cet effet, le dispositif de rétroéclairage 10 est disposé en vis-à-vis de la face arrière 8.2 de l’imageur 8, de manière à ce que la lumière émise par ledit dispositif soit traversée et transmise par l’imageur et soit ensuite projetée sur la face intérieure de la glace 4.2 en vue former un faisceau lumineux de signalisation affichant sur la glace 4.2 une image potentiellement changeante, pouvant former un pictogramme. A cet effet, l’imageur peut être commandé électroniquement afin de former ces pictogrammes. Ces pictogrammes peuvent être configurés ou sélectionnés pour afficher des informations utiles à la sécurité comme notamment la présence d’un danger à l’avant du véhicule, une ouverture de porte du véhicule à l’arrêt, un état de stationnement du véhicule, etc. Ce principe d’affichage d’information lumineuse est connu en soi de l’homme de métier. For this purpose, the backlighting device 10 is arranged opposite the rear face 8.2 of the imager 8, so that the light emitted by said device is passed through and transmitted by the imager and is then projected onto the inside face of the lens 4.2 in order to form a signal light beam displaying on the lens 4.2 a potentially changing image, which may form a pictogram. For this purpose, the imager can be controlled electronically to form these pictograms. These pictograms can be configured or selected to display information useful for safety, such as the presence of a danger in front of the vehicle, opening of the vehicle door when stationary, parking status of the vehicle, etc. This principle of displaying luminous information is known per se to those skilled in the art.
Le dispositif de rétro-éclairage 10 comprend essentiellement une platine 10.1 et des sources lumineuses 10.2 disposées et réparties sur la platine 10.1. La platine 10.1 est avantageusement une platine à circuit imprimé, en résine époxy renforcée de fibres de verre, comme notamment du FR-4 (abréviation de l'anglais « Flame Résistant 4 »). Les sources lumineuses sont avantageusement du type semi- conducteur, préférentiellement des diodes à électroluminescence. The backlighting device 10 essentially comprises a plate 10.1 and light sources 10.2 arranged and distributed on the plate 10.1. The plate 10.1 is advantageously a printed circuit board, made of epoxy resin reinforced with glass fibers, such as in particular FR-4 (abbreviation of the English “Flame Resistant 4”). The light sources are advantageously of the semiconductor type, preferentially light-emitting diodes.
Toujours en référence à la figure 1 , on peut constater que le module lumineux 4 comprend également un support 12 sur lequel sont fixés le dispositif de Still referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the light module 4 also comprises a support 12 on which the device is fixed.
rétroéclairage 10 et l’imageur 8, de manière à maintenir ces deux éléments fixes l’un par rapport à l’autre. Le support comprend, entre le dispositif de rétroéclairage 10 et l’imageur des parois formant un boîtier 12.1 configuré pour canaliser la lumière vers l’imageur 8. A cet effet, les parois du boîtier 12.1 peuvent présenter des surfaces blanches diffusantes. backlight 10 and imager 8, so as to keep these two elements fixed relative to each other. The support comprises, between the backlighting device 10 and the imager of the walls forming a housing 12.1 configured to channel light towards the imager 8. For this purpose, the walls of the housing 12.1 may have diffusing white surfaces.
Le support 12 comprend également des moyens de positionnement et de fixation 12.2 de la platine 10.1 du dispositif de rétro-éclairage 10. Ces moyens peuvent comprendre des languettes 12.2 s’étendant dans le prolongement des parois du boîtier 12.1 et traversant des orifices de formes adaptées pratiqués dans la platine 10.1 du dispositif de rétroéclairage. Un épaulement à la base de chaque languette peut être prévu pour former une surface d’appui de la platine 10.1. Ces languettes peuvent présenter une surface d’accrochage avec un bord des orifices dans la platine 10.1 , notamment du type à clippage. The support 12 also comprises means for positioning and fixing 12.2 of the plate 10.1 of the backlighting device 10. These means may comprise tabs 12.2 extending in the extension of the walls of the housing 12.1 and passing through holes of suitable shapes. practiced in the plate 10.1 of the backlighting device. A shoulder at the base of each tongue may be provided to form a bearing surface for the plate 10.1. These tabs may have a hooking surface with an edge of the orifices in the plate 10.1, in particular of the clipping type.
Le support 12 comprend également des zones de réception 12.3 et 12.4 du bord périphérique 8.3 de l’imageur 8. Ces zones de réception 12.3 et 12.4 forment en l’occurrence un épaulement 12.3 apte à recevoir la face arrière 8.2 de l’imageur, adjacente au bord périphérique 8.3. Une ou plusieurs pièces de retenue 12.4 sont fixées aux épaulements 12.3 de manière à s’étendre en vis-à-vis de la face avant 8.1 de l’imageur, le long du bord périphérique 8.3. Comme cela est visible à la figure 1 , des bandes en matériau souple 14 et 16 sont disposées sur les faces arrière 8.2 et avant 8.1 , respectivement, de l’imageur, entre ces dites faces et les surfaces correspondantes des épaulements 12.3 et les surfaces correspondantes de la ou des pièces de retenue 12.4. Ces bandes de matériau souple 14 et 16 ont pour fonction d’assurer un amortissement des vibrations susceptibles d’être transmises par l’environnement à l’imageur 8. Ce dernier est constitué en effet essentiellement de deux plaques de verre superposées, ces plaques formant les faces avant 8.1 et arrière 8.2. Un serrage trop important de l’imageur au niveau de son bord The support 12 also comprises reception areas 12.3 and 12.4 of the peripheral edge 8.3 of the imager 8. These reception areas 12.3 and 12.4 in this case form a shoulder 12.3 capable of receiving the rear face 8.2 of the adjacent imager. at the peripheral edge 8.3. One or more retainers 12.4 are attached to the shoulders 12.3 so as to extend opposite the front face 8.1 of the imager, along the peripheral edge 8.3. As can be seen in Figure 1, strips of flexible material 14 and 16 are arranged on the rear 8.2 and front faces 8.1, respectively, of the imager, between these said faces and the corresponding surfaces of the shoulders 12.3 and the corresponding surfaces of the retaining piece (s) 12.4. The function of these bands of flexible material 14 and 16 is to ensure damping of the vibrations likely to be transmitted by the environment to the imager 8. The latter is in fact essentially constituted by two superimposed glass plates, these plates forming the front 8.1 and rear 8.2. Too much tightening of the imager at its edge
périphérique est susceptible de casser au moins une des plaques de verre. Un montage avec jeu est également non souhaitable car susceptible de générer des bruits parasites et éventuellement également la casse d’au moins une des plaques de verre. La présence des bandes de matériau souple 14 et 16 permet de device is liable to break at least one of the glass plates. An assembly with play is also undesirable because it is likely to generate parasitic noise and possibly also breakage of at least one of the glass plates. The presence of strips of flexible material 14 and 16 makes it possible to
s’affranchir de ces difficultés. Comme cela va être détaillé ci-après, en relation avec les figures suivantes, le matériau souple d’au moins un des bandes 14 et 16 est également chauffant électriquement et connecté à une alimentation électrique, afin d’assurer un chauffage de l’imageur 8 dans des conditions froides sinon susceptibles d’augmenter le temps de réponse de l’imageur 8. En l’occurrence, seule la bande de matériau souple 16 est chauffante électriquement et raccordée à une alimentation électrique, l’autre 14 ne l’étant pas. Il est entendu que diverses variations sont possibles ; il est notamment possible de prévoir des bandes matériau souple et chauffant sur les deux faces 8.1 et 8.2 de l’imageur 8, ou uniquement sur la face arrière 8.2. Il est aussi possible de prévoir sur au moins une des deux faces 8.1 et 8.2, une ou plusieurs bandes de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement sur une ou plusieurs portions du bord périphérique, le reste dudit bord étant pourvu de bande(s) de matériau souple classique ou encore libre de bande de matériau souple. to overcome these difficulties. As will be detailed below, in relation to the following figures, the flexible material of at least one of the bands 14 and 16 is also electrically heated and connected to an electrical supply, in order to ensure heating of the imager. 8 in cold conditions otherwise likely to increase the response time of the imager 8. In this case, only the strip of flexible material 16 is electrically heated and connected to a power supply, the other 14 is not. not. It is understood that various variations are possible; it is in particular possible to provide strips of flexible and heating material on the two faces 8.1 and 8.2 of the imager 8, or only on the rear face 8.2. It is also possible to provide on at least one of the two faces 8.1 and 8.2, one or more strips of flexible material and electrically heating on one or more portions of the peripheral edge, the remainder of said edge being provided with strip (s) of conventional flexible material or else free of strip of flexible material.
Le matériau souple est avantageusement un matériau alvéolé du type mousse, notamment polyuréthane. Alternativement il peut être en matériau plein. Le matériau souple est avantageusement du type polymère. Il présente avantageusement une dureté réduite inférieure à 80° Shore A, plus avantageusement inférieure à 60°The flexible material is advantageously a cellular material of the foam type, in particular polyurethane. Alternatively it can be made of solid material. The flexible material is advantageously of the polymer type. It advantageously has a reduced hardness of less than 80 ° Shore A, more advantageously less than 60 °
Shore A. La ou les bandes de matériau souple 14 et 16 peuvent présenter une épaisseur supérieure à 0.1 mm et/ou inférieure à 3mm, préférentiellement supérieure à 0.2mm et/ou inférieure à 2mm, plus préférentiellement encore supérieure à 0.3mm et/ou inférieure à 1 mm. La ou les bandes de matériau souple 14 et 16 peuvent présenter une largeur supérieure à 2mm et/ou inférieure à 5mm. Shore A. The strip (s) of flexible material 14 and 16 may have a thickness greater than 0.1 mm and / or less than 3mm, preferably greater than 0.2mm and / or less than 2mm, more preferably still greater than 0.3mm and / or less than 1 mm. The strip or bands of flexible material 14 and 16 can have a width greater than 2mm and / or less than 5mm.
Le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement comprend, en outre, des The flexible and electrically heating material further comprises
conducteurs électriques afin de former une résistance électrique le long de la bande dudit matériau. Ces conducteurs électriques peuvent être des fils métalliques, par exemple en cuivre, noyés dans la matrice formée par le matériau souple, et/ou des particules conductrices réparties dans la matrice. Le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement présente alors une résistivité (correspondant à la résistance d'un tronçon de matériau d'un mètre de longueur et d'un mètre carré de section et est exprimée en ohms-mètres) comprise entre 0,004 et 0,024 Qm. Pour une bande d’une section de 4mm2 et d’une longueur de 50mm, cela donne une résistance comprise entre 50 et 300 W. La résistance de la bande en question détermine la chaleur produite par effet joule suivant la relation P=R.I2 où P est la puissance électrique et thermique, R la résistance de la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement, et / est le courant parcourant ladite bande. Ce dernier est obtenu par la loi d’Ohm, à savoir l=V/R, où 1/est la tension électrique appliquée à la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement. electrical conductors to form an electrical resistance along the strip of said material. These electrical conductors can be metal wires, for example copper, embedded in the matrix formed by the flexible material, and / or conductive particles distributed in the matrix. The flexible and electrically heating material then has a resistivity (corresponding to the resistance of a section of material one meter in length and one square meter in section and is expressed in ohm-meters) of between 0.004 and 0.024 Qm. For a strip with a section of 4mm 2 and a length of 50mm, this gives a resistance between 50 and 300 W. The resistance of the strip in question determines the heat produced by the Joule effect according to the relation P = RI 2 where P is the electrical and thermal power, R the resistance of the strip of flexible material and electrically heating, and / is the current flowing through said strip. The latter is obtained by Ohm's law, namely l = V / R, where 1 / is the electric voltage applied to the strip of flexible and electrically heating material.
La figure 2 est une vue de face du module 6 de la figure 1. On peut observer la ou les pièces de retenue 12.4 du support 12, s’étendant le long du bord périphérique 8.3 de l’imageur 8. On peut aussi observer qu’une unité d’alimentation électrique 18 de la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16 est électriquement raccordée à ladite bande. En l’occurrence, la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16 s’étend de manière continue sur la quasi-totalité (à l’exception de la zone du coin inférieur gauche à la figure 2) du bord périphérique 8.3 de l’imageur, de sorte à former une seule résistance chauffante le long des quatre côtés de l’imageur 8. En écho à ce qui a été mentionné précédemment, il est entendu qu’il est envisageable de prévoir plusieurs bandes de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16, et ce sur une même face de l’imageur. Dans ce cas, il faut alors prévoir plusieurs raccordements électriques avec l’unité d’alimentation électrique 18. FIG. 2 is a front view of module 6 of FIG. 1. One can observe the retaining part (s) 12.4 of the support 12, extending along the peripheral edge 8.3 of the imager 8. It can also be observed that a power supply unit 18 of the flexible and electrically heating material strip 16 is electrically connected to said strip. In this case, the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 extends continuously over almost all (except for the area of the lower left corner in FIG. 2) of the peripheral edge 8.3 of the imager. , so as to form a single heating resistance along the four sides of the imager 8. Echoing what has been mentioned previously, it is understood that it is possible to envisage providing several strips of flexible material and electrically heating 16, and this on the same face of the imager. In this case, it is then necessary to provide several electrical connections with the power supply unit 18.
Les figures 3 et 4, qui sont des vues en coupe lll-lll et IV-IV à la figure 2, illustrent un exemple de raccordement électrique de la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16. Figures 3 and 4, which are sectional views III-III and IV-IV in Figure 2, illustrate an example of electrical connection of the strip of flexible material and electrically heated 16.
A la figure 3, on peut observer que la pièce de retenue 12.4, en matériau plastique isolant électriquement, comprend une électrode 12.4.1 surmoulée par le matériau plastique. Cette électrode forme la surface extérieure de la pièce de retenue 12.4 en vis-à-vis de la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16, et s’étendant transversalement à distance de l’imageur de manière à former, à titre d’exemple, une fiche ou une borne de contact électrique. En d’autres termes, lors de la mise en place de la pièce de retenue, par un mouvement essentiellement perpendiculaire au plan de l’imageur, en direction de l’imageur, la zone de contact de l’électrode 12.4.1 , en vis-à-vis de la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16 va se rapproche de ladite bande jusqu’à la contacter. Si celle-ci présente une conductivité électrique répartie dans sa masse, le simple fait de la contacter, en l’occurrence sur sa face principale opposée à l’imageur, va assurer une mise en contact électrique. Si par contre, la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16 comprend des conducteurs électriques 16.1 noyés dans une masse de matériau souple isolant électriquement 16.2, comme cela est illustré à la figure 3, il est alors indiqué de prévoir une longueur desdits conducteurs dépassant de l’extrémité du matériau souple isolant électriquement 16.2, afin de les replier de 180° contrer la face de la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16, opposée à l’imageur. La figure 4 illustre cette situation où on peut observer les conducteurs électriques 16.1 , à savoir les fils métalliques, repliés à 180° vers le haut de manière à s’étendre sur la face de la bande de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16 qui en vis- à-vis de la pièce de retenu 12.4, plus particulièrement de la zone de contact de l’électrode 12.4.1 de ladite pièce. In FIG. 3, it can be observed that the retaining part 12.4, made of electrically insulating plastic material, comprises an electrode 12.4.1 overmolded by the plastic material. This electrode forms the outer surface of the retaining piece 12.4 facing the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16, and extending transversely away from the imager so as to form, by way of example , a plug or an electrical contact terminal. In other words, during the positioning of the retaining piece, by a movement essentially perpendicular to the plane of the imager, in the direction of the imager, the contact zone of the electrode 12.4.1, in vis-à-vis the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 will approach said strip until it contacts it. If the latter has an electrical conductivity distributed in its mass, the simple fact of contacting it, in this case on its main face opposite the imager, will ensure electrical contact. If, on the other hand, the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 comprises electrical conductors 16.1 embedded in a mass of flexible electrically insulating material 16.2, as illustrated in FIG. 3, it is then advisable to provide a length of said conductors exceeding by the end of the flexible electrically insulating material 16.2, in order to fold them back by 180 ° against the face of the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16, opposite the imager. Figure 4 illustrates this situation where one can observe the electrical conductors 16.1, namely the metal wires, bent at 180 ° upwards so as to extend over the face of the strip of flexible and electrically heating material 16 which faces it. - with respect to the retaining part 12.4, more particularly the contact zone of the electrode 12.4.1 of said part.
Ce qui vient d’être décrit en relation avec les figures 3 et 4 s’applique également à l’autre des deux connexions électriques à la figure 2. Ce qui vient d’être décrit en relation avec les figures 3 et 4 s’applique également à l’épaulement 12.3 lorsque le matériau de la bande de matériau souple 14 est également chauffant What has just been described in relation to Figures 3 and 4 also applies to the other of the two electrical connections in Figure 2. What has just been described in relation to Figures 3 and 4 applies also at the shoulder 12.3 when the material of the flexible material strip 14 is also heated
électriquement. electrically.
Aussi, il est entendu que d’autres techniques de connexion électrique peuvent être envisagées. Also, it is understood that other electrical connection techniques can be considered.
La ou les bandes de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement 16 et l’unité d’alimentation électrique sont avantageusement dimensionnés pour pouvoir augmenter la température moyenne de l’imageur d’au moins 10°C en moins de 60 secondes. The strip (s) of flexible and electrically heating material 16 and the power supply unit are advantageously sized to be able to increase the average temperature of the imager by at least 10 ° C. in less than 60 seconds.
L’unité d’alimentation électrique 18 peut être configurée alimenter la ou les bandes de matériau souple et chauffant électriquement, celles-ci assurant la régulation du courant en fonction de la température de l’imageur. Dans ce contexte, l’unité d’alimentation peut être alimentée et/ou commandée de manière binaire (on/off) en fonction de la température ambiante. A titre d’exemple, elle peut être alimentée ou commandée pour fonctionner dès que la température ambiante est inférieure à - 10°C. Il est aussi envisageable de prévoir une unité de d’alimentation électrique 18 avec une fonction de régulation. Dans ce cas, un capteur de température du type thermistance peut être disposé en contact avec l’imageur 8 et être raccordé de manière indépendante à l’unité d’alimentation électrique 18. Celle-ci peut alors moduler la tension d’alimentation et partant, le courant, en fonction de la The power supply unit 18 can be configured to supply the strip (s) of flexible material and electrically heating, the latter ensuring the regulation of the current according to the temperature of the imager. In this context, the power supply unit can be powered and / or binary controlled (on / off) depending on the ambient temperature. For example, it can be powered or controlled to operate as soon as the ambient temperature is below - 10 ° C. It is also conceivable to provide an electrical supply unit 18 with a regulation function. In this case, a temperature sensor of the thermistor type can be placed in contact with the imager 8 and be connected independently to the electric power supply unit 18. The latter can then modulate the supply voltage and hence , the current, depending on the
température effective de l’imageur 8. De manière générale, indépendamment du niveau de raffinement et de complexité de l’alimentation électrique 18, celle-ci ne sera avantageusement alimentée ou du moins commandée pour fonctionner uniquement lorsque le module est actif, c’est-à-dire lorsque le dispositif de rétroéclairage et l’imageur sont alimentés électriquement. effective temperature of the imager 8. In general, regardless of the level of refinement and complexity of the power supply 18, the latter will advantageously not be supplied or at least controlled to operate. only when the module is active, that is, when the backlight device and the imager are electrically powered.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
[Revendication 1.] Module lumineux (6) notamment pour véhicule [Claim 1.] Light module (6) in particular for vehicles
automobile, comprenant : automobile, comprising:
- un imageur (8) avec une face avant (8.1 ), une face arrière (8.2) et un bord périphérique (8.3) ; - an imager (8) with a front face (8.1), a rear face (8.2) and a peripheral edge (8.3);
- un dispositif de rétroéclairage (10) de l’imageur (8), disposé en vis-à-vis de la face arrière (8.2) dudit imageur ; - a backlighting device (10) of the imager (8), arranged vis-à-vis the rear face (8.2) of said imager;
- un support (12) avec une zone de réception (12.3, 12.4) de l’imageur (8) et une zone de fixation (12.2) du dispositif de rétroéclairage (10) ; - a support (12) with a reception area (12.3, 12.4) of the imager (8) and an attachment area (12.2) of the backlighting device (10);
caractérisé en ce que le module lumineux comprend, en outre : characterized in that the light module further comprises:
- au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16) en contact avec le bord périphérique (8.3) de l’imageur (8) et la zone de réception (12.3, 12.4) dudit imageur sur le support (12). - at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heated (16) in contact with the peripheral edge (8.3) of the imager (8) and the reception area (12.3, 12.4) of said imager on the support (12).
[Revendication 2.] Module lumineux (6) selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement présente une dureté inférieure à 80° Shore A. [Claim 2.] Light module (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible and electrically heating material has a hardness of less than 80 ° Shore A.
[Revendication 3.] Module lumineux (6) selon l’une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16) présente une épaisseur moyenne supérieure à 0.1 mm et/ou inférieure à 3mm. [Claim 3.] Light module (6) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating (16) has an average thickness greater than 0.1 mm and / or less than 3mm.
[Revendication 4.] Module lumineux (6) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le matériau souple et chauffant électriquement est alvéolé. [Claim 4.] Light module (6) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flexible and electrically heating material is honeycombed.
[Revendication 5.] Module lumineux (6) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16) comprend des fils métalliques (16.1 ) et/ou des particules conductrices. [Claim 5.] Light module (6) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating (16) comprises metal wires (16.1) and / or conductive particles.
[Revendication 6.] Module lumineux (6) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le contact de l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16) avec le bord périphérique (8.3) de l’imageur (8) est sur au moins une, préférentiellement chacune, des faces avant (8.1 ) et arrière (8.2) dudit imageur. [Revendication 7.] Module lumineux (6) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16) est configurée pour pouvoir maintenir l’imageur (8) à une température moyenne supérieure ou égale à -10°C lorsque ledit module est soumis à des conditions ambiantes avec une température allant de -10°C jusqu’à -40°C. [Claim 6.] Light module (6) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact of the at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating (16) with the peripheral edge (8.3) of the imager (8) is on at least one, preferably each, of the front (8.1) and rear (8.2) faces of said imager. [Claim 7.] Light module (6) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heated (16) is configured to be able to hold the imager (8) at an average temperature greater than or equal to -10 ° C when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to -40 ° C.
[Revendication 8.] Module lumineux (6) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16) est configurée pour pouvoir augmenter une température moyenne de l’imageur (8) d’au moins 10°C en une minute, lorsque ledit module est soumis à des conditions ambiantes avec une température allant de -10°C jusqu’à -40°C. [Claim 8.] Light module (6) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating (16) is configured to be able to increase an average temperature of the imager (8) of at least 10 ° C in one minute, when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to -40 ° C.
[Revendication 9.] Module lumineux (6) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que ledit module comprend, en outre, une unité [Claim 9.] Light module (6) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said module further comprises a unit
d’alimentation électrique (18) de l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16), ladite unité étant configurée pour maintenir une température moyenne de l’imageur supérieure à -10°C lorsque ledit module est soumis à des conditions ambiantes avec une température allant de -10°C jusqu’à -40°C. power supply (18) of at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating (16), said unit being configured to maintain an average temperature of the imager above -10 ° C when said module is subjected to ambient conditions with a temperature ranging from -10 ° C to -40 ° C.
[Revendication 10.] Procédé de contrôle de température d’un imageur (8) d’un module lumineux (6), caractérisé en ce que ledit module lumineux (6) est selon l’une des revendications 1 à 9 et en ce que l’au moins une bande en matériau souple et chauffant électriquement (16) est alimentée électriquement de manière à réchauffer l’imageur à la condition que la température ambiante est inférieure à -10°C. [Claim 10.] A method of controlling the temperature of an imager (8) of a light module (6), characterized in that said light module (6) is according to one of claims 1 to 9 and in that the at least one strip of flexible material and electrically heating (16) is electrically supplied so as to heat the imager on the condition that the ambient temperature is below -10 ° C.
PCT/EP2020/067960 2019-06-28 2020-06-25 Light module with imager with damping and heating attachment WO2020260542A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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CN202080046329.5A CN114080525A (en) 2019-06-28 2020-06-25 Light module having an imager with damping and heating attachments
EP20734544.8A EP3990827A1 (en) 2019-06-28 2020-06-25 Light module with imager with damping and heating attachment

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1907173A FR3097939B1 (en) 2019-06-28 2019-06-28 LUMINOUS MODULE WITH DAMPER AND HEATING FIXING IMAGER
FRFR1907173 2019-06-28

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FR3097939B1 (en) 2021-07-09
FR3097939A1 (en) 2021-01-01
EP3990827A1 (en) 2022-05-04

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