Lighting device configured to follow a vehicle curve

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising selectively addressable light sources (41, 42), a collimator (3) common to the plurality of light sources, and a matrix-array microlens device (2) with a mask (23) positioned between an entrance matrix array of microlenses and an exit matrix array of microlenses, wherein the collimator is configured to shape the light rays emitted by a light source into a beam of substantially parallel rays delivered to the matrix-array device (2), with an angle of inclination that varies according to the activated light source, wherein at least one light passage channel (5) is defined at one longitudinal end by a single entrance microlens (20), which is configured to focus the beams of parallel rays into a focal region on the mask, wherein the focal region (Z1) varies according to the angle of inclination, and wherein the mask comprises a plurality of apertures (261, 262) respectively placed in one of the focal regions (Z1).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: Luminous device configured to follow a vehicle curve

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of lighting devices, in particular those capable of equipping a motor vehicle. The present invention relates more particularly to such lighting devices capable of generating several lighting functions, and for example a lighting light function and a signaling light function.

[0004] Vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles, are commonly equipped with headlights to generate various lighting functions such as road lighting or signalling the vehicle to other road users, including daytime running light functions or direction indicator light functions.

[0005] In some applications, light rays emitted by a light source are directed into a microlens array (MLA) to shape a beam to perform a light function.

[0006] The matrix device comprises an array of input microlenses, an array of output microlenses and a mask interposed between these arrays. The matrix device is configured to form light circulation channels between at least one of the input microlenses and at least one of the output microlenses, the mask comprising mask portions respectively arranged in one of the light circulation channels. Each mask portion is provided with at least one opening capable of allowing light rays to pass from the input microlens to the output microlens. More particularly, each input microlens can be configured to converge the rays into a convergence zone on an opening of the mask and the output microlens(s) associated with the light circulation channel of the input microlens can be configured accordingly to image the opening of the mask.

[0007] The mask is produced in particular by a glass plate on which an opaque perforated layer is arranged, this glass plate forming a support for two optical blocks respectively forming the input microlens matrix and the output microlens matrix. In particular, the microlens matrices can be molded and hardened on the glass plate. It is understood that in this context it is particularly advantageous, for reasons of feasibility and associated production costs, to have a mask support, formed by the glass plate, which is substantially flat.

[0008] However, headlights must now be integrated into areas of the vehicle that are highly curved, with a headlight closing window that fits into the curve of the bodywork, and car manufacturers are seeking to offer vehicles in which the light devices integrated into the headlights have an output face, or light-emitting face, that best follows the curve of the headlight window. This curvature of the light-emitting face is particularly complicated to apply in matrix device technology. Prior art documents, EP3751191 and US2020207256 for example, disclose solutions making it possible to have an output face of a matrix device that is inclined relative to a main optical axis of this matrix device, and therefore a main longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which makes it possible to follow the curve of the headlight output window.Either the matrix device has circulation channels, and the external faces of the output microlenses at the end of these channels, which are inclined relative to the main optical axis, the external faces of the output microlenses being asymmetrical to rectify at the output the orientation of the light beams projected onto the road, or the matrix device has circulation channels parallel to the longitudinal axis, and which are offset longitudinally from near to far.

[0009] Both of the prior art solutions just cited are effective in the simple case illustrated in these documents, with a single inclination, and with an orientation such that the normal to the mid-plane of the exit face is directed towards the sky, rather than with an orientation such that the normal to the mid-plane of the exit face is directed towards the side of the vehicle.

[0010] However, the aim here is to propose a lighting device with a microlens matrix which makes it possible to have a regulatory projected beam, and in particular a beam with a sharp cut-off if necessary, both in cases of installation in the vehicle where it is desired to have an exit face following a complex profile and in cases where it is desired to have an inclination at least in part lateral. And it is sought to have such a lighting device which is simple to manufacture, the solutions of the prior art involving configurations of the mask support to follow the inclinations or axial offsets of circulation channels which are complicated to produce industrially.

[0011] In this context, the present invention proposes a light device comprising at least one light emission means, a microlens matrix device and a collimator interposed between the light emission means and the microlens matrix device, the light emission means being configured to emit light rays towards the matrix device via the collimator to generate a lighting or signaling beam along a main optical axis, the matrix device comprising at least one input microlens matrix forming on a first side of the matrix device an input face for light rays, an output microlens matrix forming on a second side of the matrix device an output face for light rays and a mask, interposed between the two microlens matrices,the matrix device being configured to form light circulation channels respectively arranged along the main optical axis between at least one input microlens and at least one output microlens, the mask comprising mask portions respectively arranged in one of the light circulation channels, each mask portion being provided with at least one opening capable of allowing the light rays to pass from the input microlens to the output microlens of the same circulation channel, the light device being characterized in that within each circulation channel, the at least one input microlens is configured to have a focal length making it possible to converge the beams of substantially parallel rays into a focusing zone on an opening of the mask portion,the at least one output microlens of this circulation channel being configured to have a focal length making it possible to image this focusing zone, the mask being formed on a support on either side of which the input and output microlens matrices are arranged, the mask support having a planar shape so as to have a main elongation plane, the at least one output microlens present in a first circulation channel having a focal length different from the at least one output microlens present in a second circulation channel so as to form an output face locally inclined relative to the main elongation plane of the mask support.,

[0012] The idea here is to keep a substantially planar mask support on which the two microlens matrices are attached, and to vary the distance between this mask and the output face of each microlens, by modifying the focal length of the output microlenses. According to the invention, at least two of the microlenses have different focal lengths, from one light circulation channel to the other. In other words, for a first light circulation channel, the microlenses, and in particular the output microlens(es), have focal length values ​​which are different from the focal length values ​​of the microlenses, and in particular the output microlens(es), of a second light circulation channel, and more particularly of a circulation channel adjacent to the first light circulation channel.

[0013] The main optical axis of the light device is such that the light device is configured to project a light beam to infinity with this optical axis as a projection reference, here parallel to a longitudinal axis. The mask support may extend mainly in a vertical and transverse plane, perpendicular to this main optical axis of the light device. Furthermore, the main optical axis intersects the two microlens matrices of the matrix device.

[0014] The modification of the focal length of the output microlenses relative to each other involves a longitudinal dimension, along the main optical axis, which varies from one output microlens to another, this longitudinal dimension being measured from the mask support to the external surface of the output microlens helping to define the output face of the matrix device. This results in an inclination, or where appropriate a curvature, of the output face of the matrix device relative to a transverse and vertical plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main optical axis. More particularly, some of the external surfaces of the adjacent microlenses defining the output face are axially offset from each other, so as to form rows or columns axially offset from each other and therefore staircase steps which create the tilting effect when viewing the screen as a whole.

[0015] The modification of the focal length of a microlens can in particular be achieved by modifying the shape of the external surface of this microlens, it being understood that this microlens can have a spherical, aspherical, biconical or even toroidal profile. If necessary, the symmetry of said microlens within a light circulation channel can be modified accordingly. The idea according to the invention of achieving the inclination or curvature of the exit face by locally increasing the focal lengths of the microlenses forming this exit face makes it possible in particular to achieve inclinations of the exit face relative to the plane of elongation of the mask support both transversely and vertically, while ensuring the projection of a sharp image at infinity in front of the vehicle and with a matrix device that is simple to produce.

[0016] The vertical and transverse orientation of the output face may vary from one portion of the output face to another, this orientation being locally defined by the inclination of a straight line passing through the center of each output microlens of the same row or column of the matrix device. Of course, the vertical and transverse orientation of the input face is defined equivalently.

[0017] The matrix device according to the invention can make it possible to easily and precisely achieve different lighting functions with the same lighting surface.

[0018] By "converging", it is understood that the aim is to ensure that all the rays passing through the input microlens of a light circulation channel pass through the intended opening in the corresponding mask portion of the light circulation channel, so as not to lose luminous efficiency. In this respect, the input microlens has an image focal length positioned in the vicinity of the opening of the mask and, where appropriate, substantially centered on this opening.

[0019] By "imaging", we understand that the output microlens is configured to present an object focal plane as close as possible to the opening made in the mask portion and to consequently project to infinity the rays passing through this opening.

[0020] Whether for convergence or focusing, it should be understood that throughout the description, a margin of error is provided for the location of the object or image foci of the different optical elements formed by the microlenses in particular.

[0021] The light emitting means comprises one or more light sources configured to emit light rays towards the matrix device, via the collimator. These light sources may in particular be light-emitting diodes.

[0022] Each input and output microlens has a domed outer surface facing outward from the array device, away from the mask, and the thickness of material extending from the domed outer surface to the mask, the mask forming the boundary between the input microlens array and the output microlens array.

[0023] The output face, respectively the input face, of the matrix device is formed by the plurality of external surfaces of the output microlenses, respectively external surfaces of the input microlenses.

[0024] The light circulation channels are defined as a strip of the material of the matrix device formed by at least one input microlens and at least one output microlens arranged opposite the at least one input microlens if the main optical axis is considered, and there is no structural element within the matrix device, such as a partition for example, to generate a physical delimitation between two neighboring channels.

[0025] As mentioned, the mask comprises a surface forming a support, for example made of glass, and on which is deposited an opaque layer intended to force the light rays to pass through openings of controlled shapes. The two microlens matrices are attached to the mask support, for example during a step of injecting the material forming the microlenses, and it is notable here, and in particular to facilitate the various operations of producing the matrix device, that this mask support is flat.

[0026] The mask comprises a plurality of mask portions respectively equipped with a plurality of openings, such that each of the light circulation channels comprises a mask portion with openings.

[0027] The collimator is configured to redirect the rays passing through it so as to form at the output a beam of rays essentially parallel to each other and thus to direct these light rays homogeneously towards the microlenses of the input microlens array. After passing through the collimator, the light rays emitted by the light emitting means are thus directed homogeneously onto each of the input microlenses. Reference is made to a beam of essentially parallel rays to the extent that the dimension of the light source, which is larger than a theoretical point, may imply a slight angle between the rays deflected by the collimator. The input microlens array and the output microlens array are composed of microlenses whose dimensions are of the order of a millimeter, between 0.025 mm and 10 mm.Throughout the document, microlenses are thus mentioned, but these optical elements could, without departing from the context of the invention, be called mini-lenses.

[0028] More specifically, the microlenses all have a size, in diameter, height and / or width, in front view, less than or equal to 10mm. This makes it possible to limit the thickness of the microlenses, and thus to limit the mass of the part. Furthermore, the microlenses all have a size, in diameter, height and / or width, in front view, greater than or equal to 0.1mm for the exit microlenses and 0.5mm for the entrance microlenses. This allows the lenses to be small enough not to be distinguished at the usual observation distance, while allowing the optical device to be manufactured by a simple injection process to implement.

[0029] According to an optional feature of the invention, the main elongation plane of the mask support is substantially perpendicular to the main optical axis. In this case, the inclination or curvature of the light device is made solely by the variations in thickness of the light circulation channels. It should however be noted that these variations in thickness of the microlens matrix device could be combined with an inclination of the support relative to the transverse and vertical plane perpendicular to the main optical axis.

[0030] According to an optional feature of the invention, the mask is formed by a glass slide comprising at least one opaque layer deposited on one face of the glass slide, the openings being formed by cutouts in this opaque layer. More particularly, the opaque layer is deposited on the face of the glass slide which is opposite the input microlens array.

[0031] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the variation in focal length of the output microlenses from one circulation channel to another is such that the output face is inclined relative to the plane of elongation of the mask support, plane extending in vertical and transverse directions, by pivoting around a vertical axis and / or around a transverse axis.

[0032] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the variation in focal length of the output microlenses from one circulation channel to the other is such that the output face is inclined relative to the elongation plane of the mask support with a constant angle from one end to the other of the matrix device. In other words, there is a constant increase in focal length from one circulation channel to the other.

[0033] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the variation in focal length of the output microlenses from one circulation channel to the other is such that the output face is inclined relative to the elongation plane of the mask support with variable inclination angles from one end to the other of the matrix device. In other words, there is a variable increase in the focal length from one circulation channel to the other, and / or a decrease in the focal length in certain zones when moving from one circulation channel to the other, if a given direction is considered from a vertical or transverse end of the output face to the opposite vertical or transverse end.

[0034] According to an optional feature of the invention, a step is arranged between an output microlens of a circulation channel and an output microlens of an adjacent circulation channel when the focal length of these microlenses varies from one channel to another.

[0035] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the focal length ratio between the focal length of an input microlens and the focal length of an output microlens is substantially equal from one light circulation channel to another.

[0036] In other words, if the focal length of an output microlens increases from a first circulation channel to a second circulation channel, the focal length of the input microlens of the first circulation channel is increased relative to the focal length of the input microlens of the second circulation channel, in proportions equivalent to the focal length increase of the output microlenses.

[0037] By substantially equal, we aim to cover in particular the manufacturing tolerances of the matrix device.

[0038] It is understood that the modification of the focal length of the output microlenses from one circulation channel to another results in an equivalent modification of the focal lengths of the input microlenses of these same circulation channels.

[0039] According to an optional feature of the invention, the focal length ratio between the focal length of the at least one input microlens of a light circulation channel and the focal length of the at least one output microlens of this light circulation channel is at least two to one. In other words, within a light circulation channel, the focal length of an input microlens is at least twice as large as the focal length of an output microlens.

[0040] According to an optional feature of the invention, this ratio is observed within each light circulation channel of the matrix device.

[0041] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the at least one output microlens of a light circulation channel is configured to have an object focus positioned substantially on a border delimiting an opening in the mask portion associated with this light circulation channel. This is notably implemented for the circulation channels intended to be crossed by the light rays participating in forming a lighting function, and notably a dipped beam function for which it is desired to have a clear cutoff of the beam, the cutoff of the beam then being achieved by said border delimiting the opening on which the object focus mentioned is arranged.

[0042] According to an optional feature of the invention, the edge of the opening has a projection, the dimension of the projection being a function of the value of the focal length of the microlenses of said light circulation channel. The height of the projection projected into the cut-off beam is defined to the first order by the ratio, within a given circulation channel, of the dimension of the projection of the opening divided by the focal length of the output microlens. The objective being to have in the cut-off of the illumination beam a projection of a given height, it may be necessary to modify the size of the projection so that the image which is projected onto the road by the output microlens is the same from one microlens to another regardless of the value of the focal length of the output microlens.

[0043] According to an optional feature of the invention, a step is arranged between an input microlens of a circulation channel and an input microlens of an adjacent circulation channel when the focal length of these microlenses varies from one channel to another.

[0044] According to an optional feature of the invention, the external surface of an output microlens of a first circulation channel whose focal length is longer than that of an output microlens of a second circulation channel is flatter than the external surface of this output microlens associated with this second light circulation channel. The fact that one output face is flatter than another is determined more particularly by the curvature of these output faces. A so-called flatter output face has a smaller curvature. According to an optional feature of the invention, opaque elements are arranged locally on the input face, at the level of the steps formed between two input microlenses of adjacent circulation channels whose focal lengths are different from each other.For example, an opaque plastic may be bonded to the face of the matrix device opposite the collimator, to form sharp demarcations between the input faces of each input microlens. This optical plastic may also be etched, printed, or overmolded onto the input face of the matrix device. It is notable that in all cases, these opaque elements are not present within the thickness of the matrix device. The presence of such an opaque element prevents stray rays from propagating within the matrix device by entering it through a step rather than a partially spherical shape of an input microlens.

[0045] According to an optional feature of the invention, the at least one light circulation channel is arranged along the main optical axis, being delimited at one longitudinal end by a single input microlens and at the other longitudinal end by a plurality of output microlenses.

[0046] According to an optional feature of the invention, the output microlenses arranged at a longitudinal end of the same light circulation channel are configured such that their external surfaces are arranged in the same plane. In other words, the output microlenses arranged at a longitudinal end of the same light circulation channel have focal lengths of the same value, this value being different from the focal length value of the output microlenses of the adjacent channel. In this context, at least one set of output microlenses extends in the same plane, offset and parallel with respect to the plane in which an adjacent set of output microlenses extends.

[0047] According to an optional feature of the invention, at least one average dimension of an input microlens participating in delimiting a light circulation channel is a multiple of a corresponding average dimension of the output microlenses participating in delimiting this light circulation channel. By average dimension, it is understood that a particular dimension of the input microlens or the output microlens is considered, whether it is a height, a width, a diagonal or an area, and that an average value of this particular dimension is calculated from one longitudinal end to the opposite longitudinal end.For example, when a light circulation channel extends between an input microlens and two output microlenses, the average area of ​​the input microlens, i.e. the average of the areas projected in the vertical and transverse elongation plane, is equal to the sum of the corresponding dimensions, here the areas, projected in the same plane, of the two adjacent output microlenses.

[0048] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the output microlenses of the same light circulation channel are configured to have object foci positioned differently on the mask portion present in this light circulation channel, an object focus of an output microlens being specifically associated with an opening of the mask portion.

[0049] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the openings present within the same portion of mask, in a light circulation channel, are of different shapes and / or dimensions from each other.

[0050] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the pattern formed in a portion of mask by the openings of different shapes and / or dimensions is identical for each portion of mask. In other words, the different openings are arranged alternately on the mask according to at least one main elongation direction of the mask.

[0051] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light emission means comprises a plurality of selectively addressable light sources, the collimator being common to the plurality of light sources and configured to conform the light rays emitted by a light source into a beam of substantially parallel rays directed towards the matrix device, with an angle of inclination of the beam of substantially parallel rays relative to the optical axis which is different depending on the activated light source, the position of the zone of focusing of the light rays by the at least one input microlens on the mask portion differing according to the angle of inclination of the beam of substantially parallel rays.

[0052] If the light circulating in a circulation channel encounters one of the openings formed in the mask portion present across this circulation channel, the light can be propagated towards the output microlens array, which allows the realization of a luminous function. If this light comes from a first light source, a first luminous function can be realized and if this light comes from a second light source, a second luminous function can be realized, or an additional portion of the first luminous function making it possible to generate by combining these two portions a specific luminous function. In both cases, the light participating in realizing the luminous function leaves a common illumination surface, formed by the output microlens array.

[0053] Light sources are said to be selectively addressable to the extent that they can be activated independently of each other, by an electronic control device. For example, when one of the light sources is activated, the other light source(s) can be deactivated so that only one light source emits light rays.

[0054] According to the invention, it is thus possible to achieve the projection of several distinct light beams onto the same lighting surface, namely the matrix of output microlenses, by passing through first openings of the mask and then through first output microlenses of each circulation channel the rays focused by the input microlenses when a first light function is desired and by passing through other openings of the mask and then through other output microlenses of each circulation channel the rays focused by the input microlenses when another light function is desired. It should be understood that when talking about passing the focused rays through an opening, some rays may at the margin not follow the theoretical path of the light rays and for example be blocked by an opaque portion of the mask.

[0055] Each first output microlens thus participates in generating, by superimposing all the images projected by the first output microlenses, a light function, and for example a low beam type cut-off lighting function.

[0056] Each second output microlens helps to generate, again by superimposing all the images projected by the second output microlenses, a second light function, for example without a clear outline and in particular a signaling function of the daytime running light type.

[0057] The lighting device according to the invention thus makes it possible to have two lighting functions, in particular a signaling function of the daytime running light type, known by the acronym DRL for Day Running Light in English, and a lighting function of the dipped beam type. Alternatively, the lighting device could allow the realization of a signaling function of the daytime running light type and a lighting function of the high beam type, with the two output microlenses present in the same circulation channel which are both focused on the center of the opening of the corresponding mask portion. Also, and without this being exhaustive of the possibilities offered by the lighting device according to the invention, it would be possible to have a lighting function of the dipped beam type and a lighting function of the high beam type.

[0058] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light device comprises a first light source, the activation of which participates in generating a first light function and a second light source, the activation of which participates in generating a second light function or an additional portion of the first light function, light rays emitted by the first light source being intended to be focused by the input microlens of a light circulation channel on a first focusing zone located on a first opening of the mask portion arranged in this light circulation channel, light rays emitted by the second light source being intended to be focused by this same input microlens on a second focusing zone located on a second opening of the same mask portion.

[0059] It should be noted that by participating in generating, it is understood that the light device according to the invention can be the only device allowing the production of the desired lighting or signaling beam or that the light beam generated by this light device can be combined with other light beams generated by other light devices to form said beam, whether or not these other light devices comply with the invention.

[0060] More particularly, the collimator and the input microlenses are configured such that the light rays passing through the same input microlens are intended to pass through the same portion of mask within the light circulation channel downstream of this input microlens, essentially through a first opening when the rays are emitted by a first light source and essentially through a second opening when the light rays are emitted by a second light source.

[0061] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first light source and the second light source are at a distance from each other, being distributed on either side of a defined plane. The first source may, if necessary, be arranged partly on this defined plane. The defined plane considered is a plane substantially perpendicular to one and / or the other of the microlens matrices and it comprises the main optical axis of the light device. This defined plane may in particular be a median plane, if necessary a plane of symmetry, of the collimator. By at a distance from each other, it should be understood that the light sources are not in contact with each other and sufficiently separated, for example of the order of 0.5 to 10 times the size of the light source, so that the rays can have a different inclination at the exit of the collimator depending on whether they are emitted by one or the other of the light sources.

[0062] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first light source is closer to said defined plane than the second light source. This is particularly advantageous when the activation of the first light source makes it possible to generate a light function of cut-off illumination, which requires sharpness of the image to be projected to ensure that the cut-off is carried out in a regulatory manner. Bringing the first light source closer to the optical axis makes it possible to avoid the dispersion of the light rays within the matrix device.

[0063] According to an optional feature of the invention, the output microlenses of the same light circulation channel have object foci which are specifically associated with an opening formed in the mask portion of this light circulation channel. And the position of these object foci relative to the opening which is dedicated to each object focus can vary. More particularly it is possible to have an output microlens of a light circulation channel with an object focus positioned substantially on an edge of a first opening and an output microlens of the same channel with an object focus positioned substantially at the center of a second opening.By substantially in the center, it is appropriate to understand that this object focus is arranged far from an edge delimiting the second opening, which includes for example a position in which the object focus is arranged at two-thirds of a distance between two opposite edges delimiting this second opening. A distinction is thus made between the realization by the first output microlens of a dipped beam type lighting function, which requires a sharp beam edge and the realization by the second output microlens of a signaling function.

[0064] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the collimator is formed by one or more lenses, or by one or more mirrors. In particular, the lens(es) may be converging lenses. According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the matrix device comprises sub-assemblies within which the at least one output microlens of a first circulation channel has a focal length different from the at least one output microlens of a second circulation channel so as to form an output face locally inclined relative to the main elongation plane of the mask support, the masks of these sub-assemblies all having a planar shape, the position of the mask of a sub-assembly being axially offset relative to the mask of an adjacent sub-assembly.This makes it possible in particular to position the external surfaces of the output microlenses in continuity with each other to form a regularly inclined output face, locally reducing the focal length of an output microlens when passing from one sub-assembly to another. This has the effect of being able to consequently reduce the focal length of the input microlens and this makes it possible to reduce the size, or to avoid contact between the input microlens and the collimator.

[0065] According to a characteristic of the invention, a layer of absorbent material is arranged at least on the exposed part of the entrance microlens of a first sub-assembly opposite an adjacent sub-assembly.

[0066] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one lighting device in accordance with the present description.

[0067] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0068] [Fig.l] represents a light device according to a first embodiment of the invention, making visible a light source, a collimator and a matrix device, comprising in particular a matrix of input microlenses, a mask and a matrix of output microlenses;

[0069] [Fig.2] represents a light device according to a second embodiment of the invention, making two light sources visible, a collimator common to these two light sources and a matrix device, comprising in particular a matrix of input microlenses, a mask and a matrix of output microlenses; [Fig.3] partially represents a light device according to a third embodiment of the invention, with here only the collimator and the matrix device visible;

[0070] [Fig.4] represents a detailed view of a portion of the mask of the matrix device of figure 2, making visible two openings of distinct shapes and / or dimensions within this portion of mask;

[0071] [Fig.5] represents the light device of figure 3, to illustrate the operation of the light device according to the invention ensuring a light function, with the schematic representation of light rays propagating in the light device when a first light source is made active;

[0072] [Fig.6] represents the light device of figure 3, to illustrate the operation of the light device according to the invention providing a light function, with the schematic representation of light rays propagating in the light device when a second light source is made active;

[0073] [Fig.7] partially represents a light device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with only the collimator and the matrix device visible here.

[0074] It should first be noted that while the figures set out the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can of course be used to better define the invention, where appropriate. It should also be noted that these figures only set out examples of embodiments of the invention.

[0075] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art.

[0076] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0077] In the following description, reference will be made to an orientation that is a function of the Longitudinal, Vertical and Transverse axes as defined by the trihedron L, V, T shown in Figures 1 to 7, with the longitudinal axis L corresponding to the general direction of propagation of the light rays and the vertical and transverse axes V, T participating in defining a main elongation plane of a mask of the microlens matrix device forming part of the light device, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. More particularly, the vertical axis V and the transverse axis T correspond respectively to the height and width of openings made in this mask as will be described in more detail below, these openings having a width dimension greater than that of the height.The choice of names for these axes does not limit the orientation that the lighting device can take, particularly when it is installed in a motor vehicle.

[0078] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a light device 1 comprising a matrix device 2 of microlenses, a collimator 3 and a light emission means 4, according to two embodiments of the invention which differ from each other in particular by the shape of the light emission means and the resulting shape of the matrix device.

[0079] These figures schematically show an element of the vehicle 6, formed here by way of example by a portion of the bodywork 6 of the vehicle near which the headlight in which the lighting device 1 is installed is positioned. This portion of the bodywork 6 is curved to have at least one curvature in a vertical or transverse plane. In the figures, the vertical curve has been illustrated, in a longitudinal and vertical plane, which tends to avoid having a bodywork portion that is too vertical, but it is understood that what will be described in relation to a longitudinal and vertical plane can be applied in the same way in a longitudinal and transverse plane. It should be noted that without departing from the context of the invention, the element of the vehicle 6 could just as well be a portion of the closing glass of the headlight in which the lighting device 1 is installed.Advantageously, said closing window has a gable which fits harmoniously into the curve of the vehicle body.

[0080] As previously mentioned, the invention consists of providing a matrix device 2 whose output microlenses have between at least two of them a different focal length which implies a local curvature of the output face of the matrix device making it possible to follow at least locally the curve of the bodywork portion.

[0081] The light emission means 4 generally comprises at least one light source. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the light emission means comprises a single light source 41, while in the embodiment of Figure 2, the light emission means 4 comprises two light sources including a first light source 41 and a second light source 42.

[0082] It is understood that the number of light sources may vary as long as the matrix device is configured accordingly. The number of light sources has an effect in particular on the number of light functions that can be implemented by the device according to the invention. In particular, the light device 1 may allow the realization of a single light function, if a single light source is provided, or two light functions, if two light sources are provided.

[0083] Whatever the lighting function(s) performed, the lighting device 1 is particular according to the invention in that it can adapt to the curve that the bodywork of the vehicle has in the area where the lighting device is installed.

[0084] In the following description, the light device will be essentially described with reference to the embodiment of Figure 2, with two light sources and a microlens array device in which each light circulation channel, as will be described below, extends between an input microlens and two output microlenses. But it should be noted that what will be described with reference to this second embodiment can be applied mutatis mutandis to the first embodiment.

[0085] In this context, the lighting device may be equally well suited to implementing a dipped beam type lighting function, with projection onto the road ahead of the vehicle of a beam with a higher cut-off so as not to dazzle other road users, as to performing other functions, such as a main beam type lighting function, without cut-off, a signalling function, an interior lighting function or even a road marking function consisting of a projection of pictograms.

[0086] The light device 1 has a main optical axis 10, the light device being configured to carry out the projection of a light beam to infinity with this optical axis as a projection reference, here parallel to a longitudinal axis. The light emission means 4 is arranged on or in the vicinity of a defined plane comprising this main optical axis 10 of the light device.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the light source 41 is arranged on or in the vicinity of the main optical axis 10 of the lighting device. In the second embodiment, the first light source 41 and the second light source 42 are arranged on or in the vicinity of a defined plane comprising the main optical axis 10 of the lighting device. More particularly, the light sources 41, 42 may be arranged on either side of this defined plane, the distance of each of the light sources from the defined plane being able to vary according to the lighting function that these light sources participate in achieving. As will be described below, the distance of the light sources from the defined plane is to be determined according to the angle from the main optical axis 10 that it is desired to give to the light rays leaving the collimator when one or other of the light sources is activated.Thus, the light sources are distant from each other, in the vertical direction as illustrated in Figure 1 in particular, but also in the transverse direction depending on the number and arrangement of the light sources. By distant from each other, we understand that the light sources are not in contact with each other.

[0088] Each of the light sources is selectively addressable. In the second embodiment of FIG. 2, each of the first and second light sources 41, 42 is thus capable of being switched on and off independently of one another, for example by means of an electronic control device.

[0089] The collimator 3 and the light emitting means 4 are positioned relative to each other so that the light rays emitted by the light emitting means 4 pass through the collimator 3, which is configured to capture light rays emitted by the light emitting means 4 and to orient them substantially parallel to each other by directing them towards the matrix device 2, and more specifically towards an array of input microlenses 21.

[0090] The collimator 3 is more particularly configured to form beams of rays that are parallel or substantially parallel to each other, with an angle of inclination relative to the main optical axis 10 that depends on the original position of the emitting light source. By "substantially parallel" it is understood that the rays may have an angular offset relative to each other, independently of the angle of inclination mentioned, this angular offset being linked to the size of the light source that generates them. As will be described below, the position of this or that light source on one side or the other of the defined plane can be chosen according to the light functions that they participate in emitting.

[0091] The microlens matrix device 2 comprises said input microlens matrix 21, an output microlens matrix 22 and a mask 23 interposed between the input microlens matrix 21 and the output microlens matrix 22. In the illustrated example, each microlens matrix 21, 22 and the mask 23 extend mainly along a vertical and transverse plane, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L along which the main optical axis 10 of the light device 1 extends. Alternatively, the matrix device can as a whole take an inclined position relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, in particular to adapt to a curve of the vehicle in which it is to be integrated, in addition to the characteristic of modifying the focal value of the output microlenses which will be described subsequently and which is the basis of the invention.

[0092] The output face of the matrix device, i.e. the external surface of the output microlens matrix 22, forms a lighting surface of the lighting device 1, i.e. a surface through which the light rays exit to generate a light beam outside the vehicle, which is common to each of the lighting functions capable of being performed by the lighting device.

[0093] Each microlens array, input or output, has an external surface, facing away from the mask and whose juxtaposition with all the external surfaces forms the output face of the matrix device, and an internal volume, formed by the thickness of material which extends from the external surface to the mask, the mask forming the boundary between the input microlens array and the output microlens array.

[0094] The input microlens array 21 is formed from a plurality of input microlenses 20 juxtaposed next to each other, both in the vertical direction, as visible in FIG. 1, and in the transverse direction, as visible in FIG. 2. These input microlenses 20 each have a curved surface whose juxtaposition, with a longitudinal offset which generates a step 12 from at least one curved surface to another as will be described below, forms the external surface of the input microlens array 21, and they each have a thickness of material extending between the curved surface and the mask to be able to propagate the light from one to the other.

[0095] Each input microlens 20 is configured within the matrix device 2 with a focal length capable of converging the rays towards the mask 23, that is to say with an image focus F1 positioned substantially on the mask 23. The light rays coming from the collimator 3 and passing through an input microlens 20 converge towards a focal point present on the mask 23. In the example illustrated, the input microlenses 20 are identical to each other.

[0096] In accordance with the arrangement of the input microlens array 20, the output microlens array 22 is formed of a plurality of output microlenses 24 juxtaposed next to each other, both in the vertical direction, as seen in FIG. 1, and in the transverse direction, as seen in FIG. 2.

[0097] These output microlenses 24 each have a curved surface whose juxtaposition, with a longitudinal offset which generates a step 14 from at least one curved surface to another as will be described below, forms the external surface of the matrix of output microlenses 22, that is to say the output face of the matrix device 2, and they each have a thickness of material extending between the mask 23 and the curved surface to be able to propagate the light from one to the other.

[0098] It is notable in the figures schematically representing the matrix device 2 that only the external surface of the input and output microlenses is represented, but it should be noted that each microlens is not just formed by the curved surface but includes the thickness of material which goes from this curved surface to the mask, or to the mask support when there is one.

[0099] Each output microlens 24 is configured within the matrix device 2 with a focal length making it possible to image the focusing zone of the mask on which the rays are converged by the corresponding input microlens, that is to say with an object focus F2 substantially on the mask 23. The light rays propagating within the matrix device and passing through this object focus are reoriented by the corresponding output microlens 24 into a light beam to be projected towards the outside of the vehicle to participate in forming a lighting beam on the road scene or a signaling beam. The input microlenses advantageously have an aspect ratio corresponding in a vertical and transverse plane to a horizontally elongated rectangle.The ratio between the largest transverse dimension and the smallest vertical dimension is determined to correspond to the dimensions of the overall beam to be projected onto the road scene, and may in particular be at least 2 to 1, and more particularly of the order of 3 or 4 to 1 when it is a question of projecting onto the road a cut-off beam of the dipped beam type.

[0100] The matrix device 2 according to the invention is configured to comprise within it light circulation channels 5, extending respectively, in a direction parallel to that of the main optical axis 10, between an input microlens 20 and one or more adjacent output microlenses 24. The number of adjacent output microlenses 24 participating in delimiting the same light circulation channel depends on the number of different light sources capable of being activated opposite the same collimator. In the first embodiment of FIG. 1, where a light source is provided, each light circulation channel 5 extends between an input microlens 20 and an output microlens 24.

[0101] In the second embodiment of Figure 2, where two light sources are provided, each light circulation channel 5 extends between an input microlens 20 and two adjacent output microlenses 24, among which a first input microlens 241 and a second output microlens 242 are distinguished.

[0102] The light rays shaped by the collimator which are caused to pass through an input microlens 20 propagate essentially in the light circulation channel 5 associated with this input microlens 20 and they emerge from the matrix device 2 essentially through one of the output microlenses 24 associated with this light circulation channel, once they have been able to pass through the mask 23 arranged across the light circulation channel 5.

[0103] Each light circulation channel 5 comprises a portion of the mask 23 extending across the matrix device between the input microlens matrix 21 and the output microlens matrix 22, the mask 23 consisting of a plurality of mask portions 231 juxtaposed with each other and respectively arranged in a light circulation channel 5 of their own. In other words, the mask 23 is formed by a juxtaposition of mask portions 231, with a lower vertical edge 30 of a mask portion which is merged with an upper vertical edge 28 of a neighboring mask portion as regards the juxtaposition in the vertical direction and with lateral edges which merge as regards the transverse juxtaposition not shown here.

[0104] The position of the mask 23 within the matrix device 2, as illustrated for example in Figures 1 and 2, is given here for information purposes only. The mask 23 could, without departing from the context of the invention, be moved along the main optical axis 10 to approach the input microlens array 21 or the output microlens array 22, provided that the microlenses are configured to have a focus on the mask as previously mentioned, and provided that the focal lengths of the microlenses comply with the condition that the focal length of an input microlens must be at least twice the focal length of an output microlens present in the same light circulation channel.

[0105] In other words, the position of mask 23 is defined by the following inequality:

[0106] FMLE > 2 * F MLS , in which F MLEis the focal length value of an input microlens and F MLS is the focal length value of an output microlens.

[0107] According to the invention, the matrix device 2 is particular in that at least one output microlens 24 has a focal length value F MLS which is different from the focal length value of one or more other output microlenses.

[0108] In other words, a focal length F MLS of an output microlens 24 of a circulation channel 5 has a different value from that of a focal length F MLS of an output microlens 24 of an adjacent circulation channel 5.

[0109] The focal length F MLS of each output microlens 24 is such that the object focus F2 is positioned substantially on the mask 23, so that the focal length F MLSis substantially equal to the distance between the mask 23 and the external surface of this output microlens 24. It follows that the increase in a focal length of a first output microlens relative to a focal length of a second output microlens is equivalent to an increase in the longitudinal dimension of this first output microlens relative to the longitudinal dimension of this second output microlens.

[0110] This makes it possible to axially offset, along the longitudinal axis, the external surface of one output microlens 24 relative to another, the reference frame being the plane in which the mask extends, perpendicular to the main optical axis. The output face is formed by the juxtaposition of all the output microlenses, so that an axial offset of one of these output microlenses generates a specific shape of the output face.

[0111] In Figures 1 to 2, the profile 16 of the output face of the matrix device 2 is shown, which results from the focal length modifications of the output microlenses 24, in a longitudinal and vertical section plane. In other words, the vertical inclination of the output face of the matrix device 2 is shown, with the normal to the mean plane of the output face being directed towards the sky. But as mentioned previously, the same inclination could be achieved laterally, with the normal to the mean plane of the output face being directed towards the side of the vehicle.

[0112] The creation of an inclination of the output face by a modification of the focal length of the microlenses also makes it possible to create an inclination in a transverse and longitudinal plane. It is understood that a light device according to the invention may comprise a matrix device whose output face is inclined vertically and / or transversely.

[0113] In the examples illustrated, the inclination here generates a curved shape, with microlenses 20, 24 at the center of the matrix device which have a larger focal length than the microlenses arranged on the vertical end edges of the matrix device. Of course, other profiles could be obtained by varying the focal lengths differently, and in particular a planar profile, inclined relative to the plane of elongation of the mask, as illustrated in FIG. 3, such a planar profile being obtained by varying the focal lengths progressively and regularly from one end edge of the matrix device to the other.

[0114] Furthermore, here the variation is systematic from one circulation channel 5 to an adjacent circulation channel, but this could be different without departing from the context of the invention. In particular there could be variations in the focal length of the output microlens between two adjacent circulation channels only in a defined portion of the matrix device.

[0115] In the second embodiment of Figure 2, with two output microlenses 24 in the same light circulation channel 5, it is notable that these two output microlenses 24 of the same channel have an equivalent focal length. In other words, the output microlenses 24 arranged at a longitudinal end of the same light circulation channel have focal lengths of the same value, this value being different from the focal length value of the output microlenses of the adjacent channel. In this context, at least one set of output microlenses extends in the same plane, offset and parallel with respect to the plane in which an adjacent set of output microlenses extends.

[0116] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate what has been mentioned, namely that the mask, or mask support, remains in the same plane, here perpendicular to the main optical axis 10, that is to say the longitudinal axis. The mask support serves as a reference and the variation in focal length F MLS of an output microlens 24 results in a variation from one channel to another of the distance between the mask support 23 and the external surface of the output microlenses 24.

[0117] The variation in focal length therefore implies a variation in the axial dimension of two adjacent circulation channels 5 and therefore the appearance of steps 14 respectively formed by this axial offset. The steps 14 are notably visible between two adjacent circulation channels 5, in a plane here longitudinal and transverse, that is to say in a plane perpendicular to the direction along which the adjacent circulation channels are juxtaposed.

[0118] The images projected onto the road by each output microlens are superimposed to form the overall projected beam which must provide the lighting function, so the focal length ratio between the input microlens 20 and the output microlens(es) 24 of the same light circulation channel 5 should be constant from one light circulation channel to another. The projected images are larger when the focal lengths are larger but the parts of the overall projected beam which must be sharp remain so due to the constant focal length ratio. This focal length ratio will be detailed more precisely with reference to Figure 3.

[0119] This results in a variation in focal length F MLE input microlenses 20 when the output microlenses 24 have a focal length F MLSwhich varies from one light circulation channel 5 to another, and therefore a variable distance between the mask support 23 and the external surface of the input microlenses 20.

[0120] It may be envisaged, in each of the embodiments of the invention, to deposit an absorbent black coating on the steps 12 formed between two adjacent microlenses, and in particular on the input face of the matrix device. This black coating may consist of a deposit of opaque plastic material, it being understood that this coating cannot be considered equivalent to the mask present in the thickness of the matrix device between the microlens matrices. This opaque black coating forms blocking elements making it possible to also limit stray rays, insofar as they make it possible to mask manufacturing irregularities on the sharp edges of the contour of the input microlenses.

[0121] If necessary, an absorbent black coating may be provided on the steps 14 facing the exit of the matrix device, to prevent rays exiting the output microlens from encountering an adjacent light circulation channel whose end is prominent. But the rays of interest are here directed at the exit of the matrix device to be projected substantially parallel to the optical axis, so that they are not impacted by the presence of this step. The presence of a black coating is less essential on the exit face of the matrix device than on the entry face.

[0122] Figure 3 illustrates a third embodiment represented schematically, with only the collimator 3 and the matrix device 2.

[0123] Here, the matrix device 2 is such that each light circulation channel 5 is defined with an output microlens 24 and an input microlens 20 so that the light emission means 4 is as for the first embodiment with a light source not shown here, and that only one light function is realized. Of course, the arrangement of Figure 3 could be implemented with two light sources, two output microlenses per light circulation channel, for the realization of two light functions.

[0124] Again, this figure 3 illustrates that the mask support 23 is planar and perpendicular to the main optical axis, that is to say the longitudinal axis.

[0125] As mentioned, the focal lengths of the microlenses of the matrix device 2 are defined such that for a given circulation channel, we have:

[0126] FMLE > 2 * F MLS , with F MLEwhich is the focal length value of a 20 and F input microlens MLS which is the focal length value of a 24 output microlens.

[0127] The focal length F MLE of the input microlens 20 corresponds to the axial dimension between the external surface forming the input face of the matrix device and the mask 23 since T1 the input microlenses 20 are configured to converge the rays into a focusing zone substantially on the mask. The focal length F MLS of the output microlens 24 corresponds to the axial dimension between the external surface forming the output face and the mask 23 since the output microlenses 24 are configured to image an area of ​​the mask.

[0128] This results in a different value between the axial dimension Dx-i of a 24-i output microlens and the axial dimension Dx-j of an adjacent 24-j output microlens.

[0129] In the illustrated example, the difference in axial dimension Dx is progressive and constant from one channel to another, such that the exit face is flat and has an angle of inclination a relative to the main elongation plane of the mask 23 which is constant. For example, the angle of inclination a can be of the order of 10° to 20°.

[0130] Illustrated in Figure 4 is a light circulation channel 5 and the mask portion 231 which is present in this light circulation channel.

[0131] Each mask portion 231 associated with a light circulation channel comprises at least one opening 26 through which the rays deflected by the input microlens 20 associated with this light circulation channel are able to pass to continue their propagation through the matrix device 2 in the direction of an output microlens.

[0132] Each mask portion 231 thus comprises respectively an opaque part 233, which blocks the propagation of light rays when they encounter this opaque part, and a transparent part 234, formed by the opening(s) 26 and allowing the propagation of light rays brought to encounter this transparent part.

[0133] The matrix device 2 is made of a transparent material, with here the mask support 23 which is formed by a glass slide surrounded by a plastic material, the glass slide comprising at least one opaque layer deposited on one face of the glass slide and forming the mask, the opaque layer being cut, for example by a laser cutting operation, to produce each of the openings 26 within each of the mask portions. The cut parts thus form the transparent part 234 of the mask portions 231 and the remainder forms the opaque part 233.

[0134] As mentioned above, within each circulation channel, the at least one input microlens 20 is configured to have a focal length, or image focus, making it possible to converge the substantially parallel beams of rays into a focusing zone on an opening 26 of the mask portion 231 and the at least one associated output microlens 24, i.e. arranged at the opposite end of this circulation channel, is configured to have a focal length, or object focus, making it possible to image this focusing zone. As will be described below, the object focus F241, F242 of the output microlenses 241, 242 can be positioned in a central position of the opening 26 or in an off-center position, and in particular on an edge delimiting the opening 26.

[0135] The choice of the light function(s) to be provided by the light device results in characteristics relating on the one hand to the openings 26 formed in the mask portions 231 and on the other hand to the light emission means 4.

[0136] It should be noted that the light circulation channel 5 is here represented in the case of application of the second embodiment of FIG. 2, with two output microlenses 24 for a light circulation channel 5.

[0137] In this illustrated example, two types of openings 26 are present and two light functions are provided by the light device 1 of the invention with the first light source 41 which participates, when it is activated, in generating a first light function, in association with a first opening 261 of the mask portion and a first output microlens 241 arranged opposite this first opening, and with the second light source 42 which participates, when it is activated, in generating a second light function, in association with a second opening 262 of the mask portion and a second output microlens 242 arranged opposite this second opening.

[0138] In the illustrated example, the first light function is a lighting function and more particularly here a non-blinding lighting for other road users, known as “dipped beam headlights”. The first openings 261 are delimited by a cut-off edge 32 having a projection 230. This cut-off edge 32 aims to define in the light beam projected at the output of the matrix device a particular shape making it possible to avoid dazzling road users who are likely to cross the vehicle equipped with the light device.

[0139] The second light function may be a position light function, for which the power of the light source is reduced, or a signaling function and more particularly here a signaling of the presence of the vehicle, known as “daytime running lights”. The second openings 262 are delimited by straight edges. In this example, the first opening 261 is arranged closer to the upper vertical edge 28 than to the lower vertical edge 30 of the mask portion, the second opening 262 being for its part arranged closer to the lower vertical edge 30. This is in particular the result of optical considerations which will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0140] Each first opening 261 present in a mask portion here comprises a projection 230 and the first output microlens 241 is focused on the edge of the first opening 261 and more particularly on the projection 230. In other words, the first output microlens 241 has an object focus F241 arranged on the projection 230, as symbolized by a cross in FIG. 4, this object focus F241 being here merged with the image focus of the input microlens when the light function corresponding to the first output microlens 241 is implemented.

[0141] As mentioned, the output microlenses 241, 242 of the same light circulation channel have object foci positioned differently on the mask portion present in this light circulation channel, with the object focus F241, F242 specific to them which is specifically associated with an opening 26 of the mask portion 231. It is more particularly notable that the position of these object foci F241, F242 specific to each output microlens of the same light circulation channel also differs with respect to the opening associated with them. The object focus F241 of the first output microlens 241 is arranged on the projection 230 of the first opening 261, while the object focus F242 of the second output microlens 242 is arranged substantially in the center of the second opening 262.

[0142] Increasing, or reducing, the focal length of the output microlens 24 makes it possible to maintain a central and clear position of the point on which the output microlens is focused, i.e. the area of ​​the projection 230, but it has the effect of reducing, or enlarging, the size of the projected image.

[0143] In this context, a modification of the size of the projection 230 of an edge of a first opening 261 is carried out, as a function of the evolution of the focal length F MLS of the corresponding output microlens 24. In particular, the size of the projection 230 is increased, respectively reduced, in proportion to the increase, respectively the decrease in the focal length F MLS .

[0144] In other words, in order to ensure that the projection formed in the projected image of the overall beam is clear, it may be advantageous to provide a projection 230 in the edge of an opening whose size is a function of the length of the corresponding light circulation channel 5, the projection 230 being larger from one channel to another when the focal length F MLS of the output microlens 24 is larger, and therefore the projected image correspondingly smaller.

[0145] The light source associated with the realization of a particular type of lighting function is chosen according to the light intensity that this lighting function must or must not provide in order to comply with automotive regulations. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the position of a light source relative to a defined plane comprising the main optical axis may depend on the lighting function to be achieved and in particular on the sharpness of the contours of the light beam to be provided.

[0146] In particular, in the exemplary embodiment where the first light function is a “low beam” type lighting function and where the second light function is a signaling function, the first light source 41 allowing the first light function to be performed may be closer to the defined plane than the second light source 42 allowing the second light function to be performed.

[0147] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate ray tracings to understand what was discussed previously and the benefit of having the protruding opening allowing the implementation of the first “low beam” type light function in the upper part of the mask portion.

[0148] In Figure 5, the activation of the first light source, not visible here, is illustrated by appropriate control of an electronic control device associated with the light device. The first light source emits rays towards the collimator 3, and the latter collects these rays and directs them into a beam of rays parallel to each other towards the input microlens matrix of the matrix device 2. A portion of this beam is visible in Figure 5.

[0149] The collimator 3 is configured such that, when the light rays come from the first light source 41, these light rays emerge from the collimator 3 with a main inclination of a first angle α1 relative to the main optical axis 10, taking into account, as specified, a delta of divergence of the rays due to the fact that the source is not point-shaped. This results in a first angle of incidence of the light rays arriving at each of the input microlenses. Almost all of the rays emerging from the collimator encounter the partially spherical shape of the external face of an input microlens 20. Some of the rays, shown in bold lines to facilitate the reader's understanding, intended to penetrate the matrix device in a given light circulation channel, encounter the partially spherical shape of the adjacent light circulation channel 5.This has the effect of penalizing the luminous efficiency since a tiny part of the entrance microlens 20 does not receive light rays which creates a shadow zone 18.

[0150] In Figure 6, the activation of the second light source, not visible here, is illustrated by appropriate control of an electronic control device associated with the light device. The second light source emits rays towards the collimator 3, and the latter collects these rays and directs them into a beam of rays parallel to each other towards the input microlens matrix of the matrix device 2.

[0151] The collimator 3 is configured such that, when the light rays come from the second light source 42, these light rays emerge from the collimator 3 with a main inclination of a second angle a2 relative to the main optical axis 10, again taking into account, as specified, a delta of divergence of the rays due to the fact that the source is not point-like. This results in a second angle of incidence of the light rays arriving at each of the input microlenses.

[0152] The majority of the rays emerging from the collimator 3 encounter the partially spherical shape of the external face of an input microlens 20 but some of these rays, shown in bold lines to facilitate the reader's understanding, enter the matrix device by encountering a step 12 rather than a partially spherical shape. This results in some stray rays within the matrix device 2 in that they do not converge towards the mask support in the light circulation channel dedicated to them. These stray rays can pass through a portion of the mask with an angle of inclination such that they form in the overall projected beam rays which can go beyond the cut-off, which is not conceivable with a dipped beam type function.

[0153] The orientation of the steps 12 on the front face of the matrix device is thus taken into account to position the light sources specifically dedicated to a cut-off lighting function. In the case illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, care must be taken to ensure that the first light source 41, intended to perform the first light function of the dipped beam type, is positioned so that the corresponding rays, at the collimator outlet, arrive from bottom to top, as seen in Figure 6. In this way, a small quantity of rays intended to enter a channel is penalized by the shadow zone formed by the prominence of the channel just below and there is a loss of efficiency but this does not penalize the function as could be the case if rays coming from above pass through the step present between two adjacent input microlenses.

[0154] In other words, the light sources are arranged on either side of a main optical axis of the light device, with a positioning of the light sources such that the light rays intended to be focused on an opening of the mask equipped with a projection, here the rays emitted by the first light source, must arrive on one side of the channel where the adjacent channel has a larger axial dimension, with an entrance microlens with a larger focal length.

[0155] Of course, the blocking of stray rays could be achieved by the presence of a black coating forming a blocking element as mentioned previously and the positioning of the light sources would then not have the same importance as that which has just been described.

[0156] A fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0157] As mentioned previously, the variation in focal length implemented from one light circulation channel 5 to another generates a variable distance between the mask support 23 and the external surface of the microlenses concerned, which has the effect of also generating a variable distance between the external surface of the input microlenses 20 and the collimator 3. The fourth embodiment has the effect of limiting the general size of the light device by avoiding having to provide significant clearance between the collimator and the matrix device.

[0158] The matrix device 2 generally has a pyramidal shape with a regular increase in the size of the focal lengths F MLS> FMLE of the output microlenses 24 and the input microlenses 20 from one light circulation channel to another, and here it comprises several sub-assemblies 201, 202 of pyramidal shape, with a longitudinal offset of the position of the mask 23 from one sub-assembly to the other, which makes it possible to control the size of the light circulation channels while ensuring the inclined shape of the output face as a whole. Gradually, the external faces of the output microlenses 24 are all axially offset relative to each other with the same axial offset value, and in particular when moving from a circulation channel 5 of a first sub-assembly 201 to a circulation channel 5 of the second adjacent sub-assembly 202. But the axial offset of the mask 23 from one sub-assembly to the other makes it possible to reduce the value of the focal length F MLSof the output microlens 24 associated with the mask 23 which has been axially shifted opposite the collimator 3, here in the second sub-assembly 202, and therefore to consequently reduce the focal length value F MLE of the corresponding input microlens 20. This stops the approach between the input face of the matrix device and the collimator, which can then resume up to one end of this second subassembly 202.

[0159] It should be noted that in this way, there is a significant offset between the large circulation channel 5 formed at one end of the first subassembly 201 and the small circulation channel 5 formed in the second subassembly 202 and juxtaposed with this large channel. A large part of the entrance microlens is thus accessible via a zone other than via the entrance face, which requires coating this part of the entrance microlens with an absorbent black layer 203, or adjusting the shape of the mask of this large circulation channel to block these parasitic rays.

[0160] The invention as just described makes it possible to meet the aim it set for itself, namely to enable the production of a light device with a matrix device whose output face is inclined to follow a curve of the vehicle which is equipped with this light device. It is understood that a configuration of the matrix device could be different from those proposed by way of example, since it makes it possible to have an output face which is not mainly inscribed in a plane parallel to a plane of elongation of the mask arranged in the thickness of the matrix device. As a non-limiting example, it could be provided that the increase or reduction of the focal values ​​of the microlenses from one circulation channel to another is carried out according to a scheme different from those illustrated.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A light device (1) comprising at least one light emission means (4), a microlens matrix device (2) and a collimator (3) interposed between the light emission means (4) and the microlens matrix device (2), the light emission means (4) being configured to emit light rays towards the matrix device (2) via the collimator (3) to generate a lighting or signaling beam along a main optical axis (10), the matrix device (2) comprising at least one input microlens matrix (21) forming on a first side of the matrix device a light ray input face, an output microlens matrix (22) forming on a second side of the matrix device a light ray output face and a mask (23), interposed between the two microlens matrices,the matrix device (2) being configured to form light circulation channels (5) respectively arranged along the main optical axis (10) between at least one input microlens (20) and at least one output microlens (24), the mask (23) comprising mask portions (231) respectively arranged in one of the light circulation channels (5), each mask portion being provided with at least one opening capable of allowing the light rays to pass from the input microlens to the output microlens of the same circulation channel, the light device (1) being characterized in that within each circulation channel (5), the at least one input microlens (20) is configured to have a focal length (, MLE) allowing the beams of substantially parallel rays to converge into a focusing zone on an opening (26, 261, 262) of the mask portion (231), the at least one output microlens (24) of this circulation channel (5) being configured to have a focal length (F MLS ) allowing this focusing zone to be imaged, the mask (23) being formed on a support on either side of which the input and output microlens matrices are arranged, the mask support (23) having a planar shape so as to have a main elongation plane, the at least one output microlens (24) present in a first circulation channel having a focal length (F MLS ) different from the at least one output microlens present in a second circulation channel so as to form an output face locally inclined relative to the main elongation plane of the mask support (23).

2. Luminous device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the main elongation plane of the mask support (23) is substantially perpendicular to the main optical axis (10).

3. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the focal length variation ( MLS ) of the output microlenses (24) from one circulation channel (5) to the other is such that the output face is inclined relative to the plane of elongation of the mask support (23), plane extending in vertical and transverse directions, by pivoting around a vertical axis and / or around a transverse axis.

4. Lighting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the focal length variation ( MLS) of the output microlenses (24) from one circulation channel to the other is such that the output face is inclined relative to the plane of elongation of the mask support with a constant angle (a) from one end to the other of the matrix device (2).

5. Lighting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the focal length variation ( MLS ) of the output microlenses (24) from one circulation channel to the other is such that the output face is inclined relative to the plane of elongation of the mask support with varying angles of inclination from one end to the other of the matrix device (2).

6. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the focal length ratio between the focal length (F ML£ ) of the at least one input microlens (20) of a given circulation channel and the focal length (F MLS) of the at least one outlet microlens (24) of this circulation channel is at least two to one.

7. Luminous device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one output microlens (24) of a light circulation channel (5) is configured to have an object focus (F2) positioned substantially on a border (32) delimiting an opening in the mask portion (231) associated with this light circulation channel (5).

8. Luminous device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the edge (32) of the opening has a projection (230), the dimension of the projection (230) being a function of the value of the focal length of the microlenses of said light circulation channel.

9. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that opaque elements are arranged locally on the entry face, at the level of steps (12) formed between two entry microlenses (20) of adjacent circulation channels (5) whose focal lengths ( MLE ) are different from each other.

10. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light circulation channel (5) is arranged along the main optical axis (10) being delimited at one longitudinal end by a single input microlens (20) and at the other longitudinal end by a plurality of output microlenses (241, 242).

11. Luminous device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the output microlenses (241, 242) of the same light circulation channel (5) are configured to have object foci positioned differently on the mask portion (231) present in this light circulation channel (5), an object focus (F241, F242) of an output microlens (241, 242) being specifically associated with an opening (26) of the mask portion (231).

12. A light device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the light emitting means (4) comprises a plurality of selectively addressable light sources (41, 42), the collimator (3) being common to the plurality of light sources (41, 42) and configured to conform the light rays emitted by a light source into a beam of substantially parallel rays directed towards the matrix device (2), with an angle of inclination of the beam of substantially parallel rays relative to the optical axis which is different depending on the activated light source, the position of the zone of focusing of the light rays by the at least one input microlens on the mask portion (231) differing according to the angle of inclination of the beam of substantially parallel rays.

13. Luminous device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the matrix device (2) comprises sub-assemblies (201, 202) within which the at least one output microlens (24) of a first circulation channel (5) has a focal length different from the at least one output microlens of a second circulation channel so as to form an output face locally inclined relative to the main elongation plane of the mask support, the masks (23) of these sub-assemblies (201, 202) all having a planar shape, the position of the mask (23) of a subassembly (201) being axially offset relative to the mask (23) of an adjacent subassembly (202).

14. Motor vehicle comprising at least one light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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