Microlens array comprising structured optical elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a microlens array (16) for a vehicle lamp (10), comprising a plurality of incident microlenses (18) through which light can enter the microlens array (16); a plurality of exit microlenses (20) through which light can exit the microlens array (16); and a mask (22) having a plurality of mask portions (24), the mask being located between the entrance microlens (18) and the exit microlens (20). A plurality of channels (26), through which light can pass, are established in the microlens array (16). Each channel (26) extends from at least one of the plurality of incident microlenses (18) via at least one of the plurality of mask portions (24) to at least one of the plurality of exit microlenses (20). A structured optical element (50) is arranged between the plurality of incident microlenses (18) and the plurality of exit microlenses (20), which only partially blocks light from passing through the microlens array (16). The invention also relates to a vehicle lamp (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microlens array and a vehicle lamp including the microlens array. Background Technology

[0002] Microlens arrays with relatively short focal lengths are commonly used in the automotive industry to reduce the size of vehicle lights, especially headlights.

[0003] For such applications, the beam pattern generated by the microlens array must meet certain standards (which may vary from country to country). Many of these standards define a beam pattern with a cutoff line above which the light intensity must not exceed a certain value to avoid dazzling other drivers traveling in front or oncoming.

[0004] When using microlens arrays, beam patterns are typically formed by the superposition of multiple individual beam patterns, which are generated by light passing through the individual channels of the microlens array.

[0005] An imaging layer (usually a mask located between lenses) is used to adjust the individual beam patterns in each channel by blocking part of the light.

[0006] One known technical problem associated with this technology is the appearance of undesirable optical effects in the projected pattern, which can be caused by crosstalk between the channels (especially when the microlens array is illuminated by light that is partially collimated or not perfectly parallel to the channel direction). Furthermore, reflections occurring at the interfaces between different materials containing other elements of the headlight exacerbate this problem.

[0007] These interferences can cause adverse effects on the headlight beam pattern. In particular, the light intensity above the cutoff line may unintentionally increase, potentially causing glare to other road users and thus affecting overall road safety.

[0008] Therefore, improved microlens arrays and vehicle headlights are needed to avoid the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of this invention is achieved by a microlens array for a vehicle headlight. The microlens array includes a plurality of incident microlenses through which light enters the array; and a plurality of exiting microlenses through which light exits the array. The microlens array also includes a mask having a plurality of mask portions located between the incident and exiting microlenses. A plurality of channels are established in the microlens array through which light can pass. Each channel extends from at least one of the incident microlenses via at least one of the mask portions to at least one of the exiting microlenses. Specifically, each channel includes exactly one incident microlens, exactly one mask portion, and exactly one exiting microlens. A structured optical element is disposed between the plurality of incident and exiting microlenses. This structured optical element is configured to only partially block light from passing through the microlens array.

[0010] It has been found that blocking a portion of the light passing through a microlens array can significantly reduce undesirable optical effects in the projected pattern, particularly those caused by sharp transitions (e.g., steps in the mask). Simultaneously, the unblocked portion of the light passing through the microlens array can contribute to the formation of the beam pattern, particularly the brightness of the projection. These advantages are especially preserved when the microlens array is illuminated at an angle rather than directly facing it.

[0011] In the context of this invention, a structured optical element can be a structure of at least two dimensions, configured to selectively block light in a first region and transmit light in a second region, wherein the boundary between the two regions has a distinct two-dimensional shape, such as a finger-like structure, a Z-shaped structure, a structure with a transmission aperture, a structure with blocking spots, or a random structure between the first and second regions with irregular edges.

[0012] Typically, structured optics are additional elements to the regular structure of the mask portion used to shape the beam pattern to meet standards (which may vary by country). As mentioned earlier, these standards define a beam pattern with a cutoff line above which the light intensity must not exceed a certain value to avoid dazzling other drivers traveling in front or oncoming. Specifically, structured optics may be located on the side opposite to the regular structure used to shape the beam pattern to meet the standards.

[0013] Structured optical elements can be configured to blur the intensity of light passing through a microlens array through their structure. This blurring is most effective at reducing undesirable optical effects in beam patterns. Different structures can be used to achieve varying degrees of blurring intensity. The specific structure chosen for the blurring intensity depends, among other factors, on the specific application (left-hand traffic versus right-hand traffic) and the trade-off between manufacturing cost and effectiveness. For example, a certain structure might be highly effective but very expensive to manufacture; therefore, if cost is more important than effectiveness, a lower-cost structure might be chosen, even if the effectiveness is lower.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of mask portions includes an edge having two substantially linear segments that extend parallel to each other and are offset from one another. The edge also includes a connecting segment that connects the linear segments.

[0015] The purpose of linear segments and connecting segments (e.g., a step connecting linear segments) is to define the shape of the beam emanating from the microlens array, particularly controlling the upper horizontal edge of the beam pattern. This is important to avoid excessive light intensity above the cutoff line, as that could cause glare to other road users.

[0016] In this context, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "upper," "upper part," "lower," and "lower part" are used to indicate different directions and / or orientations intended for primary applications, particularly regarding the installation of microlens arrays in vehicles. The use of these terms herein is for comprehensibility only and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0017] In one variant of the microlens array, adjacent linear segments of two adjacent mask portions are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the linear segments and are connected to each other by at least one structured optical element.

[0018] The offset between adjacent linear segments of two adjacent mask portions is a result of the connecting segments used to define the individual beam shapes of each channel. By establishing the connection between two adjacent linear segments using at least one structured optical element (in particular, instead of a step and / or a sharp (straight) edge), the formation of interference patterns and / or undesirable optical effects in the beam pattern can be effectively suppressed or at least reduced.

[0019] It can be envisioned that adjacent linear segments of two adjacent mask portions are interconnected by the edge of a structured optical element, where the edge is not a straight line. It has been found that shaping the connecting edge between adjacent linear segments to form a structured optical element is a simple and effective method to reduce undesirable optical effects in projected images.

[0020] For example, the edges of structured optical elements can be shaped to include multiple steps. The size of each step can be in the range of a few micrometers to effectively influence the passing light rays, and the number of steps may depend on the offset distance between adjacent linear segments.

[0021] Typically, the connecting segment of a linear segment at a connecting edge is a straight line that is inclined relative to the direction in which the linear segment extends. For example, the connecting segment may extend from the lower left to the upper right, or from the lower right to the upper left, depending on the application scenario, i.e., whether traffic flows on the left or right.

[0022] Unlike the connecting sections, structured optical elements can typically have the opposite orientation. Alternatively, the orientation of the structured optical elements can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the linear sections.

[0023] In any case, the edge of a structured optical element is not a (slanted) straight line because a straight line generally does not obscure the intensity of light passing through a microlens array. Therefore, neither a slanted straight line nor a single step between adjacent linear segments of two adjacent mask portions can achieve the effects of the present invention with a straight line.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one structured optical element is asymmetrical about an axis (in particular any axis) that passes through a point located at the midpoint of a virtual line connecting the opposite ends of adjacent linear segments of two adjacent mask portions. In particular, this axis may be perpendicular to the virtual line. It has been found that avoiding symmetry helps suppress undesirable optical effects in beam patterns.

[0025] In another variant, at least one structured optical element includes a finger-like structure. Specifically, the edge of the structured optical element can form this finger-like structure. The finger-like structure provides alternating light-blocking (opaque) and light-transmitting (transparent) areas, making it ideal for partially blocking light from passing through a microlens array.

[0026] The finger structure may include multiple fingers with different lengths and / or widths. These fingers are spaced apart from each other and may extend in the same direction or not. It is conceivable that the size and spacing of the fingers can be selected to precisely match the requirements of the desired application. In particular, by defining the size and position of individual fingers, specific portions of the beam pattern can be selectively influenced. The fingers may be straight, curved, parallel to each other, or inclined to each other.

[0027] In another embodiment, at least one structured optical element includes at least one transmission aperture within the mask, particularly wherein the at least one transmission aperture is located near the edge of the at least one structured optical element. For example, the at least one transmission aperture may be located near the junction of linear segments of two adjacent mask portions. In particular, a plurality of transmission apertures are provided within the mask, located near the edge of the at least one structured optical element.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, at least one structured optical element may include at least one blocking spot located in one of a plurality of mask portions. In particular, the blocking spot may be located in the transmissive or transparent portion of the mask portion and / or near the junction of linear segments of two adjacent mask portions.

[0029] Both transmission apertures and blocking spots are technically easy to implement and are well-suited for partially blocking light passing through a microlens array and / or blurring the intensity of light passing through the microlens array, particularly in a defined manner. This actually depends on the number, size, and / or location of the transmission apertures and / or blocking spots.

[0030] In one variant, at least one structured optical element is entirely located within one of the multiple channels. Therefore, this structured optical element partially blocks light from passing through the corresponding one or more channels, thereby avoiding or reducing other undesirable optical effects that might be caused by light.

[0031] Alternatively, it can be envisioned that at least one transition region be provided between two adjacent channels. In other words, adjacent channels are separated from each other by at least one transition region. Or, adjacent channels can be directly adjacent, for example, adjacent channels have point contact.

[0032] In one embodiment, the structured optical element is entirely located within the transition region. Therefore, it partially blocks light from passing through the transition region, such as light caused by crosstalk, thereby avoiding or reducing undesirable optical effects that might be caused by that light.

[0033] Alternatively, the structured optical element can be located simultaneously in the transition region and the channel adjacent to the transition region. Therefore, the structured optical element can effectively influence the light passing through the channel and the transition region, thereby avoiding or reducing adverse optical effects that may be caused by the light.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, the structured optical element may be located within a first channel, an adjacent transition region, and a second channel adjacent to the other side of the adjacent transition region.

[0035] In practice, structured optical elements can be located in two adjacent channels and in an optional transition region between these two adjacent channels.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, two or more structured optical elements are provided, wherein these structured optical elements are structurally different from each other. Due to the application of these optical elements with different structures, particularly in different regions of the microlens array, the individual beams passing through these regions are shaped differently. Due to their different shapes, the superposition of these individual beams results in a blurred intensity distribution without producing undesirable strong optical effects in the (superimposed) beam pattern. For example, two or more structured optical elements are located in different channels and / or different transition regions.

[0037] In one variant of the microlens array, at least one structured optical element has a feature size smaller than [missing information]. In this context, characteristic dimensions are understood as the dimensions of structures in structured optical elements that affect light transmission or obstruction, such as the length or width of fingers in a finger structure and / or the diameter of a transmission aperture or blocking spot (also known as an opaque point). It has been found that below... Especially and The structures between them can be easily manufactured and can effectively blur the intensity of light passing through them.

[0038] Alternatively, at least one structured optical element may have characteristic dimensions in the visible and / or infrared wavelength regions, particularly... and between.

[0039] When structured optical elements with such small feature sizes are applied, light passing through them is at least partially diffracted. As a result, the intensity distribution is blurred, and the appearance of noticeable undesirable optical effects in the beam pattern is suppressed or at least reduced.

[0040] In another embodiment, at least two of the multiple mask portions are different from each other, such that when light passes through them, they project different individual beam patterns. By applying different mask portions, different individual beam patterns can be created (e.g., in individual channels), which helps to suppress undesirable optical effects in superimposed beam patterns.

[0041] In a further variation, at least three of the multiple mask portions are different from each other, such that when light passes through them, they project individual beam patterns that are progressively different from each other. In particular, these three different mask portions can be located in different adjacent channels.

[0042] For example, different mask sections can be arranged from left to right in a microlens array.

[0043] This special design allows for the purposeful alteration of the projected beam pattern by changing the illuminated area of ​​the microlens array. For example, multiple LEDs can be applied and selectively operated to illuminate different portions of the microlens array, thereby creating different beam patterns.

[0044] For example, the incident microlens and / or the exit microlens are cylindrical lenses.

[0045] The object of the invention is also achieved by a vehicle lamp, particularly a headlight, comprising at least one light source, a collimating optics, and a microlens array as described above. The advantages discussed for the microlens array also apply in a similar manner to this vehicle lamp. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention, wherein: Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle headlight according to the present invention; Figure 2 schematically shows a front view of a portion of a microlens array according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 schematically illustrates the desired beam pattern that should be formed when a vehicle headlight shines light onto a screen located at a predetermined distance; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a beam pattern with poor optical effects; Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of a portion of a microlens array according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 schematically shows a front view of a portion of a microlens array according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 schematically shows a front view of a portion of a microlens array according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the present invention; Figure 9 schematically illustrates another example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the present invention; Figure 10 schematically illustrates yet another example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the present invention; Figure 11 schematically illustrates another example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the present invention; Figure 12 schematically illustrates yet another example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the present invention; Figure 13 schematically illustrates another example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the present invention; Figure 14 schematically illustrates yet another example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the present invention; Figure 15 schematically illustrates another example of a structured optical element used in a microlens array according to the invention; and Figure 16 schematically illustrates an example of multiple different mask sections arranged in a row. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of one embodiment of a vehicle lamp 10 according to the present invention. The vehicle lamp 10 is a headlight including at least one light source 12, such as an LED or an LED array. Thus, one or more light sources can be provided. In addition, the vehicle lamp 10 includes a collimating optics 14, such as a Fresnel lens, for collimating the light emitted from at least one light source 12.

[0048] The vehicle light 10 also includes a microlens array 16. The microlens array 16 includes a plurality of incident microlenses 18 through which light enters the microlens array 16; and a plurality of exit microlenses 20 through which light exits the microlens array 16.

[0049] For example, the incident microlens 18 and / or the exit microlens 20 are cylindrical lenses.

[0050] In addition, the microlens array 16 has a mask 22 with multiple mask portions 24 located between the incident microlens 18 and the exit microlens 20.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, mask 22 is located within the focal plane of both the incident microlens 18 and the exit microlens 20. This is not, of course, a limitation of the invention. In other embodiments, mask 22 may be closer to or further away from the incident microlens 18 and / or the exit microlens 20 than their respective focal planes. Typically, this depends on the application and / or the size of the microlens array 16.

[0052] In the microlens array 16, multiple channels 26 are established, through which light can pass.

[0053] In an embodiment, each channel 26 extends from an incident microlens 18 to an exit microlens 20 via a mask portion 24. In other words, each incident microlens 18 is associated with a corresponding exit microlens 20, wherein a portion of a mask is located between them, which is defined as the mask portion 24.

[0054] Each mask portion 24 shown in Figure 1 thus defines an image projected by light passing through a channel 26 containing the corresponding mask portion 24.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, transition regions 28 are located between adjacent channels 26. It is conceivable that when the microlens array 16 is illuminated from the front (along the direction of channel 26), little or no light passes through these transition regions 28. However, when the microlens array 16 is illuminated at an angle or by partially collimated light, a significant amount of light may pass through the transition regions 28 due to crosstalk and / or reflection. This can lead to undesirable optical effects in the beam, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0056] Figure 2 schematically shows a front view of a portion of the microlens array 16 of Figure 1, such as two adjacent channels 26 and a transition region 28 located between the adjacent channels 26.

[0057] In one embodiment, mask 22 has an elongated transmission region 30, such as an opening, that spans a plurality of mask portions 24, particularly extending in the horizontal direction. As described above, mask portions 24 are those regions of mask 22 associated with channel 26.

[0058] In the vertical direction, the transmission region 30 is limited by the opaque regions 32 of the mask 22, which are located on opposite sides of the transmission region 30 in the vertical direction.

[0059] The mask 22 includes a lower edge 34, which is the boundary between the transmissive region 30 and an opaque region 32 of the mask 22.

[0060] In each mask portion 24, the lower edge 34 has a first (substantially) linear segment 36 and a second (substantially) linear segment 38. The two linear segments 36 and 38 extend in parallel, i.e., in the horizontal direction. The linear segments 36 and 38 are offset from each other in the vertical direction.

[0061] In each mask section 24, the lower edge 34 also includes a connecting segment 39 that connects the first linear segment 36 and the second linear segment 38. As shown, the connecting segment 39 is a sloping straight line.

[0062] The purpose of this special design of the mask section 24 is to create a beam pattern suitable for vehicle lamps 10, particularly headlights, by selectively blocking light from passing through the microlens array 16. In fact, the connecting section 39 ensures that the beam pattern meets relevant official regulations and / or standards set by the original equipment manufacturer or Tier 1 supplier.

[0063] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the desired beam pattern 40 of a vehicle lamp 10, such as a headlight used for right-hand traffic. The desired beam pattern 40 may be defined by the regulations of a particular country and / or the standards as described above.

[0064] At the upper end, the beam pattern 40 has a cutoff line 42 above which the light intensity must not exceed a certain value to avoid dazzling other drivers traveling in front or oncoming.

[0065] As shown in Figure 3, the cutoff line 42 has a lower portion 44 on the left and a higher portion 46 on the right. This ensures that the light is distributed with maximum intensity where it is most needed, especially in the vehicle's lane and to its right, so that traffic signs, for example, on the right can be properly illuminated. At the same time, it avoids glare to drivers of vehicles or pedestrians traveling ahead.

[0066] It is conceivable that the lower edge 34 of the mask 22 defines or at least greatly influences the shape of the cutoff line 42. In particular, the lower portion 44 of the cutoff line 42 may be defined by a first linear segment 36, while the upper portion 46 may be defined by a second linear segment 38.

[0067] It is known from the prior art that optical interference may occur in conventional vehicle headlights containing conventional microlens arrays, resulting in irregular beam patterns 40.

[0068] Figure 4 shows such an irregular beam pattern 40, which may occur, for example, when a microlens array 16 is applied with a mask 22 having obvious sharp steps or corners of first and second linear segments 36, 38 connecting adjacent channels 26.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the irregular beam pattern 40 includes undesirable optical effects 48. Due to these optical effects 48, the light intensity above the cutoff line 42 may increase in certain areas, which could cause glare to other drivers traveling in front or oncoming.

[0070] To avoid or at least mitigate this undesirable optical effect 48, the microlens array 16 shown in FIG2 includes structured optical elements 50 disposed between a plurality of incident microlenses 18 and a plurality of exit microlenses 20. In an embodiment, the structured optical elements 50 are part of the mask 22.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, the structured optical element 50 is located in the transition region 28, particularly in the region between adjacent channels 26.

[0072] The structured optical element 50 connects adjacent linear segments 36 and 38 of adjacent mask portions 24. These segments are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the linear segments 36 and 38, i.e., offset in the vertical direction.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the structured optical element 50 is formed from a finger-like structure 52. In this case, the edge 54 of the structured optical element 50 is part of the lower edge 34 of the mask 22.

[0074] In fact, the edge 54 of the structured optical element 50 connects adjacent linear segments 36, 38 of the adjacent mask portions 24 to each other.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper linear segment 36 of the left mask portion 24 and the lower linear segment 38 of the right mask portion 24 are connected to the edges 54 of the corresponding structured optical elements 50 located between the mask portions 24. However, this depends on the application scenario. In fact, the edges 54 of the structured optical elements 50 may also be connected to the lower linear segment 38 of the left mask portion 24 and the upper linear segment 36 of the right mask portion 24. As mentioned above, this depends on whether the application pertains to left-hand or right-hand traffic.

[0076] By establishing these connections through finger-like structures 52 instead of straight lines, the large steps at the lower edge 34 of mask 22 are avoided, which could cause undesirable optical effects 48 in the beam pattern 40.

[0077] As shown in Figure 2, the finger structure 52 includes multiple fingers 56 with different lengths and widths.

[0078] In the embodiments, the characteristic dimensions (their length and width) of the fingers 56 range from 3 μm to 30 μm.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2, all the fingers 56 extend in the same direction, such as horizontally, and are spaced apart from each other. For example, the fingers 56 are parallel to each other.

[0080] Importantly, the structured optical elements 50 only partially block the light incident upon them from passing through the microlens array 16. The portion of the light that passes through the microlens array 16 unblocked can help form the beam pattern 40 of the vehicle lamp 10.

[0081] Through their structure, the structured optical elements 50 blur the intensity of light passing through the microlens array 16, thereby reducing interference effects and consequently reducing undesirable optical effects 48 in the beam pattern 40.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding structure of the structured optical element 50 is defined by the shape and / or orientation of the finger structure 52, which causes the intensity of light passing through the microlens array 16 to be blurred.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a plurality of structured optical elements 50 are illustrated, which are structurally different from each other.

[0084] Multiple different structured optical elements 50 may be located in different regions, particularly different channels 26 or different transition regions 28, as shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the individual beams passing through these different regions are shaped differently by the different structured optical elements 50. The superposition of these individual beams results in a blurred intensity distribution, thus helping to avoid undesirable optical effects 48 in the superimposed beam pattern 40.

[0085] Figure 5 schematically shows a front view of a portion of a microlens array 16 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment in several important aspects. Therefore, only the differences are described. Identical or functionally identical elements are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0086] In Figure 5, the structured optical element 50 is entirely located within channel 26. The structured optical element 50 is configured to partially block a portion of the light passing through the channel 26 in which it resides, thereby avoiding or reducing undesirable optical effects 48 that may be caused by this portion of the light.

[0087] The transition region 28 is still provided between adjacent channels 26. However, this transition region 28 is optional. Therefore, adjacent channels 26 can also be in direct contact, for example, through point contact.

[0088] Figure 6 schematically shows a front view of a portion of a microlens array 16 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment corresponds to the first and second embodiments in several important aspects. Therefore, only the differences are described. Identical or functionally identical elements are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0089] In Figure 6, the structured optical element 50 is located in both the transition region 28 and the channel 26 adjacent to the corresponding transition region 28. Due to their position, the structured optical element 50 is configured to partially block a portion of the light passing through the corresponding channel 26 and the transition region 28, thereby avoiding or reducing undesirable optical effects 48 that may be caused by this portion of the light.

[0090] Alternatively, it can be envisioned that at least one structured optical element 50 extends along two adjacent channels 26 and a transition region 28 located between the adjacent channels 26.

[0091] Figure 7 schematically shows a front view of a portion of a microlens array 16 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment corresponds to the first, second, and third embodiments in several important aspects. Therefore, only the differences are described. Identical or functionally identical elements are referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0092] Similar to Figure 5, the structured optical element 50 in Figure 7 is entirely located within channel 26.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment, each structured optical element 50 includes a plurality of steps 58 that form part of the lower edge 34 of the corresponding mask portion 24. The characteristic dimensions of the steps 58, such as their height and length, are a few micrometers, which is sufficient to effectively affect the individual beams passing through the respective channels 26 where the structured optical element 50 is located.

[0094] As shown in Figure 7, the structured optical element 50 typically has an orientation opposite to that of the connecting section 39.

[0095] Furthermore, the structured optical element 50 differs from a straight line that does not blur light intensity. In fact, blurring is achieved through multiple steps 58.

[0096] Figures 8 to 15 schematically illustrate further examples of the shape of the structured optical element 50 that can be applied to the microlens array 16 according to the invention, particularly the first linear portion 36 and the second linear portion 38 for connecting the different mask portions 24.

[0097] Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of a structured optical element 50 having a finger structure 52 comprising horizontally aligned fingers 56 of varying lengths.

[0098] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an example of a structured optical element 50 having a finger structure 52 comprising vertically aligned fingers 56 of varying lengths.

[0099] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an example of a structured optical element 50 having a finger-like structure 52, which includes approximately [missing information - likely a number] relative to linear segments 36, 38. The finger-shaped object 56 is aligned at an angle. Other angles can also be selected.

[0100] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an example of a structured optical element 50 with an irregular structure. The depicted structured optical element 50 is asymmetrical about an axis 60 that passes through point 62, located at the midpoint of a virtual line 64 connecting the opposite ends of adjacent linear segments 36, 38 of two adjacent mask portions 24. In Figure 11, axis 60 is perpendicular to virtual line 64.

[0101] Figure 12 schematically illustrates an example of another structured optical element 50, similar to the structured optical element 50 in Figure 11, but with a coarser, irregular structure.

[0102] Figure 13 schematically illustrates an example of another structured optical element 50, which includes a plurality of transmission holes 66. The transmission holes 66 may be located within the opaque region 32 of the mask 22. In Figure 13, the transmission holes 66 are all located near the edge 54 of the structured optical element 50.

[0103] Figure 14 schematically illustrates an example of another structured optical element 50, which includes a plurality of blocking spots 68. The blocking spots 68 may be located within the transmission region 30 of the mask 22, particularly within a mask portion 24 or transition region 28, for example, between two mask portions 24. In Figure 13, the blocking spots 68 are all located near the edge 54 of the structured optical element 50.

[0104] Figure 15 schematically illustrates an example of another structured optical element 50, which includes an edge 54 with a step 58, similar to the structured optical element 50 of Figure 7.

[0105] Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific types of structured optical elements 50 shown in Figures 8-15. Other types of structured optical elements 50 can be applied, especially those that are combinations of two or more of the different structured optical elements 50 described above.

[0106] However, what all these specific types of structured optical elements 50 have in common is that the intensity of light passing through the microlens array 16 is blurred by the corresponding structure of the structured optical element 50.

[0107] As described above, the structured optical element 50 is additionally constructed in addition to the connecting section 39 used to shape the beam pattern according to regulations / standards. Unlike the structured optical element 50, the connecting section 39 must be located within the corresponding channel 26. Furthermore, unlike the connecting section 39 provided by a straight line, the edges of the structured optical element 50 have different shapes, such as a stepped shape with multiple steps.

[0108] In a further embodiment, at least one of the applied structured optical elements 50 has a feature size in the wavelength region of visible light and / or infrared light, preferably in the range of 300 nm and... Between them, the intensity of light passing through the microlens array 16 is blurred by utilizing the diffraction effect, thereby avoiding or at least reducing undesirable optical effects 48 in the beam pattern 40.

[0109] Figure 16 schematically illustrates multiple different mask portions 24 arranged in a row. For example, the different mask portions 24 may be arranged from left to right in the microlens array 16. In an embodiment, the different mask portions 24 are located in different adjacent channels 26.

[0110] As shown in Figure 16, the mask portion 24 differs from each other in the dimensions of the transmissive region 30 and the opaque region 32. For example, by applying a structured optical element 50 with a finger structure 52 having longer or wider fingers 56 (as shown on the right), the size of the transmissive region 30 can be reduced and the size of the opaque region 32 increased.

[0111] Of course, other structures of the structured optical element 50 besides the finger structure 52 can also be used, such as combinations of different structures.

[0112] The different mask portions 24 shown in Figure 16 project different individual beam patterns 70 as light passes through them.

[0113] In the example, the individual beam patterns 70 projected by the different mask portions 24 shown in Figure 16 gradually differ from one another. In other words, there is a gradual change in the individual beam patterns 70 (from left to right in the example).

[0114] It is conceivable that in the vehicle light 10, the light source 12 can be configured to illuminate a selective portion of the microlens array 16, for example, it can include multiple selectively switchable LEDs.

[0115] In particular, the light source 12 can be configured to illuminate different channels 26 that contain different mask portions 24. In this way, the individual beam pattern 70 to be projected can be selected, and thus the shape of the superimposed beam pattern 40 can also be selected.

Claims

1. A microlens array for a vehicle lamp (10), comprising: Multiple incident microlenses (18) allow light to enter the microlens array (16) through the incident microlenses; Multiple exiting microlenses (20) allow light to exit the microlens array (16) through the exiting microlenses; as well as A mask (22) having multiple mask portions (24) located between an incident microlens (18) and an exit microlens (20); Multiple channels (26) are established in the microlens array (16) through which light can pass. Each channel (26) extends from at least one of the multiple incident microlenses (18) via at least one of the multiple mask portions (24) to at least one of the multiple exit microlenses (20). and A structured optical element (50) is disposed between multiple incident microlenses (18) and multiple exit microlenses (20), which only partially blocks light from passing through the microlens array (16).

2. The microlens array according to claim 1, wherein the structured optical element (50) is configured to obscure the intensity of light passing through the microlens array (16) through its structure.

3. The microlens array according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of mask portions (24) includes an edge (34) having two substantially linear segments (36, 38) that extend in parallel and are offset from each other, wherein the edge (34) includes a connecting segment (39) connecting the linear segments (36, 38).

4. The microlens array according to claim 3, wherein adjacent linear segments (36, 38) of two adjacent mask portions (24) are offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the linear segments (36, 38), and wherein the adjacent linear segments (36, 38) are connected by the at least one structured optical element (50).

5. The microlens array according to claim 3 or 4, wherein adjacent linear segments (36, 38) of two adjacent mask portions (24) are interconnected by an edge (54) of a structured optical element (50), and wherein the edge (54) is different from a straight line.

6. The microlens array according to claim 5, wherein the edge (54) of the structured optical element (50) includes a plurality of steps (58).

7. The microlens array according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one structured optical element (50) is asymmetrical about an axis (60) that passes through a point (62) located at the midpoint of a virtual line (64) connecting the opposite ends of adjacent linear segments (36, 38) of two adjacent mask portions (24), and wherein the axis (60) is perpendicular to the virtual line (64).

8. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one structured optical element (50) comprises a finger structure (52).

9. The microlens array according to claim 8, wherein the finger structure (52) comprises a plurality of fingers (56) having different lengths and / or widths, and in particular wherein the fingers (56) extend in the same direction and are spaced apart from each other.

10. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one structured optical element (50) includes at least one transmission aperture (66) within a mask (22), and in particular, wherein the at least one transmission aperture (66) is located near an edge (54) of the at least one structured optical element (50).

11. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one structured optical element (50) includes at least one blocking spot (68) located in one of the plurality of mask portions (24).

12. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one structured optical element (50) is entirely located within one of the plurality of channels (26).

13. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one transition region (28) is provided between two adjacent channels (26).

14. The microlens array according to claim 13, wherein the structured optical element (50) is entirely located within the transition region (28).

15. The microlens array according to claim 13, wherein the structured optical element (50) is located in the transition region (28) and the channel (26) adjacent to the transition region (28).

16. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two or more structured optical elements (50) are provided, and wherein the structured optical elements (50) are structurally different from each other.

17. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feature size of the at least one structured optical element (50) is less than 50 μm.

18. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feature size of the at least one structured optical element (50) is in the wavelength region of visible light.

19. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the plurality of mask portions (24) are different from each other, such that when light passes through them, they project different individual beam patterns (70).

20. The microlens array according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least three of the plurality of mask portions (24) are different from each other, such that when light passes through them, they project individual beam patterns (70) that are progressively different from each other.

21. A vehicle light (10), comprising: At least one light source (12); A collimating optical device (14); as well as Microlens array (16) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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