Light module for display in several different light fields

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (100) for a motor vehicle signaling device comprising optical lenses (101) and light sources (102). Each light source is arranged opposite one of the optical lenses so as to form a light source-optical lens combination and to project light outside the light module. For each combination, a relative position of the light source and the optical lens and at least one optical characteristic of the optical lens define a light field within which light projected by the light source through the optical lens is visible. A first light field is defined for a first set of at least one first combination, and a second light field is defined for a second set of at least one second combination, the first and second light fields being different. FIG. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Light module for display in several different light fields

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting devices for motor vehicles, in particular signaling devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a light module and a signaling device capable of projecting signaling information towards the exterior of a motor vehicle.

[0002] It is known to integrate light modules with pixelated screens into motor vehicles, for example in rear lights. These screens are for example produced by means of matrices of a large number of selectively activatable light sources, the dimensions of which are sufficiently small so that it is possible to display information on these screens, for example in the form of a message or pictogram, with a satisfactory resolution. This information thus makes it possible to improve the signaling of the motor vehicle, for example by contextualizing or accompanying a given signaling function with a message.

[0003] Such messages may be addressed to drivers of vehicles located behind the motor vehicle, to other vehicles in the context of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, to pedestrians or any other road user.

[0004] Thus, several different users can view the signaling information displayed by the light module.

[0005] However, information communicated to one of the aforementioned users may not be relevant to another user. For example, information communicated to a driver of a vehicle located behind the motor vehicle may not concern a pedestrian located on the side of the road.

[0006] It is thus made desirable to be able to target a road user with relevant signaling information and on the other hand to avoid communicating such signaling information to other users for whom such information would not be relevant. It would be even more advantageous to be able to address two pieces of signaling information simultaneously to two road users located at distinct relative positions with respect to the motor vehicle.

[0007] The present invention improves the situation.

[0008] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a light module for a signaling device of a motor vehicle comprising:

[0009] - optical lenses;

[0010] - light sources.

[0011] Each light source is arranged opposite one of the optical lenses so as to form a combination of light source and optical lens and so as to project light outside the light module. For each combination, a relative position of the light source and the optical lens and at least one optical characteristic of the optical lens define a light field of light within which light projected by the light source through the optical lens is visible. A first light field is defined for a first set of at least one first combination and a second light field is defined for a second set of at least one second combination, the first and second light fields being different.

[0012] Thus, it is made possible to display different signaling information in several different light fields by controlling the light sources of the different associations corresponding respectively to the light fields. The light sources of the first associations thus display information which is only visible in the first light field, and which thus can be relevant for targets located in the first light field.

[0013] According to embodiments, the first set may comprise several first associations capable of projecting light into the first light field and the second set may comprise several second associations capable of projecting light into the second light field.

[0014] Thus, the light module can display complex signaling information in each of the first and second light fields.

[0015] According to embodiments, the optical lenses can be distributed in several rows and several columns in the light module.

[0016] Thus, the different associations form a matrix, which makes it possible to display signaling information in the form of images in the first and second light fields.

[0017] According to embodiments, the module can comprise between 500 and 1000 light sources, in particular between 700 and 800 light sources.

[0018] Thus, good resolution images can be displayed in the first and second light fields, while having light sources controllable by a standard control unit.

[0019] According to embodiments, the first light field may be defined by a first horizontal angular range, and the second light field may be defined by a second horizontal angular range, when the light module is installed in a motor vehicle. The first and second horizontal angular ranges are different.

[0020] It is thus made possible to target different road users, according to their horizontal angular position, measured in particular in relation to a front-rear axis of the motor vehicle or signaling device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first and second horizontal angular ranges can be disjoint.

[0022] It is thus made possible to display different signaling information in disjoint light fields. Thus, a target located in a given light field will only see the signaling information displayed in this field, and the relevance of the displayed information can thus be improved.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the first and second horizontal angular ranges can partially overlap into a third horizontal angular range.

[0024] Thus, it is possible to display three signaling information in three light fields, without requiring third associations between light sources and optical lenses. The three signaling information are: a first information, a second information and a combination of the first and second information.

[0025] According to embodiments, the light module may further comprise at least one control unit capable of controlling the activation of the light sources, the control unit may be capable of controlling each light source defining a first association so as to project a first image in the first light field, and the control unit may be capable of controlling each light source defining a second association so as to project a second image in the second light field.

[0026] Thus, the projected information can vary dynamically by controlling the different light sources of the first associations to vary a first image, and by controlling the different light sources of the second associations, to vary a second image.

[0027] In addition, the control unit may be capable of controlling passive matrix light sources.

[0028] It is thus not necessary to have an active control element for each of the sources, which reduces the costs of the light module.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the first image and the second image can combine in the third angular range so as to form a third image.

[0030] It is thus possible to display three images in three distinct light fields, without having to add third associations between optical lenses and light sources.

[0031] According to embodiments, at least one third light field can be defined by a third set of at least one third association, the third light field being different from the first light field and the second light field.

[0032] Thus, it is possible to independently display signaling information in at least three different light fields.

[0033] According to one embodiment, each optical lens can be associated by a first association with a first light source, arranged at a first relative position relative to the lens, and by a second association with a second light source arranged at a second relative position relative to the lens.

[0034] Consequently, at least two light sources are placed opposite each optical lens, which makes it possible to share the optical lens for displays in the first and second light fields. Thus, at a given level of resolution, the costs and size associated with the light module are reduced.

[0035] In addition, each optical lens can further be associated by a third association with a third light source arranged at a third relative position with respect to the lens.

[0036] Consequently, at least three light sources are placed opposite each optical lens, which makes it possible to share the optical lens between the displays in the first, second and third light fields. Thus, at a given level of resolution and a given number of different visual fields, the costs and size associated with the light module are reduced.

[0037] Further in addition, the control unit may be capable of controlling each light source defining a third association so as to project a third image in the third light field.

[0038] The control unit thus allows dynamic display in three different light fields.

[0039] Further in addition, the first image and the third image can be identical.

[0040] Thus, the same image can be projected into two light fields, in particular when these light fields correspond to identical targets, such as pedestrians at the roadside. The control of the light sources is thus simplified, since the sources of the first associations and the sources of the third associations are controlled in an identical manner.

[0041] According to another embodiment, each optical lens can be associated with a single light source, the optical lenses can be identical, and each first association can comprise a lens and a light source arranged at a first position relative to each other, and each second association comprises a lens and a light source arranged at a second relative position to each other, the first relative position being different from the second relative position.

[0042] It is thus made possible to display signaling information in at least two light fields by simply varying the relative positions of the light sources with respect to the lenses. Single lenses can thus be used, which facilitates the manufacture of the light module.

[0043] According to embodiments, at least one of the lenses can form three first associations with three light sources capable of emitting lights of different colors.

[0044] Thus, it is made possible to vary the colors of signaling information in at least one light field.

[0045] According to another embodiment, each optical lens can be associated with a single light source, each light source being arranged at the same relative position with respect to the optical lens associated with it, each first association can comprise a first optical lens having a first optical characteristic defining the first light field, and each second association can comprise a second optical lens having a second optical characteristic defining the second light field, the first optical characteristic being different from the second optical characteristic.

[0046] Thus, the light sources always have the same positioning relative to the optical lenses, only the optical characteristics of the lenses varying, which facilitates the manufacture of such a module.

[0047] A second aspect of the invention relates to a signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one light module according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0048] According to one embodiment, each light module may be a rigid panel, one edge of which is fixed by clipping onto a support of the signaling device.

[0049] The manufacture of such a signaling device is thus facilitated, while allowing great precision in the positioning of the light module(s).

[0050] In addition, the signaling device may comprise several light modules, arranged by clipping onto the signaling device support at different positions along a first axis.

[0051] It is thus made possible to display signaling information on a large surface, obtained from several light modules.

[0052] In addition, the light modules can be arranged at different positions along a first axis and along a second axis normal to the first axis.

[0053] It is thus made possible to insert the light modules into a curved signaling device.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the support may comprise a printed circuit capable of electrically connecting respective control elements of the light modules.

[0055] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings in which:

[0056] [Fig-1] illustrates a front view in a vertical plane of a light module according to a embodiment of the invention;

[0057] [Fig.2] illustrates a sectional view in a horizontal plane of associations between lenses optics and light sources of a light module according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0058] [Fig.3] illustrates a sectional view in a horizontal plane of associations between lenses optics and light sources of a light module according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0059] [Fig.4] illustrates a sectional view in a horizontal plane of associations between lenses optics and light sources of a light module according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0060] [Fig.5] illustrates a sectional view in a vertical plane of associations between lenses optics and light sources of a light module according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0061] [Fig.6a] illustrates a three-dimensional view of a signaling device according to a embodiment of the invention;

[0062] [Fig.6b] illustrates a top view in a horizontal plane of a signaling device lization according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The description focuses on the characteristics which distinguish the light module and the signaling device from those known in the state of the art.

[0064] [Fig.l] illustrates a light module 100 of a signaling device of a motor vehicle, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0065] The light module 100 according to the invention comprises:

[0066] - optical lenses 101;

[0067] - light sources 102.

[0068] No restriction is attached to the optical lenses 101, which may be spherical or cylindrical lenses for example. Preferably, the optical lenses 101 are convex cylindrical. In the following, it is considered, for illustrative purposes only, that the optical lenses are convex cylindrical.

[0069] The term “light source 102” means any light element, therefore capable of emitting light in a certain wavelength interval, and individually controllable. The light sources 102 thus form elementary sources of the light module, which is therefore a pixelated module. No restriction is attached to the technology associated with the light sources 102, which may be light sources semiconductor devices, such as LEDs. The use of these small light sources allows for high brightness with reduced power consumption. Their size also allows for small but high-resolution light modules, since many LEDs can then be arranged in the light module.

[0070] According to embodiments, each of the light sources comprises at least one light-emitting semiconductor chip whose dimensions are between 80qm and 300qm. Such a chip is called a miniLED. Alternatively, each of the light sources 102 comprises at least one light-emitting semiconductor chip whose dimensions are between 5qm and 80qm. Such a chip is called a microLED. Such chips may be mounted, directly or indirectly, on a substrate, such as a ceramic substrate. A ceramic substrate is understood to mean a substrate made of a material with a crystalline, or partially crystalline or amorphous structure, such as a glass or an alumina, consisting of essentially inorganic substances, and which is formed by a molten mass which solidifies upon cooling, or which is formed and brought to maturity, at the same time or subsequently, by the action of heat and / or pressure.Advantageously, the ceramic substrate is an alumina (A12O3) or aluminum nitride (AIN) substrate. It should be noted that the glass substrate (based on borosilicate) is more commonly used due to its dielectric properties and its production cost. The substrate may have a thickness of between 400 and 600 qm, for example equal to 500 qm. Alternatively, the substrate may be of the high-density printed circuit type, HDI PCB, with a thickness of between 400 and 600 qm, for example equal to 500 qm, in the case of active matrix control of the light sources, or between 900 and 1100 qm, for example equal to 1 mm, in the case of passive matrix control of the light sources 102.

[0071] Alternatively, the light sources 102 may be of the organic LED or OLED type, for example with active matrix control, also called AMOLED. As a further alternative, the light sources may be LCD cells, for “Liquid Crystal Display” in English.

[0072] Finally, no restriction is attached to the number of optical lenses 101 and light sources 102, nor to their distribution. It will be understood in the following that the light sources 102 are at least as numerous as the optical lenses 101. The light module 100 may for example comprise more than 100 light sources 102, for example between 500 and 1000 light sources, in particular between 700 and 800 light sources. The light module 100 thus appears as pixelated with a resolution proportional to the number of optical lenses 101 and to the number of light sources 102 that it comprises.

[0073] A spacing of the order of 1 mm, or preferably less than 1 mm, may in particular be provided between the light sources, in particular between two light sources contributing to the formation of the same image, so that the image appears continuous to an observer observing the image formed by the light sources 102.

[0074] As shown in [Fig.l], the optical lenses 101 may be arranged in a matrix comprising a certain number of rows and a certain number of columns. No restriction is attached to the format of such a matrix. Furthermore, the optical lenses 101 may be distributed differently than in the form of a rectangular matrix. The distribution of the optical lenses 101 may in particular depend on the shape of the light module 100, which may be a panel with a rectangular, square, octagonal, or any other polygonal emitting surface.

[0075] The light module 100 may further comprise a control unit 110 capable of controlling the light sources. A single control unit 110 per light module 100 is shown in [Fig.l], but the light module 100 may also comprise several control elements 110 dedicated to controlling subsets of the light sources 102. The control unit 110 may be mounted on the same surface as the emission surface of the substrate comprising the light sources 102, or may be mounted on the opposite surface. In the case of mounting on the opposite surface, through-holes or through-vias, also called TGV, for “Through Glass Via” in English, may be provided in the substrate so as to allow the transfer of control signals between the control unit 110 and the light sources 102, while making it possible to hide the control unit 110. The light module 100 thus advantageously appears as “floating”.

[0076] The control unit 110 can control the light sources 102:

[0077] - in active matrix: in this case, the control unit 110 controls elements of control respectively associated with each of the light sources 102. Each light source 102 is thus associated with an active control element. Advantageously, each light source 102 is mounted and connected to the control element with which it is associated. For example, each control element comprises a thin-film transistor, also called TFT, for “Thin Film Transistor” in English, on which the associated light source 102 is mounted and connected. The assembly of the plurality of light sources 102 and the plurality of active control elements forms an active matrix.Alternatively, the emission face of the substrate may comprise one or more thin connection sub-layers, in particular with a thickness of less than 50 qm, incorporating a plurality of active control elements, each active control element being arranged to control one of the light sources 102 with which it is associated, and each light source 102 being mounted and connected directly. on the emission face of the substrate, substantially in line with a control element of the thin connection sub-layer(s), to which it is connected. Each control element may be of the integrated microcircuit type comprising at least one transistor and a memory;

[0078] - in passive matrix: in this case, the control unit 110 connects and disconnects se quantitatively each of the light sources to a power supply and to ground. In this case, the light sources 102 can be mounted directly on the emission face of the substrate, forming a passive matrix, and the control unit 110 can be arranged to control the passive matrix according to received control instructions, in particular to display signaling information in different light fields, as detailed in the following. Such an embodiment makes it possible to dispense with the control elements necessary in active matrix control. In order to produce such a passive matrix, the light module 100 can comprise a plurality of control devices, not shown in [Fig.l], for controlling the electrical power supplied to the light sources, the control devices being able to be mounted on the face opposite the emission face of the substrate.Each driver device may be mounted on the opposite face proximate a through hole to drive electrical power supplied to a light source 102 on the other side of the through hole, on the light emitting face of the substrate.

[0079] It is now possible, by means of a single control unit 110, to control several hundred light sources. For example, standard control units allow the control of a matrix of 16*48, or 768 light sources. Thus, advantageously, a light module comprising between 700 and 750 light sources, or better, comprising a matrix of 16*48 light sources 102, allows the use of a single standard control unit 110, while allowing a high resolution. The costs associated with the light module are thus reduced, and the use of the control unit 110 is optimized.

[0080] According to the invention, each light source 102 is arranged opposite one of the optical lenses 101 so as to form an association of light source and optical lens and so as to project light outside the light module 100. For each association, a relative position of the light source 102 and the optical lens 101 and at least one optical characteristic of the optical lens 101 define a light field within which light emitted by the light source 102 through the optical lens is visible 101.

[0081] The light field defines an area of ​​space within which an observer can see the light emitted by the light source 102 and deflected by the lens 101 associated with it. It may be defined by an angular range in a first direction, by angular ranges in two directions, or by a cone of light.

[0082] For example, in [Fig.l], the module 100 is shown with an emission face extending in a vertical plane YZ, with a main emission direction along an axis X. The axis X may correspond to a front-rear axis of a lighting device in which the lighting module 100 is integrated, or even to a front-rear axis of a motor vehicle in which the lighting device comprising the lighting module 100 is integrated. The axis Z is a vertical axis and the axis Y may thus be a left-right axis of the lighting device or of the motor vehicle.

[0083] Preferably, the light field of each combination of light source and optical lens is defined by a set of positions in a horizontal plane. For example, it may be an angular range in a horizontal plane, the angles being able to be measured relative to the X direction. It may also be an angle relative to the X direction associated with a light beam width. Examples of light fields will be illustrated in more detail with reference to the following figures. The light field thus delimits a part of the space located in front of the light module 100 and in which the light emitted by the light source 102 is visible.

[0084] Alternatively, the light fields may be defined by their positions in a vertical plane, for example by angles relative to the X direction. Complementarily, the light field may be defined by an angle in the horizontal plane and an angle in the vertical plane, or by the position of the axis of a cone relative to the X axis, and the generation angle of the cone.

[0085] In the following, it is considered, for illustrative purposes only, that the light field of each association is defined in a horizontal XY plane.

[0086] According to the invention, a first light field is defined for a first set of at least one first association and a second light field is defined for a second set of at least one second association, the first and second light fields being different.

[0087] Preferably, the first set comprises several first associations and the second set comprises several first associations. For example, each set may comprise several hundred associations so as to be able to form an image, each association forming a pixel of the image.

[0088] Thus, the invention proposes to vary either the relative position between light source and optical lens, or at least one characteristic of an optical lens, within a light module, in order to define at least two light fields in which the light module is capable of emitting light. It is thus made possible to differentiate the signaling information transmitted in the two light fields, which makes it possible to adapt the information transmitted to the target, namely another road user, which may be another vehicle, a piece of road infrastructure, another driver or a pedestrian for example.

[0089] The different light fields can:

[0090] - be disjoint, which ensures that only signaling information relevant information is transmitted to a target in a given light field. For example, a first image is projected into the first light field, by controlling the light sources corresponding to the first associations, and a second image is projected into the second light field, by controlling the light sources corresponding to the second associations;

[0091] - can be superimposed in which case an additional light field can be consisting of the intersection of two light fields from different combinations of lenses and light sources. For example, if a first image is projected into the first light field and a second image is projected into the second light field, a third image can be obtained by superimposing the first and second images in a light field corresponding to the intersection between the first light field and the second light field.

[0092] For example, one light field may be defined by a range of small horizontal angles relative to the X direction and may be used to project an image to targets located in the X axis, such as other vehicles traveling on the road or the drivers or passengers of such vehicles. Another light field may be defined by a range of horizontal angles of higher values, for example 20 or 30°, so as to target observers on the side of the road, such as pedestrians for example.

[0093] In the example shown in [Fig.l], each lens 101 is associated with three light sources 102, located at three different relative positions of the lens 101. This is one embodiment among several, which will be described with reference to the following figures.

[0094] [Fig.2] shows a sectional view in a horizontal XY plane of a part of the light module 100, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0095] In the embodiment of [Fig.2], the lenses 101 are all identical, that is to say they have the same optical characteristics: focal length and geometry in particular.

[0096] Consequently, the different light fields are enabled by a variation of the relative positions of the light sources 102 with respect to the lenses 101, in particular by variation of the right-left position, or Y position.

[0097] In particular, opposite each optical lens 101, the following are arranged:

[0098] - a first light source 102.1 at a first relative position with respect to the lens 101, thus forming a first association with the lens 101 and defining a first light field 200.1;

[0099] - a second light source 102.2 at a second relative position with respect to to the lens 101, thus forming a second association with the lens 101 and defining a second light field 200.2; and

[0100] - a third light source 102.3 at a third relative position with respect to the lens 101, thus forming a third association with the lens 101 and defining a third light field 200.3.

[0101] For the sake of simplification, only the second light field 200.2 has been shown opposite the right lens in [Fig.2]. It will be understood, however, that the first source 102.1 of the right lens 101 is capable of projecting light into the same light field 200.1 as that shown for the left lens, i.e. of projecting a beam parallel to the light field 200.1.

[0102] On the scale of [Fig.2], the second light field 200.2 of the association between the left lens and its second light source 102.2 appears separate from the light field 200.2 of the association between the right lens and its second light source 102.2. However, it should be noted that the distances between the lenses are small, of the order of millimeters, and that a few meters away from the light module, the second light fields 200.2 are identical. The same applies to the first light fields 200.1 and the third light fields 200.3 from the different lenses 101.

[0103] The associations corresponding to two consecutive optical lenses 101 have been shown in [Fig.2]. It will be understood, however, that the light module 100 preferably comprises more than two lenses 101, in particular a hundred or several hundred lenses, arranged in a matrix for example, and each being associated respectively with three light sources at three different relative positions.

[0104] In [Fig.2], the three light fields are disjoint. However, as previously specified, the light fields can be superimposed so as to form images from several images in additional light fields corresponding to intersections between the first, second and third light fields.

[0105] Thus, the embodiment of [Fig.2] makes it possible to transmit light information, such as images, in three different light fields, which advantageously makes it possible to transmit three pieces of signaling information, for example three images to three distinct targets. In addition, the first and third images projected in the first and third light fields can be identical. Indeed, the first and third light fields are both lateral, and therefore can both address targets located on the right and left edges of a road on which the motor vehicle is traveling. Alternatively, the first and third images are different.

[0106] The term “image” is to be considered in the broad sense as any spatial modulation of light intensity, obtained by controlling the different light sources contributing to the image.

[0107] Alternatively in the embodiment of [Fig.2], the positions of the light sources 102.1 to 102.3 may vary in altitude, i.e. along the Z axis, so as to vary light fields that would be defined in a vertical plane from angles relative to the X direction. In this case, the second light field forming small angles with the X axis may project images for targets located at a distance from the vehicle, while the light field among the first and third light fields that forms larger angles upwards, for example 20 to 30°, may target closer observers, such as pedestrians located near the vehicle.

[0108] The light module may further comprise an opaque wall 202 between each pair of consecutive lenses 101, which makes it possible to prevent the light rays from a light source associated with a given optical lens from reaching another optical lens located next to the given optical lens.

[0109] [Fig.3] shows a sectional view in a horizontal plane XY of a part of the light module 100, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0110] In the embodiment of [Fig.3], as for the embodiment of [Fig.2], the lenses 101 have identical optical characteristics.

[0111] Each lens 101 is associated with:

[0112] - a first light source 102.1 at a first relative position with respect to the lens 101, thus forming a first association with the lens 101 and defining a first light field 300.1;

[0113] - a second light source 102.2 at a second relative position with respect to to the lens 101, thus forming a second association with the lens 101 and defining a second light field 300.2.

[0114] The embodiment of [Fig.3] differs from that of [Fig.2] by the number of light sources 102 associated with each lens 101.

[0115] For the sake of simplification, only the second light field 300.2 has been shown opposite the right-hand lens in [Fig. 3]. It will be understood, however, that the first source 102.1 of the right-hand lens 101 is capable of projecting light into the same light field 300.1 as that shown for the left-hand lens, i.e. of projecting a beam parallel to the first light field 300.1.

[0116] On the scale of [Fig.3], the second light field 300.1 of the association between the left lens and its second light source 102.2 appears separate, although parallel, of the light field 200.2 of the association between the right lens and its second light source 102.2. However, it should be noted that the distances between the lenses are small, of the order of a millimeter, and that a few meters away from the light module 100, the second light fields 200.2 are identical. The same applies to the first light fields 200.1 from the different lenses 101.

[0117] The associations corresponding to two consecutive optical lenses 101 have been shown in [Fig. 3]. It will be understood, however, that the module preferably comprises more than two lenses, in particular a hundred or several hundred lenses, arranged in a matrix for example, and each being associated respectively with two light sources at two different relative positions.

[0118] In [Fig.3], the two light fields 300.1 and 300.2 are disjoint. However, as previously specified, the light fields can be superimposed so as to form images from several images in additional light fields corresponding to intersections between the first and second light fields 300.1 and 300.2.

[0119] Thus, the embodiment of [Fig. 3] makes it possible to transmit light information, such as images, in two different light fields, which advantageously makes it possible to transmit two pieces of signaling information, for example two images to distinct targets. The first and second images may be different or identical.

[0120] Alternatively in the embodiment of [Fig.3], the positions of the light sources 102.1 and 102.2 may vary in altitude, i.e. along the Z axis, so as to vary light fields that would be defined in a vertical plane from angles relative to the X direction. In this case, one of the light fields may form small angles with the X axis and may project images for targets located at a distance from the vehicle, while the other light field may form larger angles upwards, for example 20 to 30°, so as to target closer observers, such as pedestrians located near the vehicle.

[0121] The light module may further comprise an opaque wall 302 between each pair of consecutive lenses 101, which makes it possible to prevent the light rays from a light source associated with a given optical lens from reaching another optical lens located next to the given optical lens.

[0122] According to another embodiment derived from [Fig. 3], a single light source is arranged opposite each optical lens. A first association is achieved by arranging a light source at a first relative position with respect to an optical lens, and a second association is achieved by arranging a source light at a second relative position relative to another optical lens, the first relative position being different from the second relative position. The light module 100 may thus comprise an alternation of a lens with a source in the first relative position and another lens with another source in the second relative position.

[0123] [Fig.4] shows a sectional view in a horizontal plane XY of a part of the light module 100, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0124] In the embodiment of [Fig.4], different light fields are obtained by a variation of at least one optical characteristic of the lenses 101 of the light module 100.

[0125] Thus, the light module 100 comprises at least one first lens 101.1 with a first optical characteristic and at least one second lens 101.2 with a second optical characteristic different from the first optical characteristic. No restriction is attached to the optical characteristic that differs between the first lens 101.1 and the second lens 101.2. It may for example be a shape or geometry of the lens, a dimension or a focal length.

[0126] The first lens 101.1 is associated with a single first light source 102.1 arranged at a first relative position with respect to the first lens 101.1, thus forming a first association and defining a first light field 300.1.

[0127] The second lens 101.2 is associated with a single second light source 102.2 arranged at a second relative position with respect to the second lens 101.2, thus forming a second association and defining a second light field 300.2, different from the first light field 300.2.

[0128] The first and second light fields 300.1 and 300.2 thus differ at least because of the differences in optical characteristics between the first lens 101.1 and the second lens 101.2. The first and second relative positions can thus be identical, as shown in [Fig.4]. In a variant not shown in [Fig.4], not only does an optical characteristic differ between the first lens 101.1 and the second lens 101.2, but in addition, the first and second relative positions are different.

[0129] The light module 100 can thus comprise several first lenses 101.1 and several second lenses 101.2. The light module can for example comprise a hundred or several hundred first lenses 101.1 and second lenses 101.2.

[0130] Preferably, the first and second lenses are interlaced, that is to say that in each line of lenses, one lens out of two is a first lens 101.1, with second lenses 101.2 on either side of the first 101.1 lens. This allows the display of large images.

[0131] Note that the light module may comprise more than two types of lenses having different characteristics, in order to display signaling information in more than two different light fields.

[0132] As for the other embodiments, the light module 100 of [Fig.4] may further comprise an opaque wall 402 between each pair of consecutive lenses 101, for example between each first lens 101.1 and second lens 101.2, which makes it possible to prevent the light rays from a light source associated with a given optical lens from reaching another optical lens located next to the given optical lens.

[0133] [Fig.5] illustrates a sectional view in a vertical plane of associations between optical lenses 101 and light sources 102 of a light module 100 according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0134] As for the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, the lenses 101 of [Fig.5] may be identical, and therefore have identical optical characteristics. As for the embodiment of [Fig.2], opposite each optical lens 101, are arranged:

[0135] - a first light source 102.1 at a first relative position with respect to the lens 101, thus forming a first association with the lens 101 and defining a first light field not shown in [Fig.5];

[0136] - a second light source 102.22 at a second relative position by relative to the lens 101, thus forming a second association with the lens 101 and defining a second light field not shown in [Fig.5]; and

[0137] - a third light source 102.3 at a third relative position with respect to the lens 101, thus forming a third association with the lens 101 and defining a third light field not shown in [Fig.5].

[0138] Unlike the embodiment of [Fig. 2], several second light sources 102.21, 102.22 and 102.23 are arranged opposite each lens 101. Although the relative positions of the second light sources 102.21 and 102.23 differ from the second relative position along the Z axis, these positions are identical along the horizontal right-left Y axis. Thus, if the light fields are defined in the horizontal plane XY, the second light sources 102.21 and 102.23 also form second associations with the lens 101 associated with them, so as to emit light in the second light field, like the second light source 102.22. It is thus made possible to project, for each lens 101, therefore for each pixel of the light module, light by three light sources in a given light field. It is thus permitted:

[0139] - to increase the light intensity in the second light field;

[0140] - to vary the color of the pixels of the second image visible in the second light field, using second light sources 102.21, 102.22 and 102.23 of different colors, and controlling these second light sources so as to choose the color resulting from these three light sources. For example, the three second light sources 102.21, 102.22 and 102.23 may comprise a blue source, a green source and a red source.

[0141] As for the other embodiments, the light module 100 of [Fig.5] may further comprise an opaque wall 502 between each pair of consecutive lenses 101, which makes it possible to prevent the light rays from a light source associated with a given optical lens from reaching another optical lens located next to the given optical lens.

[0142] Note that several second light sources are illustrated in [Fig. 5], but that this embodiment more generally covers the use of several light sources (at least two) associated with a lens for the emission of light in the same light field defined by a horizontal plane. Thus, instead of having several second light sources, the light module may have several first light sources or several third light sources for each lens 101. As a further variant, the light module 100 may comprise, for each lens 101, several first light sources distributed at several positions in Z, several second light sources distributed at several positions in Z and several third light sources distributed at several positions in Z.

[0143] As a further variant, the use of several light sources per lens to emit light in the same light field can be applied to the embodiment of [Fig. 3], which defines two projection fields. Thus, referring to the notations of [Fig. 3]:

[0144] - the light module 100 may comprise several first light sources 101.1 at positions distinct in Z but identical in Y; and / or

[0145] - the light module 100 may comprise several second light sources 101.2 at distinct positions in Z but identical in Y.

[0146] [Fig.6a] illustrates a three-dimensional view of a signaling device 600 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0147] The signaling device 600 comprises at least one light module 100, according to one of the embodiments previously described.

[0148] In [Fig.6a], a signaling device 600 comprising a first light module 100.1, a second light module 100.2 and a third light module 100.3, as previously described, is shown, for illustrative purposes only.

[0149] Each light module of the signaling device 600 may be a panel rigid, of a given shape, for example rectangular, square or any other polygonal shape, and one edge of which is fixed to a support 601 of the signaling device. For example, the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 can be fixed by clipping, at predefined positions on the support. Alternatively, the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 can be fixed by gluing, clamping or any other fixing technique.

[0150] The light modules 100.1 to 100.3 are preferably identical, and arranged at different Y positions on the support 601. Preferably, the Y positions of the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 are close to each other, at a distance of less than 1 or 2 cm for example. Alternatively, the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 may be arranged so as to leave no space between them, thus allowing continuity of light modules along the Y axis.

[0151] Thus, when the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 are identical, the first light field of the light module 100.1 is the same first light field as the light module 100.2 and the light module 100.3, and it is thus made possible to display larger images in the first light field. The same applies to the other light fields.

[0152] The support 601 may comprise a printed circuit, not shown in [Fig.6a], capable of electrically connecting the respective control units 110 of the light modules 100.1 to 100.3.

[0153] The X positions of the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 may be identical, and therefore only vary along the Y axis.

[0154] Alternatively, the X positions of the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 may vary, as shown in [Fig.6b].

[0155] [Fig.6b] illustrates a top view in a horizontal XY plane of a signaling device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0156] The light modules 100.1 to 100.3 occupy not only different positions in Y, but also in X. Such an embodiment makes it possible to conform the arrangement of the light modules 100.1 to 100.3 to a curve of the light device 600.

Claims

Claims

1. Signaling device (600) of a motor vehicle comprising at least one light module (100), each light module comprising: - optical lenses (101; 101.1; 101.2); - light sources (102; 102.1; 102.2; 102.3); wherein each light source is arranged opposite one of the optical lenses so as to form a combination of light source and optical lens and so as to project light outside the light module; wherein, for each combination, a relative position of the light source and the optical lens and at least one optical characteristic of the optical lens define a light field within which light projected by the light source through the optical lens is visible; and wherein a first light field (200.1; 300.1; 400.1) is defined for a first set of at least one first association and a second light field (200.2; 300.2; 400.2) is defined for a second set of at least one second association, the first and second light fields being different. in which each light module (100) is a rigid panel, one edge of which is fixed by clipping onto a support (601) of the signaling device (600).

2. A signaling device according to claim 1, wherein the first set comprises several first associations capable of projecting light into the first light field and wherein the second set comprises several second associations capable of projecting light into the second light field.

3. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the optical lenses (101; 101.1; 101.2) are distributed in several rows and several columns in the light module (100).

4. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light module (100) comprises between 500 and 1000 light sources (102; 102.1; 102.2; 102.3), in particular between 700 and 800 light sources.

5. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first light field (200.1; 300.1; 400.1) is defined by a first horizontal angular range, and the second light field (200.2; 300.2; 400.2) is defined by a second horizontal angular range, when the light module (100) is installed in a motor vehicle, in which the first and second horizontal angular ranges are different.

6. A signaling device according to claim 5, wherein the first and second horizontal angular ranges are disjoint.

7. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one control unit (110) capable of controlling the activation of the light sources (102; 102.1; 102.2; 102.3), wherein the control unit is capable of controlling each light source defining a first association so as to project a first image in the first light field, and wherein the control unit is capable of controlling each light source defining a second association so as to project a second image in the second light field.

8. A signaling device according to claim 7 wherein the first image and the second image combine in the third angular range to form a third image.

9. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, in which each optical lens (101) is associated by a first association with a first light source (102.1), arranged at a first relative position with respect to the lens, and by a second association with a second light source (102.2) arranged at a second relative position with respect to the lens.

10. Signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each optical lens (101) is associated with a single light source, wherein the lenses of the first set are identical, and wherein each first association comprises a lens and a light source (102.1) arranged at a first relative position to each other, and each second association comprises a lens and a light source arranged at a second relative position (102.2) to each other, the first relative position being different from the second relative position.

11. Signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the lenses (101) forms three first associations with three light sources (102.21; 102.22; 102.23) capable of emitting lights of different colors.

12. Signaling device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each optical lens (101.1; 101.2) is associated with a single light source (102.1; 102.2), each light source being arranged at the same relative position with respect to the optical lens associated with it, wherein each first association comprises a first optical lens (101.1) having a first optical characteristic defining the first light field, and each second association comprises a second optical lens (101.2) having a second optical characteristic defining the second light field, the first optical characteristic being different from the second optical characteristic.

13. Signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (601) comprises a printed circuit capable of electrically connecting respective control units (110) of the light modules (100; 100.1; 100.2; 100.3).

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