EP3350507B1 - Lighting device for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates in particular to a lighting device.

A preferred application concerns the automotive industry, for vehicle equipment, in particular for the production of devices capable of emitting light beams, also called lighting functions, generally meeting regulations.

In particular, the invention can enable the production of a highly resolved light beam.

• un faisceau de croisement, dirigé vers le bas, encore parfois appelé faisceau de code et utilisé en cas de présence d'autres véhicules sur la chaussée;
• un faisceau de route dépourvu de coupure, et caractérisé par un éclairement maximal dans l'axe du véhicule ;
• un faisceau d'éclairage pour temps de brouillard, caractérisé par une coupure plate et une grande largeur d'éclairement ;
• un faisceau de signalisation pour la circulation en ville, encore appelé lampe de ville.

Known lighting devices have so far been designed to emit, for example:

• a passing beam, directed downwards, also sometimes called a code beam and used in the event of the presence of other vehicles on the roadway;
• a main beam without interruption, and characterized by maximum illumination in the axis of the vehicle;
• a lighting beam for foggy weather, characterized by a flat cut-off and a large illumination width;
• a signaling beam for city traffic, also called a city lamp.

The dipped beam must ensure both the quality of the lighting and the absence, or reduction, of the disturbance caused by the luminous flux produced for surrounding vehicles. Currently, low beam headlights are essentially defined with this in mind, with, in particular, the use of sometimes complex cuts at the top of the beam, so as to precisely limit or avoid lighting above the horizon line, and to best design a light projection zone to be avoided because it is likely to disturb the driver of a passing vehicle.

Likewise, current main beams have similar disadvantages, namely very low resolution and degrees of freedom limited by their technology. Although improvements have been proposed for the main beam, such as the use of two identical strip lighting devices, this does not does not solve the problem of the resolution that this type of technology can achieve. The document US2008239746 A1 reflects these limitations Other devices are known to the EP2772682 And WO2015033900 .

The invention falls within this framework and seeks to improve the definition of the beams, in particular the main beam.

It relates in particular to a lighting system for a motor vehicle, comprising a device for projecting a highly resolved beam.

The present invention relates to a lighting device according to claim 1.

This type of lighting device then makes it possible to have a highly resolved high beam, but also a highly resolved low beam. Indeed, the first beam serves as a supporting road beam supplemented by a pixelated and digital imaging system which advantageously happens to be a matrix of micro-mirrors. In the case considered of the passing beam, this then rests at least partly on the second sub-device, that is to say the pixelated and digital imaging system which happens to be advantageously at least one matrix of micro-mirrors.

The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one lighting device according to the present invention.

• Dans un mode de fonctionnement dit de croisement :
  • ∘ mesure par au moins un capteur d'au moins un paramètre de fonctionnement ;
  • ∘ réception par l'électronique de pilotage de ladite mesure ;
  • ∘ envoi par l'électronique de pilotage d'au moins un signal d'arrêt d'émission du premier faisceau lumineux à destination du premier sous-dispositif ;
  • ∘ envoi par l'électronique de pilotage d'au moins un signal de mise en position passive en réflexion d'une partie au moins des micro-miroirs du deuxième sous-dispositif ;
  • ∘ envoi par l'électronique de pilotage d'au moins un signal de mise en position active en réflexion d'une partie au moins des micro-miroirs du deuxième sous-dispositif.
• Dans un mode de fonctionnement dit de route :
  • ∘ mesure par au moins un capteur d'au moins un paramètre de fonctionnement ;
  • ∘ réception par l'électronique de pilotage de ladite mesure ;
  • ∘ envoi par l'électronique de pilotage d'au moins un signal de mise en marche de l'émission du premier faisceau lumineux à destination du premier sous-dispositif ;
  • ∘ envoi par l'électronique de pilotage d'au moins un signal de mise en position active en réflexion d'une partie au moins des micro-miroirs du deuxième sous-dispositif ;

Furthermore, a lighting method for a motor vehicle is disclosed comprising at least one control electronics and at least one lighting device according to the present invention. This process comprises at least the following steps:

• In a so-called crossover operating mode:
  • ∘ measurement by at least one sensor of at least one operating parameter;
  • ∘ reception by the control electronics of said measurement;
  • ∘ sending by the control electronics of at least one signal to stop emission of the first light beam to the first sub-device;
  • ∘ sending by the control electronics of at least one passive positioning signal in reflection of at least part of the micro-mirrors of the second sub-device;
  • ∘ sending by the control electronics of at least one active position signal in reflection of at least part of the micro-mirrors of the second sub-device.
• In a so-called road operating mode:
  • ∘ measurement by at least one sensor of at least one operating parameter;
  • ∘ reception by the control electronics of said measurement;
  • ∘ sending by the control electronics of at least one signal to start the emission of the first light beam to the first sub-device;
  • ∘ sending by the control electronics of at least one active position signal in reflection of at least part of the micro-mirrors of the second sub-device;

This method thus makes it possible to adapt the lighting of the motor vehicle according to an external parameter which may be the crossing of a vehicle, the following of a vehicle, or simply driving on a road. The control electronics thus make it possible to fully use all the degrees of freedom authorized by the present invention.

According to the invention, the second sub-device comprises at least a second array of micro-mirrors. This second micro-mirror array is configured to form a second sub-beam light in the form of pixelated rays and forming at least partly said second light beam.

The presence of this second micro-mirror matrix makes it possible on the one hand to reinforce the illumination of a zone for example, by at least partially covering the light sub-beam emitted by the micro-mirror matrix by the second sub-beam. light bleam.

Also advantageously, it is possible to use this second light sub-beam to illuminate a particular area of the visual field facing the vehicle, for example an obstacle, an information panel or any other external element which may require lighting. be illuminated independently of road lighting.

In addition, the presence of a second micro-mirror matrix brings additional degrees of freedom to the present invention.

According to the invention, the second light sub-beam partly covers the light sub-beam so as to locally reinforce the second light beam to illuminate a determined area more precisely and more intensely. This covering, when it is not complete, makes it possible, among other things, to have an illuminated area following a brightness gradient. This situation can provide increased visual comfort, but also make it possible to attract the motorist's attention to a specific area of the scene facing the vehicle.

Preferably, the first light sub-beam and the second light sub-beam have a coverage rate of between 5 and 100%. This coverage rate makes it possible to increase the illumination of the same area if necessary.

Advantageously, the first light sub-beam and the second light sub-beam have a lateral angular offset of between 0° and 5°, advantageously between 0 and 3°. This offset allows mobility of each of the two light sub-beams relatively to one another. relative to the other and to increase the extent of the area covered by the second light beam.

According to one embodiment, it may be useful for the second light sub-beam to completely cover the first light sub-beam. In this situation, the illuminated area receives twice as much light flux, making it even more visible when necessary.

Preferably, the micro-mirror matrix has a first output diopter. And similarly, the second micro-mirror array has a second output diopter. Each of the output diopters has the function of forming at least part of the second light beam. Preferably, the first and second diopters have identical optical properties.

Advantageously and according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first output diopter and the second output diopter form a single output diopter. This then makes it possible to have a second, more compact sub-device.

Preferably, the first sub-device and the second sub-device each comprise an output diopter configured to form a light beam. The use of two separate diopters allows greater modularity and reduces manufacturing constraints. Indeed, the two sub-devices emit light beams in different ways, it is therefore advantageous to be able to have a separate diopter for each of these two sub-devices in order to be able to adapt each of these diopters to the type of light source and of light beam emitted by each of the sub-devices.

According to a more compact embodiment, the first sub-device and the second sub-device have a common output diopter.

According to the invention, the second light beam has a coverage rate of the first light beam of between 25% and 80%, advantageously between 25 and 40%. This coverage rate makes it possible to increase the lighting in the same area if necessary.

According to the invention, the first light beam and the second light beam have a lateral angular offset of between 4 and 10° and preferably between 6 and 10°. This shift allows a mobility of each of the two light beams relatively to each other.

Advantageously, the second light beam partly covers the first light beam in order to allow an increase in the lighting of a determined area.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the micro-mirror matrix is controlled by control electronics so as to modify the light sub-beam according to at least one operating parameter. This control electronics makes it possible to modify the reflection properties of the micro-mirror matrix in order to adapt them to lighting requirements.

Similarly, the second array of micro-mirrors is controlled by control electronics so as to modify the second light sub-beam according to at least one operating parameter.

According to one embodiment, a single control electronics makes it possible to control the two micro-mirror matrices, which then allows a saving of hardware resources and improved compactness.

Preferably, the at least one first strip lighting sub-device is controlled by control electronics so as to modify the first light beam according to at least one operating parameter. Preferably, it is the same control electronics as that of the micro-mirrors.

For non-limiting example, in the case where the first sub-device comprises a matrix of light emitting elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for example, the control of the first sub-device can correspond to the activation or not of at least part of the light emitting elements so as to modify the first light beam, and to adapt it to external conditions such as weather conditions, or crossing or tracking conditions for example.

Thus, and advantageously, said at least one operating parameter is at least one parameter taken from: precipitation detection, detection of the brightness of the road environment, detection of following vehicle, detection of crossed vehicle, speed of the vehicle, direction of movement of the vehicle, curvature and/or slope of the road, detection of signs, detection of people or animals on the side of the road, vehicle attitude. This operation parameter is a parameter related to traffic conditions and road scene.

According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one operating parameter is at least partly received by the control electronics via at least one sensor included by the vehicle and configured to measure the at least one operating parameter. functioning. Preferably, the vehicle can include numerous sensors allowing the detection of precipitation for example, but also the measurement of external brightness, the detection of the presence of a vehicle crossing or following, the speed of the vehicle, the direction and the orientation of the wheels. All of this data is collected and analyzed at the level of the control electronics in order to allow modification of the light beams in accordance with the needs in terms of safety but also driving comfort.

Preferably, the present invention comprises at least two operating modes: a crossing mode and a road mode. These two modes summarize the different situations that the vehicle may encounter on the road.

Indeed, the crossing mode corresponds to vehicle following and vehicle crossing situations. As for road mode, it corresponds to driving without interaction with other vehicles. This mode therefore corresponds to optimum lighting of the road in order to facilitate driving.

Advantageously, the crossing mode presents a configuration of the second sub-device in which only part of the micro-mirror matrix is active in reflection. This configuration makes it possible to adapt the light sub-beam to the presence of a vehicle, whether following said vehicle or during a crossing.

In the same way, it is possible to configure the second array of micro-mirrors so that the crossover mode presents a configuration of the second sub-device in which only part of the second matrix of micro-mirrors is active in reflection. Identical to what has just been described, this makes it possible to illuminate only part of the illuminated zone when all of the micro-mirrors are in the active position in reflection.

Particularly advantageously, the second light beam in crossing mode has a cut-off in order to achieve at least one anti-glare function. This function can for example be used when crossing with another vehicle. In this situation, part of the micro-mirror matrix is in a passive position in reflection so as to produce a light sub-beam presenting a cutoff.

Very advantageously and possible by the pixelation of the light sub-beam, it is then possible to form a highly resolved light beam having a cut in order to continue to illuminate an area but not dazzling a vehicle during a crossing. This function is for example applied by the control electronics when at least one sensor dedicated to this function detects a vehicle in a crossing situation.

Similarly, in a vehicle tracking situation, it is possible for example to illuminate the perimeter of the vehicle being followed without illuminating it itself with the second light beam in order not to dazzle it but to maintain a highly visible light beam. resolved around said followed vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the road mode presents a configuration of the second sub-device in which the entire array of micro-mirrors is active in reflection. In this situation, the second light beam can be used to increase the visibility provided by the first light beam. Thus all of the micro-mirrors reflect the incident light beam so as to form a highly resolved light sub-beam.

Advantageously, the crossing mode presents a configuration of the first strip lighting sub-device configured not to emit the first light beam. This makes it possible to avoid dazzling a vehicle in a crossing situation; when a crossing is detected, the control electronics deactivate the emission of the first light beam.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the configuration of the first strip lighting sub-device in crossing mode has at least one anti-glare function.

Advantageously, the configuration of the second sub-device in crossing mode presents at least one function among anti-glare (ADB for Adaptive Driving Beam, or matrix beam) and a set of adaptive lighting functions (AFS function), such as lighting concentrated around the optical axis for high traffic speeds (MotorWay function), cornering lighting (BL function), or even lighting in rainy weather (AWL function).

These functions are enabled by the large number of degrees of freedom made accessible by the present invention.

Preferably, a third light beam is emitted by a third sub-device, this third light beam is configured for downward illumination relative to the horizon so as to illuminate the roadway for example.

• la figure 1 représente une vue schématique de trois types de zones d'éclairage qu'un véhicule peut comprendre ;
• la figure 2 illustre de manière schématique une vue des zones éclairées selon un mode de réalisation ne faisant pas partie de l'invention ;
• la figure 3 illustre une vue schématique d'un système d'imagerie pixélisée et digitale de type matrice de micro-miroirs selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention ;
• la figure 4 illustre une zone lumineuse projetée par deux systèmes d'imagerie pixélisée et digitale, de type matrices à micro-miroirs, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 5 illustre une zone lumineuse projetée par un dispositif d'éclairage à bandes selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 6 illustre trois zones lumineuses, dont deux en superposition partielle projetées par un dispositif d'éclairage à bandes et deux systèmes d'imagerie pixélisée et digitale de type micro-miroirs, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with the help of the exemplary description and the drawings including:

• there figure 1 shows a schematic view of three types of lighting zones that a vehicle can include;
• there figure 2 schematically illustrates a view of the illuminated areas according to an embodiment not forming part of the invention;
• there Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of a pixelated and digital imaging system of micro-mirror matrix type according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• there figure 4 illustrates a light zone projected by two pixelated and digital imaging systems, of the micro-mirror matrix type, according to one embodiment of the invention;
• there Figure 5 illustrates a light zone projected by a strip lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention;
• there Figure 6 illustrates three light zones, two of which are partially superimposed projected by a strip lighting device and two imaging systems pixelated and digital micro-mirror type, according to one embodiment of the invention.

In the following description, similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar concepts across different embodiments of the invention.

Unless specifically indicated otherwise, technical characteristics described in detail for a given embodiment may be combined with technical characteristics described in the context of other embodiments described by way of example and not limitation.

Generally speaking, the present invention can use light sources of the light-emitting diode type, also commonly called LEDs. In particular, these LEDs can be equipped with at least one chip capable of emitting light of advantageously adjustable intensity according to the lighting and/or signaling function to be performed. There may be several sources as will be explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the term light source here means a set of at least one elementary source such as an LED capable of producing a flow leading to generating at the output of the device of the invention at least one output light beam filling at least least one desired function. LED sources are particularly advantageous for strip lighting. Other types of sources are also possible in the invention, such as one or more laser sources, in particular for micro-mirror devices.

In the characteristics set out below, the terms relating to verticality, horizontality and transversality, or their equivalents, are understood in relation to the position in which the lighting system is intended to be mounted in a vehicle . The terms “vertical” and “horizontal” are used in this description to designate directions, following an orientation perpendicular to the plane of the horizon for the term “vertical”, and following an orientation parallel to the plane of the horizon for the term “horizontal”. They must be considered in the operating conditions of the device in a vehicle. The use of these words does not mean that slight variations around the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the invention. For example, an inclination relative to these directions of the order of + or - 10° is considered here as a minor variation around the two preferred directions.

The term “bottom” or lower part generally means a part of an element of the invention located, along a vertical plane, below the optical axis. The term “top” or upper part means a part of an element of the invention located, along a vertical plane, above the optical axis. The term "parallel" or the concept of coincident axes or lines is understood here in particular with the manufacturing or assembly tolerances, substantially parallel directions or substantially coincident axes falling within this framework.

The term "pixelated and digital imaging system", "pixelated ray imaging system" or their equivalents have the definition of a system emitting a light beam, said light beam being formed of a plurality of light sub-beams, each sub-light beam can be controlled independently of the other sub-light beams. These systems can be for example micro-mirror matrices, in particular rotatable, or even liquid crystal devices. Each independently controllable sub-beam forms a pixelated ray. Another technology for forming pixelated rays is provided with a laser source whose ray is reflected by a scanning device onto a surface arranged at the focus of projection optics and composed of a plurality of elements of phosphor material, usually referred to as phosphorus. These phosphor elements re-emit white light which is projected by a lens to form a beam of lighting on the road in front of the vehicle. The segments of phosphor material are arranged between the laser source and the projection lens, at the focus of this lens.

The term “coverage rate” or its equivalents are defined as the quantity of illuminated surface common to two light beams. This rate is equal to 100% in the case where the smallest surface illuminated by one of the light beams is completely included in the surface illuminated by the other light beam.

In the context of the invention, the term passing beam is understood to mean a beam used when there are crossed and/or followed vehicles and/or other elements (individuals, obstacles, etc.) on the roadway or nearby. This beam has an average downward direction. It can possibly be characterized by a absence of light above a plane inclined 1% downwards on the side of traffic in the other direction, and another plane inclined 15 degrees compared to the previous one on the side of traffic in the same direction meaning, these two plans defining a cutoff in compliance with European regulations. This upper downward cutoff aims to avoid dazzling other users present in the road scene extending in front of the vehicle or on the sides of the road.

The low beam, here called the second light beam, formerly coming from a simple headlight, has undergone developments, the low beam function being able to be coupled with other lighting characteristics. We have recently developed new functions, designated as elaborate functions and grouped under the name AFS (abbreviation for “Advanced Frontlighting System” in English), which notably offer other types of beams. These include the so-called BL (Bending Light) function, which can be broken down into a so-called DBL (Dynamic Bending Light) function and a so-called FBL (Fixed Bending) function. Light in English for fixed corner lighting). These corner lighting functions are used when driving on curves, and they are carried out by means of headlamps which emit a light beam whose horizontal orientation varies when the vehicle moves on a curved path, so as to illuminate correctly the sections of road which are intended to be approached by the vehicle and which are not in the axis of the vehicle, but in the direction it is about to take, resulting from the angle imposed on the steering wheels of the vehicle by its driver. Another function is called Town Light in English, for city lighting. This function widens a low beam type beam while slightly reducing its range. The so-called “Motorway Light” function for motorway lighting, performs the motorway function. This function ensures an increase in the range of a low beam by concentrating the luminous flux of the low beam at the optical axis of the headlamp device in question. We also know the function called “Overhead Light” in English for gantry light. This function ensures a modification of a typical dipped headlight beam so that signal gantries located above the road are satisfactorily illuminated by means of the dipped headlights. Another variation of low beam is the so-called AWL (Adverse Weather Light) function for bad weather lights. This function ensures a modification of a low beam beam so that the driver of a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction is not dazzled by the reflection of the light from the spotlights on the wet road. In addition, when the low beam lighting is on, the attitude of the vehicle may undergo more or less significant variations, due for example to its state of load, its acceleration or deceleration, which cause a variation in inclination. of the upper cut-off of the beam, resulting either in dazzling other drivers if the cut-off is raised, or in insufficiently illuminating the road if the cut-off is lowered. It is then known to use a range corrector, manually or automatically controlled, to correct the orientation of the low beam headlights. Advantageously, the attitude correction will be carried out by the second sub-device comprising a matrix of micro-mirrors.

The basic high beam is preferably emitted by a strip lighting device. This light beam has the function of illuminating the scene in front of the vehicle over a large area but also over a significant distance, typically around 200 meters. This light beam, due to its lighting function, is mainly located above the horizon line. It may have a slightly ascending optical axis of illumination, for example. This type of light beam is preferably emitted by a strip lighting device advantageously composed of at least one matrix of light emitting elements such as LEDs for example. The light strips thus generated by the matrix can be turned off or turned on independently of each other. Strip lighting offers the possibility of superimposing two contiguous strips, for example. The light sub-beams each composing at least one vertical band are preferably parallel to each other, but may however have an overlapping zone with each other. However, this type of lighting, although powerful and long-range, does not have high resolution and good precision due to its very design. One of the objectives of the present invention is to partially overcome this defect.

The device may also be used to form other lighting functions via or apart from the devices described in detail below.

We will now present the present invention according to a particular embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example by the following figures.

There figure 1 schematically represents a view of three types of lighting zones generated from the vehicle 400. The first zone illustrated by the first light beam 110 corresponds to an area extending mainly above the horizon line 10. The second light beam 210 corresponds to an illuminated area located partly below the horizon line 10. Finally, the third light beam 310 corresponds to an illuminated area located mainly below the horizon line and having the function of illuminating the road.

There figure 2 , not forming part of the invention, represents the illuminated areas discussed above in a more precise manner. The area illuminated by the first light beam 110, corresponding to the high road beam described above, is generated by strip lighting. This strip lighting is preferably movable laterally so as to be able to move along the horizon line 10. This control is advantageously adapted to the movement of the vehicle for example in order to ensure the various functions described above, and in particular the DBL function. This case is not limiting. As indicated previously, the first light beam 110 is composed of vertical light sub-beams juxtaposed with a possible overlap and forming lighting bands.

We find the second light beam 210 comprising, according to the invention, two light sub-beams 211 and 212. These two light sub-beams are emitted by several pixelated and digital imaging systems. Such a system is according to the invention a matrix of micro-mirrors. Each micro-mirror preferably has two operating positions. A so-called active position corresponds to an orientation of the micro-mirrors allowing the reflection towards an output diopter of an incident light beam. A so-called passive position corresponds to an orientation of the micro-mirrors allowing the reflection towards an absorbing surface of an incident light beam, that is to say towards a direction different from that of the output diopter.

According to the invention, the two light sub-beams 211, 212 overlap one another in order to increase the brightness of a specific area. This situation is represented on the figure 2 . In fact, on the one hand, the two light sub-beams 211 and 212 partially cover the first light beam 110, but they also partially overlap each other. This configuration of covering or overlapping of the illuminated areas generates zones of variable and progressive intensities, which then makes it possible to generate lighting of the scene comprising a symmetrical brightness gradient ranging from the left to right. In the case illustrated, a first zone corresponds to the illumination of the first light beam 110 alone, then a second zone presents a more intense illumination corresponding to the superposition of the first light beam 110 and a first sub-light beam 211, and a third zone forms a zone of maximum intensity comprising the superposition of the first light beam 110 and the two light sub-beams 110, 211 and 212. This zone of maximum intensity can cover a space around the optical axis of the device. Then, still from left to right, another zone of intensity identical to the second zone is produced by covering the light beam 110 and the second light sub-beam 212. This gradient ends with an illumination zone identical to the first zone, illuminated only by the first beam 110. This gradient of illumination makes it possible to increase the visual comfort of the motorist, but also the safety of driving, because it is then possible to accentuate the attention of the motorist on a particular point of the scene facing the vehicle. This situation is made possible by the use of two micro-mirror matrices which make it possible to achieve this gradient. This is a non-limiting example of the numerous degrees of freedom included by the present invention.

The control of the micro-mirror matrices is carried out by control electronics. This control includes both the control of the orientations of the micro-mirrors of each matrix of micro-mirrors, but also the coverage rate of the sub-light beams. Controlling the micro-mirrors therefore makes it possible to modify the pixelation of the light sub-beams. It is then possible to form a light sub-beam presenting a cut, for example. This may be an elbow at the level of horizon line 10, during a crossing function.

Finally, the last light beam 310 provides illumination of the road, and more precisely of the roadway. It is preferably descending and/or illuminates below the horizon line 10. In the figure 2 , it is this last light beam which presents the cut at the level of the horizon line 10, close to the point of intersection 30 between the horizon line and the vertical axis 20. This intersection point 30 preferably corresponding , but not limited to, the optical axis of the lighting device. According to another embodiment, this intersection point corresponds to the optical axis of the motorist. The last light beam 310 is preferably emitted by one or more projectors whose light source(s) are advantageously LEDs.

There Figure 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of a pixelated and digital imaging system 200 called in English terms “Digital Micromirror Device” (DMD), that is to say a micro-mirror device, also called a micro-matrix. mirrors 203.

This system includes a light source 201, which can be for example LEDs or laser diodes, or any kind of light sources. This light source 201 emits a light beam advantageously in the direction of a reflector 202. This reflector 202 is preferably configured to concentrate the incident light flux on a surface comprising the micro-mirror matrix 203.

Advantageously, the reflector 202 is configured so that all of the micro-mirrors are illuminated by the light beam reflected by the reflector 202. The reflector 202 can have, along at least one section plane, a pseudo-elliptical or pseudo profile. parabolic.

Once reflected by at least part of the micro-mirrors, the light beam passes through a diopter 204. Advantageously, this diopter 204 can be a converging lens for example.

As indicated, after reflection of the light beam on the reflector 202, it focuses on the matrix of micro-mirrors 203. Preferably, the micro-mirrors each have two operating positions, a so-called active position in which they reflect the incident light beam in the direction of the diopter 204, and a so-called passive position in which they reflect the incident light beam in the direction of a light radiation absorbing element not shown in the Figure 3 .

This type of device makes it possible to have at the output of the diopter 204 a highly resolved pixelated and digitalized light beam: each pixel or pixelated rays composing this beam corresponds to a micro-mirror and it is possible to activate or not these micro-pixels by simply controlling the micro-mirrors. This particularity then makes it possible to draw, if necessary, the shape of the light beam leaving the diopter 204 according to the needs of the invention.

For example, it is possible to activate only part of the micro-mirrors 203 in order to form a cutoff in the light beam output from the diopter 204. This cutoff allows, among other things, the realization of the functions presented previously.

There figure 4 illustrates an area illuminated by the light sub-beam 211 emitted by the second sub-device, that is to say via a matrix of micro-mirrors 203. Advantageously, the light sub-beam 211 presents a angular width of at least 10° and preferably at least 20°, and an angular height of at least 5° and preferably at least 9°]. This light sub-beam 211 is formed by a plurality of light beams all reflected by the micro-mirrors in the active position of the micro-mirror matrix 203. As previously indicated, one or more other sub-beams 212 can be formed. The examples illustrated represent cases where the sub-bundles 211, 212 have the same shape and identical dimensions but this case is not limiting.

There Figure 5 illustrates an area illuminated by the first light beam 110 emitted by the first strip lighting sub-device. Advantageously, the light beam 110 has an angular width of at least 30° and preferably at least 40°, and an angular height of at least 5° and preferably at least 9°. This type of strip beam can be generated by a matrix of light emitting elements such as LEDs for example.

There Figure 6 illustrates a situation involving the combined projection of the first light beam 110 and the two light sub-beams 211 and 212. In this figure, the last light beam 310 is not shown. It can be seen that the light sub-beams 211 and 212 have an overlap between them but also partly with the light beam 110. The sub-beam 212 is laterally offset to the right with respect to the light beam 211 so that the The entire light beam 212 is not completely superposed with the first light beam 110. Likewise, the first light beam 110 is offset laterally to the left. This figure therefore differs from the figure 2 in order to illustrate the possibility of having lateral offsets between the different light beams. We find the generation of an intensity gradient allowing the highlighting of a specific area of the scene facing the vehicle, but also the improvement of visual comfort. It should be noted that for an increase in the lighting of a specific area, those skilled in the art would naturally move towards the use of a matrix of micro-mirrors with a higher power light source. However, although this solution allows a gain in illumination, it does not allow the creation of a gradient for example. The combination of strip lighting and pixelated and digitalized lighting, and even more so the use of two micro-mirror matrices to produce this pixelated and digitalized lighting, gives the present invention greater possibilities than a simple increase lighting.

Advantageously but not limitingly, the lighting gradient is centered along the optical axis of the motorist, that is to say facing him. However, according to certain embodiments, the gradient can be centered along the optical axis of a micro-mirror matrix.

The present invention, as illustrated in this figure, offers numerous degrees of freedom regarding the possible combinations of light beams. Indeed, the possibility of having a light beam of strip lighting coupled with a pixelated and digital imaging system of the micro-mirror matrix type makes it possible to have highly resolved lighting and to make the lighting intelligent. lighting of a vehicle so that it adapts to the needs of the user but also to the road and the situations that may be encountered.

According to one embodiment, in road mode, all of the light beams and sub-beams 110, 211, 212 and 310 are emitted and which illuminate the scene facing the vehicle. In this configuration, lighting is maximum and ensures optimal visibility. Furthermore, in this situation, the use of two micro-mirror matrices provides efficient adaptive lighting of the scene. Indeed, it is then possible to generate lighting gradients for visual comfort, but also to highlight elements of interest facing the vehicle such as obstacles or indication signs. The pixelation of the light sub-beams 211 and 212 also makes it possible to define shapes if necessary in order to accentuate certain elements of the scene.

According to one embodiment, the subject of the invention is a vehicle equipped with two devices according to the invention, one per projector, respectively mounted on the right side and the left side at the front of the vehicle.

In this embodiment, the second beam extends at least 4°, preferably 6° on the interior side of the vehicle, that is to say on the opposite side of the vehicle from which the device is mounted, while the first The beam extends at least 6°, preferably 12° on the vehicle interior side.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described.

Claims (15)

1. Motor-vehicle lighting device comprising at least a first lighting sub-device configured to generate a first light beam (110), and a second sub-device (200) configured to generate a second light beam (210), said second sub-device comprising a digital micro-mirror device (203) configured to form a light sub-beam (211) taking the form of pixelated rays and forming at least some of said second light beam (210), the second light beam (210) having a degree of overlap with the first light beam (110) comprised between 25% and 80%, the second sub-device (200) comprising at least a second digital micro-mirror device configured to form a second light sub-beam (212) taking the form of pixelated rays and forming at least some of said second light beam (210), the second light sub-beam (212) partially overlapping the light sub-beam (211), characterized in that the first lighting sub-device is a stripwise lighting sub-device and in that the stripwise first light beam (110) and the second light beam (210) have a lateral angular offset comprised between 4º and 10º.
2. Device according to Claim 1, wherein the light sub-beam (211) and the second light sub-beam (212) have a degree of overlap comprised between 5 and 100%.
3. Device according to Claim 1, wherein the second light sub-beam (212) completely overlaps with the light sub-beam (211).
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sub-device and the second sub-device (200) each comprise an exit dioptric interface.
5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first sub-device and the second sub-device (200) have a common exit dioptric interface.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital micro-mirror device (203) is driven by drive electronics so as to modify the light sub-beam (211) depending on at least one operating parameter.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stripwise first lighting sub-device is driven by drive electronics so as to modify the first light beam (110) depending on at least one operating parameter.
8. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one operating parameter is at least one parameter selected from: detection of precipitation, detection of the light level in the road environment, detection of a followed vehicle, detection of an oncoming vehicle, speed of the vehicle, direction of advance of the vehicle, detection of signs, detection of people or animals at the side of the road, pitch angle of the vehicle, road curvature and/or incline.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two operating modes consisting in a low-beam mode and a high-beam mode.
10. Device according to Claim 9, wherein the low-beam mode has a configuration of the second sub-device (200) in which only one portion of the digital micro-mirror device (203) is active in reflection.
11. Device according to either one of Claims 9 and 10, wherein the second light beam (210) in low-beam mode contains a cutoff.
12. Device according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the low-beam mode has a configuration of the stripwise first lighting sub-device configured to not emit the first light beam (110).
13. Device according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the high-beam mode has a configuration of the stripwise first lighting sub-device configured to emit the first light beam (110).
14. Device according to any one of Claims 9 to 13, wherein the high-beam mode has a configuration of the second sub-device (200) in which the entirety of the digital micro-mirror device (203) is active in reflection.
15. Vehicle (400) equipped with at least one lighting device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14.

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