Automotive lighting devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to an illumination device (1) including a grid (13) that forms the boundaries of a plurality of light cells (19) arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each light cell (19) is associated with a light source (16) that can be selectively controlled to be turned on or off so as to generate light-based pictograms on the two-dimensional array. The grid (13) abuts a support (11) for the light source (16) and is held in place by mechanical clamping using a closing lens (14) that is fixed to the support (11). During assembly, the grid (13) is slightly compressed to hold it in place. For this reason, the grid (13) is formed of a material with a Shore hardness of less than 90 so as to be flexible and to allow for such compression and / or deformation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical context of the invention is that of a signaling device for motor vehicles, in order to signal the presence of the vehicle or to be able to transmit specific messages to other vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a light emitting device, inter alia, for motor vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Known from the prior art is a light-emitting device for a vehicle, which includes light sources configured to emit light rays, each optically coupled to a light guide, so that at least a portion of the light rays generated by each light source is injected into the associated light guide, forming a matrix array of light cells on the light-emitting surface. Each light cell is thus controlled in such a way that a "light-emitting pixel" can be generated, making it possible to create a large number of light-emitting functions in the vehicle. Such light-emitting functions can in particular indicate to nearby vehicles one or more pieces of information, for example, about the status of the vehicle to which the light-emitting device is attached, or even about the state of a traffic jam that the nearby vehicle will soon encounter. By way of example, such a light-emitting device can indicate information about the state of charge of the electric traction battery, a fault, the speed, and / or the future trajectory of the vehicle.

[0003] One known drawback of such light-emitting devices relates to optical coupling between two adjacent light cells, which leads to a light ray from a first light cell propagating into or in a second light cell directly adjacent to the first light cell, which is undesirable since it impairs the visibility of the luminous information to be displayed by the known light-emitting device by changing the luminous intensity of the adjacent light cell, in particular by increasing its luminous intensity or by giving the impression that this adjacent light cell is on when it should be off.

[0004] In known manner, the optical coupling between two adjacent light cells is reduced by increasing the spacing between said two adjacent light cells, however, this solution leads to a downgrading of the spatial density of the light cells on the known light emitting device.

[0005] Finally, another problem with known light-emitting devices lies in the perforated mask used to define the boundaries of the light-emitting cells. The perforated mask extends between the light source and the outer lens of the known light-emitting device, which is located at the level of the light-emitting surface of the light beam. In known light-emitting devices, such a perforated mask is made of a hard plastic material. The perforated mask is then firmly attached to the support of the light source and extends toward the outer lens. For obvious assembly reasons, and despite all measures taken to reduce its dimensions, a minimum clearance remains between the outer lens and the upper edge of the perforated mask. This minimum clearance means that light generated in a first light cell can directly enter an adjacent light cell, thus achieving undesirable optical coupling. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to propose a novel light-emitting device in order to at least largely solve the above-mentioned problems and also to provide other advantages.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to improve the optical isolation between two adjacent optical cells by reducing optical coupling.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the spacing between two adjacent photocells and to increase the density of photocells for such light emitting devices.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to make the assembly of such light emitting devices easier.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to make curved light emitting devices easier to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least one of the aforementioned objects is achieved by a light emitting device for a motor vehicle, the light emitting device comprising: - support, a plurality of light sources configured to generate light beams, the light sources being fixed to a support; a grating forming a plurality of optical cells facing the light source, each optical cell being separated from its immediate neighbors, the grating forming a perforated mask at its distal end, distal from the light source; - Including an outer lens surrounding the optical cell and positioned opposite the perforated mask.

[0012] In a light-emitting device according to the invention, the grating is flexible so that it can be deformed when the perforated mask is attached between the support and the surrounding outer lens.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the support forms a common mechanical support for all light sources of the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention. As a non-limiting example, the support may take the form of a plastic sheet forming, for example, a printed circuit, or a printed film. Generally, in the context of the present invention, the support is rigid or flexible, i.e., deformable, for example, when subjected to bending forces. Furthermore, the support may be of various geometric shapes. The support may be flat or curved. Typically, the support is an electronic board that is electrically connected to the light sources, which are firmly attached to the support, for example by soldering.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the light sources are of the light-emitting diode type, each containing one or more light-emitting diodes. By light-emitting diodes, we mean any type of light-emitting diode, such as LED - the acronym for Light-Emitting Diode, OLED - the acronym for Organic LED, AMOLED - the acronym for Active-Matrix-Organic LED, or FOLED - the acronym for Flexible OLED. Advantageously, the light sources are selectively controlled by a control unit that adjusts the power supply current supplied to each of the light sources to control their light emission. It is thus possible to selectively control the light sources to configure them in any configuration between a power-off configuration and a maximum illumination configuration.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the grating protrudes outward from the perforated mask toward the support so as to form boundaries of a plurality of spaces facing the light cells. The grating thus forms a two-dimensional array of light cells facing the light sources, each light cell being associated with at least one light source, and each light source being associated with a single light cell. According to the present invention, the grating has a flexibility greater than that of the support or the surrounding outer lens. In other words, the stiffness of the grating is less than that of the support and / or the surrounding outer lens. In the context of the present invention, flexibility or stiffness is evaluated with respect to a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the support. Thus, the grating is configured to allow deformation when it is assembled on the light-emitting device according to the present invention, for example, when held between the support and the surrounding outer lens. In other words, the grating is configured to allow elastic deformation, particularly of the bow type, when attached between the surrounding outer lens and the support and when subjected to assembly forces commonly encountered in this technical field. In other words, the bow allows the grating to be shaped to fit the geometry of the support and / or the geometry of the outer lens. Note that once installed in the light emitting device, the position and shape of the grating do not change thereafter.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the perforated mask is the part of the lattice that is positioned opposite the light source and close to the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device. In other words, the perforated mask is positioned some distance from the light source relative to the direction of light propagation. Thus, when a user views the light-emitting device from the outside, the perforated mask forms a cellular structure that creates a network of openings—light cells—bounded by partitions formed by the sections of the lattice. The mask and the lattice are jointly formed from the same material so as to form a monolithic entity.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, each light cell is laterally bounded by a closed contour obtained in the grid and / or perforated mask. The closed contour may have any geometric shape. Advantageously, it is polygonal in shape, for example rectangular, square, triangular, or hexagonal in shape. Advantageously, the grid and perforated mask can come together to form boundaries of light cells that are separated from each other, i.e., whose boundaries are formed laterally relative to each other. The shape and dimensions of the light cells may be the same for all of the light cells of the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention; alternatively, the light-emitting device may include a first light cell having a first geometric shape and / or first dimensions and a second light cell having a second geometric shape and / or second dimensions; or still alternatively, the light cells may be spread into several groups, each group including at least one light cell and each group having a geometric shape and / or dimensions different from the geometric shape and / or dimensions of the other groups. When a group includes several cells, these may form a connected entity or several unconnected entities. Furthermore, and particularly advantageously, the lower rigidity of the lattice relative to the support and / or the surrounding outer lens - i.e. its greater flexibility - makes it possible here to ensure better surrounding of the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the invention by said surrounding outer lens, making it impossible for light rays generated by a given light cell to escape into directly adjacent light cells.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the light source is arranged on the support and relative to the grating in such a way that the light beam generated by the light source enters the light cell. Thus, each light cell forms a light-transmitting cavity for the light beam generated by the light source, through which the light beam generated by the light source passes. Finally, each light source is associated with a single cavity, i.e., a single light cell. In contrast, a given light cell can be associated with one light source or multiple light sources.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the enclosing outer lens takes the form of a sheet that transmits the light beams generated by the light source. The enclosing outer lens allows the light-emitting device to be closed against the support, so that the enclosing outer lens and the support together form a space inside which the light source and the perforated mask are housed. Therefore, the enclosing outer lens has a specific thickness measured along its shortest dimension and generally perpendicular, particularly locally perpendicular, to the surface of the exit outer lens through which the light beams pass. According to a variant of the first embodiment, the enclosing outer lens holds a grating in place between the enclosing outer lens and the support. Alternatively, the grating can be held in place relative to the support or the enclosing outer lens by any fastening means. The enclosing outer lens can be flat or curved. Furthermore, the enclosing outer lens can include a transparent, or partially transparent, particularly translucent, pattern or metallization on the surface through which the light beams pass. In general, the transparency of the outer lens is advantageously such that it transmits more than 50% of the light reaching the outer lens.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the light-emitting device therefore forms a two-dimensional array of adjacent light cells. The light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention is not limited to a two-dimensional array of any shape, any number of rows or columns, or any shape of light cells. Such a light-emitting device is therefore a matrix light-emitting device.

[0021] Thus, the light emitting device according to the first aspect of the invention allows for improved optical isolation between two adjacent light cells, since the grating here provides a better shape, i.e. a more conforming shape, and in particular a better match of the curvature or of the dimensions measured perpendicular to the support, thus allowing for reduced optical coupling. In particular, the relatively flexible mechanical characteristics of the grating compared to those of gratings of conventional light emitting devices allow for a better quality fit, in particular close to the light output surface of said light emitting device.

[0022] It should be noted that such light-emitting devices are easier to manufacture and assemble because control over the dimensions of the grating, measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support, is now less sensitive than before due to the grating's novel ability to accommodate deformation as it is being conformed.

[0023] The light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the following improvements, the technical features forming these improvements being capable of being considered alone or in combination:

[0024] the Shore A hardness of the grating is less than 90, advantageously between 40 and 90, and preferably between 60 and 80. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to achieve the best compromise with the need for flexibility, in order to allow the grating to deform when it is fitted between the support and the surrounding outer lens, while at the same time ensuring sufficient integrity for a stable and robust boundary of the light cell of the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0025] The lattice is formed from a material comprising silicone and / or elastomer.

[0026] The thickness of the grating is preferably constant at all points, making it easier to manufacture; such a grating is obtained, for example, by molding, preferably compression molding. In the context of the present invention, the thickness of the grating is measured along the shortest dimension of the grating. As a non-limiting example, the thickness of the grating can be determined in a plane of the area parallel to the support and / or the outer lens and / or perpendicular to the section forming the grating, particularly in a direction locally perpendicular to the area where the thickness is measured.

[0027] Additionally, the thickness of the grating, measured along its shortest dimension, is 2 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In particular, it is particularly advantageous to have a grating with as thin walls as possible to reduce the space between two adjacent optical cells while ensuring that the grating remains adequately stable during use of the light-emitting device in the vehicle. A thickness of 1.5 mm or less, especially in a perforated mask, is particularly advantageous in pursuit of this goal.

[0028] The grid includes a plurality of sections extending between the perforated mask and the support, which protrude outward from the support and form the boundaries of the optical cells. The sections preferably form opaque walls between two adjacent cells to prevent any optical coupling. The sections may adopt any shape depending on the overall configuration of the light-emitting device according to the invention, but also on the shape of the optical cells to be formed. In a cross section extending between the support and the surrounding outer lens, the sections may extend in a flat or curved manner. In the context of the present invention, a section is opaque when it prevents light rays from being transmitted through it. In other words, a section is opaque if light rays cannot pass to the other side of the section. The opaque characteristic is achieved by combining a sufficient thickness with a type of material that is solid and optically absorbing or reflective to the light rays generated by the light source. Thus, with the thicknesses proposed in the present invention, the sections forming the boundaries of each optical cell of the grid allow the section to be impervious to the light rays.

[0029] The lattice is monolithic. Monolithic means that the sections that make up the lattice - and generally speaking, the lattice as a whole - cannot be separated from each other without adversely affecting all or part of their integrity. The lattice is therefore made in a single piece and forms an entity suitable as a monoblock or monolith, corresponding to one and the same single continuous component obtained during one and the same manufacturing process. As a non-limiting example, the perforated mask and / or lattice is produced by molding.

[0030] The light-emitting device includes a diffusion film facing the light source, and the section abuts the diffusion film at its distal end, distal from the support. In the context of the present invention, the diffusion film is configured to refract incident light rays in multiple directions so as to homogenize the luminous flux delivered by the light rays generated by the light source of the device according to the present invention. Generally, the diffusion effect of the diffusion film can be achieved by texturing, in particular by graining at least one, in particular both, of the surfaces of the diffusion film, and / or by manufacturing the diffusion film from a self-diffusing, e.g., hazy, material. As a non-limiting example, the diffusion film includes at least one matte surface facing the light source. If the matte film has only one single matte surface, this surface is preferably located on the same side as the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention, i.e., the side opposite the grating and support. The diffusion film can be made of materials including glass and / or plastic. Therefore, the residual clearance between the diffusion film and the grating measured at the distal end of the grating, distal from the support, is zero. Preferably, the height of the section measured between the support and the distal end is greater than or equal to the distance between the support and a surface surrounding the enclosing outer lens positioned opposite the support when the enclosing outer lens is fitted onto the support, before the enclosing outer lens is fitted. In other words, when the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention is assembled, the grating is compressed and sandwiched between the support and the enclosing outer lens.

[0031] According to an advantageous alternative of the present invention, the outer lens includes a diffusion film. In other words, the diffusion film and the outer lens form a single component. The diffusion film is therefore firmly attached to the support by any known means, in particular by screwing. Alternatively, the diffusion film can be overmolded onto the outer lens, or the outer lens can directly form the diffusion film, preferably on its light-emitting surface.

[0032] At the distal end abutting the diffusion film, the width of the perforated mask separating two adjacent light cells is equal to or less than 1 mm, preferably equal to or less than 0.6 mm, and preferably equal to 0.5 mm. This advantageous configuration allows for a grid with as thin walls as possible and an increased density of light cells. It also allows for the creation of light cells with smaller dimensions. The width of the perforated mask separating two adjacent cells is measured at the end of the grid distal from the support. The width of the perforated mask is measured between two adjacent light cells and at the diffusion film or at their end distal from the support, relative to an axis perpendicular to the support. In other words, the width of the perforated mask is measured at the grid, in a plane parallel to the support, and at the farthest point from the support. The width between two light cells of the light-emitting device according to the present invention is preferably uniform throughout the perforated mask.

[0033] At its lower end, which rests against the support, the grid has a flange that extends into at least a portion of the light cell. In other words, the sections that form the grid and that define the boundaries of the light cell have a transverse profile in the form of an inverted L or an inverted T, with the flange of each section extending against the support to increase the area of ​​contact between the grid and the support. This configuration, combined with the lower stiffness selection, is particularly advantageous because the grid is no longer rigidly attached to the support—as in known light-emitting devices—but can simply be placed in contact with and against the support. The grid is thus supported without damaging the support or the electrical tracks that may extend along the support for electrically powering the light source. Therefore, the light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention is simpler to manufacture and implement.

[0034] The height of the flange, measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support, is preferably smaller than the height of the light source, measured between the support and the emission surface of said light source. In other words, the height of the flange is such that, for a given light cell, the emission surface of the associated light source(s) is located beyond said flange relative to the support. More particularly, for each light cell, the emission surface of the light source housed in said light cell is located above the flange of the compartment forming the boundary of said light cell. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to enhance the optical isolation of each light cell and to avoid optical coupling between two adjacent light cells. In the context of the present invention, the emission surface of a light source is the surface of a given light source through which the light rays generated by said light source pass and reach the corresponding light cell.

[0035] Two adjacent sections of the optical cell display a V-shape in a transverse plane perpendicular to the support at the end of the lattice distal to the light source and the support, with the tip of the V extending toward the surrounding outer lens. In other words, the two adjacent sections forming the boundaries of two adjacent optical cells are connected to each other at the distal end of the lattice distal to the support. This advantageous configuration allows for the creation of a hinge between the two adjacent optical cells, allowing the lattice to be elastically deformed when it is manipulated, for example, to fit the lattice in place or to access the light source at a later time. Therefore, in line with the flexible nature of the lattice, it is possible to facilitate the assembly and repair of the light-emitting device according to the present invention. Furthermore, in line with the flange, which provides the lattice with greater rigidity compared to the rigidity of the lattice considered in the perforated mask, the lattice can now be easily given a curved configuration, while at the same time making it easier to abut the lattice against the support. Finally, this configuration is particularly advantageous in that it allows the light cells formed by the grating to retain their shape, or at least to be deformed to a relatively lesser extent, during these temporary deformations when set up, or permanent deformation in the case of light-emitting devices according to the invention having a curved shape.

[0036] In order to limit or even prevent optical coupling between two adjacent optical cells, the inner surface of the grid located on the optical cell and on the same side as the light source is white. In other words, the section of the grid that forms the boundary of the optical cell, on the same side as the optical cell, is white so as to reflect the light rays generated by the associated light source that reach said section.

[0037] In order to limit or even prevent optical coupling between two adjacent optical cells, the outer surface of the grid located between the two adjacent optical cells is advantageously, but not exclusively, black. In other words, the section of the grid that forms the boundary of the optical cell, on the side opposite the optical cell, is black so as to absorb the light rays generated by the associated light source that reach said section. More generally, optical coupling between two adjacent optical cells can be reduced or even abolished by making the section opaque. The choice of a given color can contribute to obtaining the desired opacity.

[0038] More generally, the grid is made of a material that is opaque to the light rays generated by the light source. More specifically, the sections that form the grid and that bound the light source are opaque. The opacity of the sections that form the grid is obtained by choosing a sufficient thickness and / or a type of material that is optically absorbing or reflective to the light rays generated by the light source. Thus, for the thicknesses and / or materials and / or colors proposed in the present invention, the sections that bound each optical cell of the grid allow said sections to be opaque to said light rays.

[0039] The support, the grating, the surrounding outer lens, and, if applicable, the diffusion film have a radius of curvature such that the light cells are distributed on a curved surface. In other words, the support, the grating, the surrounding outer lens, and, if applicable, the diffusion film all have a convex or concave geometry. In particular, the use of a grating with a lower stiffness compared to gratings of known light-emitting devices in turn makes it possible to propose light-emitting devices with more complex geometries, while still making them easier to design and assemble.

[0040] The enclosing outer lens is fixed to the support, so as to form, together with the support, a space in which the light source, the perforated mask, the grating, and, if applicable, the diffusion film are housed. According to a variant of the first embodiment, the enclosing outer lens is firmly fixed to the support in a direct manner. As a non-limiting example, the enclosing outer lens includes a side wall that extends toward the support and abuts against the support. According to a variant of the second embodiment, the enclosing outer lens is firmly fixed to the support in an indirect manner. As a non-limiting example, the light-emitting device includes a housing that houses the support, the light source, the mask, the grating, and, if applicable, the diffusion film, while the enclosing outer lens is then firmly fixed to the housing to close the housing. In any one of the variants of the embodiment, the grating and the perforated mask are sandwiched between the enclosing outer lens and the support, thus allowing the grating to be held in place by clamping, making it easier to implement the light-emitting device according to the present invention.

[0041] The housing forms a space configured to accommodate at least the support, the light source, the perforated mask, and the grid. To this end, the housing advantageously includes a peripheral wall that forms the boundary of the space and can protect the support, the light source, the perforated mask, and the grid housed therein. According to a first alternative, the housing is rigid. Rigid in the field of use of the present invention, i.e., the field of use of lighting and / or signaling devices intended to be mounted in automobiles, means that the housing is not configured to be deformed when installed, especially in the face of bending forces relative to the light source support. Therefore, the support is preferably made of plastic or metal. In a second alternative, the housing is flexible and deformable so that, when fitted, the housing is configured to be deformed, especially in the face of bending forces relative to the light source support. The support is then preferably made of a material including soft plastic and / or elastomer and / or silicone.

[0042] A second aspect of the invention proposes a motor vehicle signalling device comprising a light emitting device according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its refinements.

[0043] Advantageously, the signaling device according to the second aspect of the invention is configured to be mounted on the rear of the vehicle, and / or on the front of the vehicle, and / or on one or more pillars of the vehicle, and / or on the inside of the passenger compartment, in particular on the instrument panel and / or on one or more doors. By vehicle is meant in particular an automobile.

[0044] Advantageously, the signalling device according to the second aspect of the invention is of the direction indicator or brake light or night position light or daytime running lamp (DRL) or fog light or side marker lamp type.

[0045] Various embodiments of the present invention are provided incorporating the various optional features described herein in all their possible combinations.

[0046] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent from the following description on the one hand and from a number of exemplary embodiments given, on the other hand, by way of non-limiting indication and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a first embodiment of a light-emitting device according to a first aspect of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of a light-emitting device according to the first aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the light-emitting device illustrated in FIG. 2, with the surrounding outer lens not visible and the grating illustrated in its natural configuration before being shaped to conform to the curvature of the support depicted in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a motor vehicle including a light emitting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] Of course, the features, variations, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not mutually exclusive or contradictory. In particular, it is possible to envision variations of the invention that include only a set of features described below, separately from other described features, where such set of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0049] In particular, all variants and all embodiments described can be combined with one another, provided that there is nothing that prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0050] In the figures, elements that are common to several figures have the same reference symbols.

[0051] Reference is made to FIGS. 1-3 which illustrate a lighting device 1 which allows for the display of one or more pixelated pictograms to display and transmit information to an observer located at some distance from the lighting device 1. FIG.

[0052] According to the invention, such a light emitting device 1 comprises: - support 11, a plurality of light sources 16 configured to generate light beams, the light sources 16 being fixed to the support 11; a grating 13 forming a plurality of optical cells 19 facing the light source 16, each optical cell 19 being separated from its immediately adjacent optical cells 19, the grating 13 forming a perforated mask 12 at its distal end, distal to the light source 16; - Including an enclosing outer lens 14 located opposite the optical cell 19 and the perforated mask 12. In the illustrated example, the enclosing outer lens 14 holds the grating 13 in position between the enclosing outer lens 14 and the support 11.

[0053] In the light-emitting device 1 according to the invention, the grating 13 is flexible so that it can be deformed when the perforated mask is mounted between the support 11 and the surrounding outer lens 14 .

[0054] In the figures described hereafter, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the light emitting device 1. More specifically, the lateral axis Y and the longitudinal axis X together form a plane in which the light source 16 is dispersed. Such plane is generally formed by the support 11 that supports the light source 16. The vertical axis Z extends as if in the general direction of propagation of the light rays generated by the light source 16 and directed towards the enclosing outer lens 14. In general, the vertical axis Z is substantially perpendicular to the support 11.

[0055] The support 11 is first and foremost a mechanical support 11 for the light source 16. It is also configured to be able to transmit electrical signals for selective control and supply of the power required for the operation of the light source 16. The support 11 is therefore preferably of the flexible or rigid electronic board type, that is, deformable or non-deformable, respectively, when attached to the light-emitting device 1. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the support 11 is flat. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support 11 is curved once attached to the light-emitting device 1.

[0056] The support 11 allows the light sources 16 to be securely mounted in predetermined positions such that each light source 16 is associated with one and only one optical cell 19. Thus, in the context of the present invention, control over the position at which the light sources 16 are mounted on the support 11 is important compared to the position and dimensions of the grating 13 and associated perforated mask 12.

[0057] At the end of the grating 13 distal from the support 11, the perforated mask 12 defines a set of cross-arms separating two adjacent light cells 19 to form a two-dimensional array of light cells 19, the local and selective state of illumination of which allows the generation of light-emitting information to be displayed on the light-emitting device 1.

[0058] In the embodiment visible in the figures, the perforated mask 12 and the grating 13 are jointly formed from the same material to form a single monoblock entity.

[0059] Furthermore, and particularly advantageously, the grating 13 is made from a material with a high modulus of elasticity, so as to allow the grating 13 to deform when attached to the light-emitting device 1 .

[0060] Specifically, for example, when light emitting device 1 is assembled, grating 13 is first applied to support 11 so as to isolate each light source 16 within a single light cell 19 formed by grating 13, and is then compressed—directly or indirectly—between support 11 and surrounding outer lens 14, holding said grating 13 in place and sandwiching it against support 11. This advantageous configuration therefore allows grating 13 and perforated mask 12 to remain stationary while light emitting device 1 is in use.

[0061] Alternatively, the grid is molded and held to the support or to the grid by any fastening means.

[0062] The present invention therefore differs from known gratings 13 in that the known gratings 13 are made of a hard plastic material, the mechanical properties of which do not allow deformation during attachment to the light-emitting device 1 according to the present invention. Known gratings 13 therefore entail achieving a precise fit between the grating 13, the support 11, and the surrounding outer lens 14 to ensure that the light-emitting device 1 is properly enclosed. Furthermore, it is also necessary for the known gratings 13 to be fixed to their support 11 to prevent them from moving during use of the known light-emitting device. Such an arrangement has been particularly cumbersome and expensive up to now, since it also added complexity to the design of the electronic board, preventing the area of ​​contact of the grating 13 with the support 11 from coinciding with the electrical tracks that power the light source 16.

[0063] In contrast, the use of a grid 13, which is now flexible, makes it possible to overcome all these drawbacks: compressing the grid 13 between the support 11 and the surrounding outer lens 14 provides a rigid hold without the need to design a physical fixation on said support 11, and the flexible nature of the grid 13 ensures that any electrical tracks that may be located in the area of ​​contact of the grid 13 with the support 11 are not damaged. The support 11 of the light-emitting device 1 according to the invention can therefore be more simply conceived and designed.

[0064] Particularly advantageously, the desired flexibility properties of the grating 13 are obtained by using a material whose Shore hardness is between 60 and 80, and in any case less than 90. Materials with a Shore hardness of the order of 40 or 50 may also be used in the context of the present invention.

[0065] Additionally, the grid 13 is preferably made of a material including silicone or an elastomer.

[0066] As previously mentioned, the grating 13 makes it possible to design, at its distal end, distal from the support 11, a set of cross arms which form the boundaries of two immediately adjacent optical cells 19. Such a set of cross arms therefore forms the perforated mask 12 of the grating 13 which is visible from the outside. Between the perforated mask 12 and the support 11, the grating 13 extends these cross arms by a set of sections 131 which protrude from the perforated mask 12 towards said support 11. Each section 131 thus forms a wall which is impervious to the light rays generated by the light source, each section 131 forming the boundary of an optical cell 19 in the lateral and longitudinal directions.

[0067] The sections 131 of the grating 13 may have any shape and any dimensions. However, for purposes of uniformity, the dimensions of the light cells 19 measured in the plane formed by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y are constant throughout the light emitting device 1. As a result, the geometry of the light cells 19 considered in the plane formed by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y is constant throughout the light emitting device 1.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the optical cells 19 bounded by the grid 13 are polygonal, and more particularly rectangular, or even square in shape.

[0069] Along the vertical axis Z, the sections 131 that form the boundaries of the optical cell 19 can be straight or curved, depending on the desired effect.

[0070] Furthermore, within the plane formed by the vertical axis Z and the longitudinal axis X or the horizontal axis Y, the sections 131 of two adjacent optical cells 19 have a V-shape, with the tip of the V extending from the light source 16 and at the end of the lattice 13 distal from the support 11 towards the surrounding outer lens 14, and the two adjacent sections 131 forming the boundary between two adjacent optical cells 19 are connected to each other at the distal end of the lattice 13 distal from the support 11.

[0071] The sections 131 forming the grid have a constant thickness. To achieve this, the grid 13 and the perforated mask 12 are preferably obtained by molding.

[0072] To encourage the grid 13 to press against the support 11, the grid 13 has a flange 132 located at the lower end of a section 131 located close to said support 11. The flange 132 thus forms the area where the grid 13 abuts against the support 11. More specifically, each section 131 forming the boundary of an optical cell 19 has such a flange 132.

[0073] Thus, flange 132 forms a protrusion that projects from compartment 131 relative to transverse axis Y or longitudinal axis X. Advantageously, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, flange 132 extends towards light cell 19 so as to form a peripheral surround for light source 16 associated with said light cell 19.

[0074] 1 and 2, the light sources 16 are positioned above the respective flanges 132 of the associated optical cells 19 relative to the vertical axis Z. In other words, the flanges 132, which define the area of ​​contact of the grating 13 with the support 11, form a peripheral surround for each light source 16, making it possible to reduce or even prevent optical coupling between two adjacent optical cells 19 at the support 11. In particular, because the light sources 16 are now positioned above the flanges 132 with respect to the support 11, the light rays generated by the emission surface 161 of the light source 16 must now extend towards the light exit surface 141 and not towards the support 11.

[0075] At the light output surface 141, the light emitting device 1 includes a diffusion film 15 that is able to diffuse the light rays generated by each light source 16 in an turned-on light cell 19 of the light emitting device 1. The diffusion film 15 thus allows the incident light rays to be refracted in a number of different directions, thus improving the visual appearance of the light emitting device 1 in use and also reducing the apparent distance between two adjacent light cells 19.

[0076] Particularly advantageously, the use of a flexible grating 13 associated with a diffusion film 15 allows the perforated mask 12 to be compressed against the diffusion film 15 and / or the light output surface 141 at the diffusion film 15 and / or the light output surface 141. This configuration therefore makes it possible to reduce or even prevent any optical coupling between two adjacent optical cells 19. In other words, when the light-emitting device 1 according to the invention is assembled, there is zero clearance between the perforated mask 12 and the diffusion film 15 and / or the light output surface 141. This therefore makes it possible to employ faster and less expensive manufacturing processes for producing perforated masks 12 and flexible gratings 13 having dimensions along the vertical axis Z that are equal to or slightly greater than the distance separating the diffusion film 15 or the light output surface 141 from the support 11. This configuration makes it possible, at less expense, to ensure that the grating 13 is compressed when installed, thereby reducing or even preventing any optical coupling near the light-emitting surface 141 of the light-emitting device 1.

[0077] In the light emitting device 1 according to the invention, an enclosing outer lens 14 is fixed to the support 11 and holds the grating 13 in place relative to the support 11 .

[0078] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the enveloping outer lens 14 is firmly and directly attached to the support 11, and the enveloping outer lens 14 includes a light output surface 141 and a side surface 142 that cooperates with the support 11, which together form a space 10 for accommodating the grating 13, the light source 16, and, if present, the diffusion film 15.

[0079] 1, the diffusion film 15 is attached to the distal end of the grating 13, distal from the support 11, in the perforated mask 12. The diffusion film 15 is then held in place against the grating 13 by an enclosing outer lens 14.

[0080] 2 and 3, the light emitting device 1 includes a housing 17 including a back wall 171 and a side wall 172 that together define a space 10 that houses the grating 13, the light source 16, and the diffusion film 15. Here, the diffusion film 15 acts as an enclosing outer lens 14 and also forms the light output surface 141 of the light emitting device 1. The diffusion film 15 is firmly and directly affixed to the housing 17 by screwing onto the side wall 172 of the housing 17.

[0081] Of course, for it to function, the lighting device 1 includes an electrical connection interface 18 that can supply power to the light source 16 via an electrical connector 181 .

[0082] A motor vehicle 3 including a signaling device 2 including the light emitting device 1 described hereinabove will now be described with reference to Figure 4. The signaling device 2 is preferably of the rear turn indicator or rear brake light or rear night position light or rear fog light type.

[0083] In summary, the present invention relates to an illumination device 1 that includes a grating 13 that forms the boundaries of a plurality of light cells 19 arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each light cell 19 is associated with a light source 16 that can be selectively controlled to be turned on or off so as to generate light-based pictograms on the two-dimensional array. The grating 13 abuts a support 11 for the light sources 16 and is held in place by mechanical clamping with an enclosing outer lens 14 secured to the support 11. During such assembly, the grating 13 is slightly compressed to hold it in place. To this end, the grating 13 is formed of a material having a Shore hardness of less than 90 so as to be flexible and to allow for such compression and / or deformation.

[0084] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples described above, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variations, and embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, unless they are mutually exclusive or mutually exclusive. In particular, all variations and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A light emitting module (1) for a motor vehicle (3), said light emitting module (1) comprising: - support (11), a plurality of light sources (16) configured to generate light beams, said light sources (16) being fixed to said support (11); a grating (13) forming a plurality of optical cells (19) facing said light source (16), each optical cell (19) being separated from its immediately adjacent optical cells (19), said grating (13) forming a perforated mask (12) that is perforated at its distal end, remote from said light source (16); - an outer lens (14) positioned opposite said optical cell (19) and said perforated mask (12), The light emitting module (1), wherein the grating (13) is flexible so that it can be deformed when the perforated mask is attached between the support (11) and the surrounding outer lens (14).

2. A light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the grating (13) has a Shore A hardness of less than 90, preferably between 60 and 80.

3. 3. A light-emitting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grating (13) is made of a material comprising silicone and / or an elastomer.

4. A light-emitting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the grating (13) measured along its smallest dimension is less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

5. A light-emitting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the grating (13) comprises a plurality of sections (131) extending between the perforated mask (12) and the support (11), the sections (131) protruding outward from the support (11) and forming boundaries of the light cells (19).

6. The light-emitting device (1) of claim 5, wherein the light-emitting device (1) includes a diffusion film (15) positioned opposite the light source (16), and the compartment (131) abuts the diffusion film (15) at a distal end distal from the support (11).

7. 7. A light-emitting device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the width of the perforated mask (12) separating two adjacent light cells (19) at their distal ends abutting the diffusion film (15) is 1 mm or less.

8. A light-emitting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at the lower end of the grid (13) that rests against the support (11), the grid (13) has a flange (132) that extends into at least a portion of the optical cell (19).

9. A light-emitting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grating (13) is made of a material that is opaque to the light rays generated by the light source (16).

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