Lighting module for the side section of a vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed is a lighting module (1) for a vehicle, characterized in that the lighting module comprises a light source (5) and a lens (2), the lens comprising an incident refractive portion (3) and an exit refractive portion (4) oriented toward the light source (5), and characterized in that the exit refractive portion (4) comprises at least one cross section through a horizontal plane, the at least one cross section through the horizontal plane comprising two convex portions (6) separated by a concave portion (7) when viewed from the side opposite to the light source (5), and characterized in that the incident refractive portion (3) comprises a cross section through a vertical middle plane (P), the cross section through the vertical middle plane (P) having a lower convex portion (8) and an upper concave portion (9) when viewed from the side opposite to the light source (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting module for illuminating the lateral area of ​​a vehicle. The invention also relates to an assistance device and a vehicle thus comprising at least one such lighting module. The invention finally relates to a method for assisting the driving of a motor vehicle using at least one such lighting module.

[0002] As autonomous vehicles develop, there is a need to improve driver assistance in all lighting conditions, especially to manage a variety of specific driving functions, including:

[0003] - "Lane Keeping", the function allowing the vehicle to follow its lane on the road, in particular by detecting any deviation in the path and signaling this to the driver;

[0004] - "Lane Centering", which complements the previous function and more specifically allows the vehicle to remain autonomously, ie automatically, in the center of its lane,

[0005] - "Lane Change", which allows the vehicle to change lanes, for example in order to overtake another vehicle,

[0006] - "Automatic Emergency Braking" (or more simply, AEB),

[0007] - "Autonomous Emergency Steering" (or more simply, AES), a function that can avoid obstacles present in the vehicle's lane,

[0008] - "Parking Assist" and "Automatic Parking".

[0009] Among these various functions, the auxiliary device needs to receive input information, which includes in particular information related to the detection of ground markings, such as lines defining lanes, and / or the presence of any obstacles on the road. This detection must be able to be performed under all conditions, especially at night.

[0010] It will be noted that existing vehicle lighting allows the road ahead of the vehicle to be illuminated from a distance of two meters in the vehicle's own lane and five meters in adjacent vehicles.

[0011] However, illuminating the lateral area of ​​the vehicle is more difficult, since the illumination must cover the entire rectangular area adjacent to the vehicle, which extends from a few centimeters to a few meters from the vehicle and spans a length of about ten meters. The angular range to be illuminated in this area makes it very difficult to illuminate this entire area uniformly. In addition, of course, dazzling adjacent vehicles must be avoided.

[0012] These constraints mean that it is currently difficult, if not impossible, to detect certain ground markings or obstacles close to the vehicle, particularly in the lateral area, which prevents the provision of assistive devices capable of performing the aforementioned functions required of an autonomous motor vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, the contour of the vehicle is also very important for its aesthetics and its aerodynamics. The lighting modules of a motor vehicle must not alter its outer contour. Therefore, the lighting modules must be compact to be able to integrate them discretely and aesthetically into a motor vehicle.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for illuminating the lateral zone of a vehicle which remedies the above disadvantages and improves the device and method for assisting in driving a motor vehicle, in particular allowing the aforementioned assistance functions to be performed suitable for assisting autonomous motor vehicles.

[0015] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution for illumination and driving assistance of motor vehicles which is simple, reliable and provides good illumination performance without incurring prohibitively high additional costs.

[0016] To some extent, the present invention relates to a lighting module for a vehicle, characterized in that the lighting module includes a light source and a lens, the lens including an exit refractive portion and an incident refractive portion oriented toward the light source, characterized in that the exit refractive portion includes at least one section through a horizontal plane, the at least one section through the horizontal plane including two convex portions separated by a concave portion when viewed from the side opposite to the light source, and characterized in that the incident refractive portion includes a section through a vertical middle plane, the section through the vertical middle plane having a convex lower portion and a concave upper portion when viewed from the side opposite to the light source.

[0017] The convex and concave portions of the cross-section of the exit diopter through a horizontal plane may have a rounded shape, in particular in the form of a circle and / or in the form of a series of linear portions, in particular two rounded convex portions separated by a concave portion forming an acute angle or having a small radius of curvature, and / or is characterized in that the convex and concave portions of the cross-section of the entrance diopter through a vertical intermediate plane may have a rounded shape, in particular in the form of a portion of a circle and / or in the form of a series of linear portions.

[0018] The incident diopter may include at least one cross section through a horizontal plane in the form of a portion of a circle centered on the light source, or the surface of the incident diopter may be formed by rotating a cross section through a vertical intermediate plane about a vertical rotation axis passing through the light source.

[0019] The exit refractive portion may include a cross section through a vertical intermediate plane having a shape at least partially in the form of a portion of a circle centered on the light source, or may include a plurality of cross sections through a vertical plane having the light source having a shape at least partially in the form of a portion of a circle centered on the light source.

[0020] All cross-sections of a horizontal plane passing through the exit refractive portion may have two convex portions separated by a concave portion, or a horizontal cross-section of the exit refractive portion may have two convex portions separated by a concave portion within a range of at least half or at least three quarters of the height of the lens.

[0021] The surface of the exit refractive portion may extend in a rounded manner in at least one vertical plane, or even in the form of a portion of a circle, until approximately at the lower end in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the light source, and / or the surface of the exit refractive portion may extend in at least one horizontal plane until approximately at one or both ends in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the light source.

[0022] The lens may include a reflective upper surface for reflecting light from the light source into the lens.

[0023] The lighting modules may have shapes that are symmetrically distributed about a vertical middle plane.

[0024] The lighting module may have a length less than or equal to 50 mm, or even less than or equal to 45 mm, and / or may have a width less than or equal to 15 mm, or even less than or equal to 13 mm, and / or may have a height less than or equal to 20 mm, or even less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0025] The lighting module may include a first screen located on a first side of the light source and a second screen located on a second side of the light source, the second side being opposite to the first side relative to the light source, the first screen being configured to extend approximately parallel to the vertical and transverse planes, being located in front of the light source and at the height of the light source, the second screen being configured to extend approximately parallel to the vertical and transverse planes, being located behind the light source and at the height of the light source, the first screen including a reflective surface for reflecting light from the light source toward the second side of the lateral area, and / or the second screen including a reflective surface for reflecting light from the light source toward the first side of the lateral area.

[0026] The lighting module may include a third screen extending between the first screen and the second screen, the third screen being configured to extend substantially horizontally and be located above the light source.

[0027] The first screen may extend substantially in a first plane and the second screen may extend substantially in a second plane, the first plane and the second plane forming a non-zero angle, in particular an angle between 0° and 50°.

[0028] The first screen and the second screen may be obtained by injection molding.

[0029] The reflective surface of the first screen and / or the reflective surface of the second screen may be obtained by metal deposition, in particular by aluminizing.

[0030] The reflective surface of the first screen and / or the reflective surface of the second screen may comprise one or more undulations.

[0031] The invention also relates to a side rearview mirror for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the side rearview mirror comprises a lighting module as described above, the side rearview mirror comprises an observation mirror or a camera to allow the driver to observe the area behind the motor vehicle, and the lighting module is vertically positioned below the observation mirror or the camera.

[0032] The side rearview mirror may include a housing supporting the viewing mirror, wherein the length of the housing is greater than or equal to the length of the lighting module, and / or the width of the housing is greater than or equal to the width of the lighting module.

[0033] The housing may support a viewing mirror, the housing forming an integral assembly with the first screen and / or the second screen.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a driving assistance device, characterized in that the driving assistance device comprises at least one lighting module as described above, and / or a side rearview mirror as described above for illuminating the lateral area of ​​a motor vehicle, the driving assistance device comprises at least one camera for observing the illuminated lateral area, and characterized in that the driving assistance device also comprises a central unit, the central unit comprises hardware and / or software devices, and the hardware and / or software devices use the data transmitted by the at least one camera to calculate driving assistance data and transmit the driving assistance data to the vehicle.

[0035] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle, characterized in that the motor vehicle comprises one or more lighting modules as described above, arranged in the bottom and side parts of the motor vehicle or at the rear-view mirrors of the vehicle, or characterized in that the motor vehicle comprises a driving assistance device as described above.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for assisting the driving of a motor vehicle, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

[0037] - illuminating a lateral area of ​​the vehicle using at least one lighting module as described above, arranged in a side part of the motor vehicle;

[0038] - observing the illuminated lateral area using at least one camera arranged on the motor vehicle and transmitting the data observed by the camera to a central unit of the motor vehicle;

[0039] - analyzing said data received by said central unit, in particular detecting obstacles and deducing driving assistance instructions;

[0040] - transmitting the driving assistance data to a human-machine interface and / or autonomous driving device of the motor vehicle.

[0041] These objects, features and advantages of the invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment provided in a non-limiting manner with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 A perspective view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A perspective bottom view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 3 A perspective front view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0045] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically shown.

[0046] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a cross section through a horizontal plane of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a cross section through a vertical middle plane of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 7 A top view of a vehicle equipped with a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 8 A motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically shown in a top view.

[0050] Fig. 9 A perspective front view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a section through a longitudinal and vertical mid-plane of the lighting module is shown.

[0052] Fig.11 The area of ​​illumination produced by the lighting module and a top view of the motor vehicle are schematically shown.

[0053] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing a cross section through a longitudinal and vertical middle plane of a lighting module according to a variant embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Fig.13 The area of ​​illumination produced by the lighting module and a top view of the motor vehicle according to the variant embodiment are schematically shown.

[0055] By convention, the three directions x, y, z will be used first in the following as a reference system for the lighting module alone. Direction y will be called the longitudinal direction and corresponds to the direction along the maximum length of the lighting module, direction x will be called the transverse direction, and direction z will be called the vertical direction. These directions are selected with respect to the specific geometry of the lighting module, which will be described below. These directions are also selected with reference to the vehicle on which the lighting module can be positioned on the lateral side for irradiation of the lateral zone of the motor vehicle, which vehicle itself is positioned on a horizontal plane. In a specific example of implementation, the longitudinal direction y of the lighting module corresponds to the direction oriented from the rear to the front of the motor vehicle, thus corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In addition, direction x corresponds to the direction oriented from the left to the right of the vehicle. Finally, direction z corresponds to the vertical direction. In summary, directions x, y, z are thus also defined in an extended manner relative to the motor vehicle, in a configuration in which the lighting module is specifically aligned with the vehicle. The adjectives "upper" or "top" and "lower" or "bottom" will be used with reference to the vertical direction defined above. Thus, the adjective "lower" or "bottom" will relate to the element that is or is to be positioned by the ground surface to be irradiated.

[0056] Additionally, the adjectives "convex" and "concave" will be used by convention to describe the location of the optical element of the invention from the outside of the motor vehicle, opposite the side having the light source positioned relative to the optical element for interacting with it.

[0057] Figures 1 to 4 The figure shows several views of the lens 2 of the lighting module 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1, the lens 2 has a generally three-dimensional shape resembling a peanut. The lens extends longitudinally along a longitudinal direction y, which will coincide with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on which the lens will be mounted. The lens extends longitudinally along a vertical direction y, which will coincide with the vertical direction of the vehicle on which the lens will be mounted. Finally, the lens includes a third direction, a transverse direction x, perpendicular to the previous two directions. The lens 2 has a shape that is generally symmetrical with respect to a vertical transverse plane xz, which will be referred to as a vertical median plane P, more specifically at Figure 5 Shown in.

[0058] The lens 2 comprises an incident refractive portion 3 and an exit refractive portion 4. The lighting module 1 according to the embodiment further comprises at least one light source 5, which is arranged to emit light towards the incident refractive portion 3 of the lens 2. The exit refractive portion 4 then directs these rays outward so as to illuminate the target area. According to the embodiment, the incident refractive portion 3 and the exit refractive portion 4 comprise specific shapes (specific reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), the specific shape is designed to make it possible to effectively illuminate the lateral area of ​​the motor vehicle close to the motor vehicle to achieve the target illumination area mentioned above.

[0059] In addition, the lens 2 is designed to allow a compact lighting module to be produced. By way of example, the distance separating the light source 5 from the incident diopter 3 may be less than or equal to 10 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm. Preferably, the light source 5 adjoins the incident diopter 3. As an alternative, the incident diopter 3 may constitute a chamber that at least partially accommodates the light source 5. In addition, the lens has a total length (along the y-axis) less than or equal to 50 mm, preferably between 24 mm and 45 mm, a total width (along the x-axis) less than or equal to 15 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, and a total height (along the z-axis) less than or equal to 20 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm. The lens is preferably presented as a single part or component. The lens is a one-piece piece. The lens may in particular be made of a plastic material.

[0060] The light source 5 may include a light emitting diode. In order to simplify the description, it will be considered that there is only a single light source hereinafter, but in practice the light source may be composed of a plurality of separate light sources. This light source may emit any light, such as white light and / or near infrared light.

[0061] Figure 5The lighting module 1 according to the embodiment is schematically illustrated in the form of a section through a horizontal plane xy (approximately located halfway through the lens 2). This cross-sectional view shows a light source 5 centered relative to the entrance diopter 3, the horizontal section of which has a substantially circular shape, which should be understood to mean in the form of a portion of a circle, which (when considered from the side opposite to the light source 5) is convex. Thus, the light 20 from the light source 5 is not substantially deflected by the entrance diopter 3 in this horizontal plane. The exit diopter 4 has a substantially W-shaped horizontal section with two convex portions 6 separated by a concave portion 7 (this convexity is considered from the side opposite to the light source 5). This shape is substantially symmetrical about the vertical middle plane P. These three portions (convex portion 6 and concave portion 7) are respectively substantially composed of a portion of a circle. As a variant, they can be composed of one or more straight line segments that are angled with respect to each other.

[0062] Advantageously, all horizontal sections of the two diopters 3, 4 of the lens 2 will have the same characteristics as described above over the entire height (in the vertical direction z) of the lens 2. As a variant, only a portion of these sections, preferably a portion extending over at least half of the height of the lens 2, or even over at least three quarters of the height of the lens 2, will have these characteristics.

[0063] The lighting module is intended to be mounted on a side portion of a motor vehicle, in particular in an advantageous orientation such that the reference systems x, y, z of the lens 2 defined above coincide with the transverse, longitudinal and vertical directions of the motor vehicle as mentioned above, respectively. For the remainder of the description, this particular orientation of the lens 2 will be considered relative to the vehicle on which it is mounted. In the case of mounting the lighting module 1 on a lateral side of a vehicle, the light source 5 is intended to be positioned on the side of the vehicle, while the exit diopter 4 is positioned towards the outside of the vehicle, so as to transmit light on the area to be illuminated.

[0064] The specific shape of the exit diopter 4 in the horizontal plane allows a good distribution to the left and right of the light rays leaving the exit diopter 4, ie a good distribution of the illumination of the motor vehicle in the longitudinal direction y. Figure 5 The figure shows a large number of light rays 20 coming from the lens 2. It appears that these rays are distributed over a large area or surface. At the end of the exit diopter 4, the light rays have a relatively small angle with respect to the longitudinal direction y, which allows these rays to illuminate the rear and front parts of the vehicle in the lateral area of ​​the vehicle.

[0065] In addition, it appears that the exit diopter 4 behaves like an assembly of two diopters arranged on either side of a vertical midplane P. In particular, the maximum illumination is concentrated in two areas 10, which ultimately correspond to the two optical axes of the lens 2. These maximum illumination areas 10 (or optical axes) are arranged at an orientation of approximately 80 degrees, more typically between 50 and 85 degrees, relative to the transverse direction x. This geometry makes it possible to distribute the illumination substantially evenly towards the front and rear of the vehicle, while still achieving satisfactory illumination without dark areas over the entire lateral area of ​​the vehicle.

[0066] Figure 6 The lighting module 1 according to the embodiment is schematically illustrated in the form of a section through the vertical intermediate plane Pxz. This cross-sectional view shows that the incident diopter 3 has a vertical section with a specific shape, which includes a convex lower part 8 and a concave upper part 9. These two parts are rounded. These two parts are in the form of a substantially circular part, that is, in the form of a part of a circle. The vertical section of the exit diopter 4 has a convex shape. This shape is substantially circular, centered on the light source 5. The exit diopter 4 can deflect the light in the vertical plane.

[0067] Advantageously, all vertical sections of the two diopters 3, 4 of the lens 2 passing through any vertical plane including the light source 5 will have the same features as described above. It should be noted that the three-dimensional surface of the entrance diopters 3 is preferably obtained by rotation about a vertical axis including the light source 5. This rotation can be up to about 180 degrees, with the end being located in a vertical longitudinal plane including the light source 5. In addition, all these vertical sections of the exit diopters 4 advantageously have a similar shape with a variable radius to form Figure 5 As a variant, only a portion of these sections will have these features.

[0068] The specific shape of the entrance diopter 3 in the vertical plane as shown allows a downward general orientation of the light rays 20 from the light source. Firstly, it transmits almost vertical rays in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle through the convex portion 8 mentioned above. The highest rays are bent downwards so as not to dazzle adjacent vehicles. The maximum illumination area 10, i.e. the optical axis of the lens constituted by the concave portion 9, has an inclination below the horizontal plane calculated to achieve illumination at a lateral distance of several meters suitable for the target lateral area. This inclination is preferably between 5 and 20 degrees.

[0069] In addition, the upper surface of the lens 2 in the vertical plane, i.e. the upper surface connecting the entrance diopter 3 to the exit diopter 4, advantageously has a reflective surface to reflect light downwards within the lens 2 and prevent the light from leaving the lens 2 in a potentially unfavorable direction. Such an upper surface may be substantially planar. It may be a reflector located in the upper part of the lens, separate from the lens 2.

[0070] Thus, the lighting module 1 makes it possible to achieve an optimal illumination in all directions with a single compact lens, through the specific geometry of the lens 2. Thus, the lighting module is preferably designed for its arrangement on a side part of a vehicle.

[0071] Figure 7 Thus, a motor vehicle 100 is illustrated that includes two lighting modules 1 (one on each side) according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the lighting module 1 is incorporated into the wall of a rearview mirror of the vehicle. Such a lighting module 1 can be positioned so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, as mentioned above. As a variant, the vehicle can include a plurality of lighting modules 1 on each side, for example two or three. With this arrangement, the lighting modules 1 make it possible to form an illuminated lateral area 21 as required, i.e., an area that is sufficient to obtain a satisfactory illumination of the lateral area of ​​the motor vehicle and is compatible with the autonomous driving of such a vehicle. Therefore, these lighting modules are designed to cooperate with at least one camera arranged on the motor vehicle so that the illuminated lateral area 21 can be observed.

[0072] Naturally, as a variant, the lighting module 1 according to the invention can be arranged in different ways on the side of the motor vehicle. The lighting module 1 can be arranged between the two wheels of the vehicle at any height of the body of the vehicle. In addition, as a variant, the lighting module can be slightly tilted relative to the motor vehicle, that is to say the respective reference systems x, y, z of the lighting module and the motor vehicle mentioned above will no longer overlap. In particular, this tilt can be achieved relative to the longitudinal axis y so that the light is bent more or less towards the ground. As a variant or in addition, this tilt can be achieved relative to the vertical axis z, within an angle range between 1 degree and 45 degrees, preferably about 20 degrees, so that the light is directed more or less towards the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0073] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, a camera may be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the lighting module according to the invention.

[0074] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. In particular, the lighting module 1 may include a lens 2 having a geometry different from that shown according to the described embodiments. In all cases, at least one horizontal section of the exit diopter 4 of the lighting module 1 has a biconvex shape separated by a concave shape, and at least a section through the vertical middle plane of the entrance diopter 3 of the lighting module 1 includes a convex lower part extending upward from the concave part. In all cases, the concave and convex shapes may take other shapes different from those shown, and / or have different radii of curvature. However, it is advantageous for all or some of these parts to have a substantially rounded shape, for example in the form of a circular part. As a variant, some of these parts may include planar parts, and the diopter may also include an angular part. For example, the horizontal section of the exit diopter 4 having a biconvex shape may have a boundary forming an acute angle or having a small radius of curvature at the concave middle part.

[0075] In addition, the surface of the exit diopter 4 extends in a rounded manner, advantageously in the form of a portion of a circle in a vertical plane, until it is positioned approximately at the lowest point below the light source 5. Thus, the surface of the exit diopter 4 extends downwards until an end is positioned approximately in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the light source. This geometry allows the lens to bend the light from the light source 5 onto the ground in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. In addition, this effective surface of the exit diopter 4 also extends laterally, that is to say, in a horizontal plane, until it is positioned approximately at one or both ends in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the light source, so as to allow the exit diopter 4 to transmit light as close as possible to the motor vehicle in the longitudinal direction forward and / or backward. Thus, the three-dimensional surface of the exit diopter 4 ultimately has two convex portions separated by a concave portion. The two convex portions may approximately constitute a portion of a sphere.

[0076] In addition, the lens 2 has been described according to one embodiment as having a symmetrical shape about a vertical mid-plane. As a variant, this shape may not have a symmetry plane. The vertical mid-plane will still be defined as a vertical transverse plane located approximately halfway along the length (in the longitudinal direction) of the lens 2.

[0077] Figure 8A lighting module 1 for being positioned to the right side of the vehicle 100 is shown in more detail. The same, similar or symmetrical lighting module can be used for the left side of the vehicle 100. The lighting module 1 is incorporated into a lateral rearview mirror 14 of the vehicle 100. In addition to the lighting module 1, the lateral rearview mirror 14 comprises a housing 15 and an observation mirror (not shown) which makes it possible to observe the surroundings behind the vehicle 100. The housing 15 can form a shell extending in front of the observation mirror and supporting this observation mirror. The lighting module is positioned vertically below the housing 15, in particular below the observation mirror. As a variant, the lateral rearview mirror can be an electronic mirror comprising at least one camera, thereby replacing the observation mirror. The lighting module can be fixed to the housing, which itself is fixed to the vehicle 100 (for example, fixed to the windshield or door of the vehicle 100) by a support 6. The length of the housing (along the longitudinal axis y) can be greater than or equal to the length of the lighting module along the same axis. Similarly, the width of the housing (along the transverse section x) may be greater than or equal to the width of the lighting module along the same axis. Thus, the lighting module 1 may be discretely integrated below the housing and not protrude beyond the housing in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0078] As a variant, the lighting module 1 can be separated from the side rearview mirror. The lighting module 1 can be arranged, for example, at the lower and side parts of the vehicle 100, or at or near the side rearview mirror. The lighting module 1 can be arranged between the two wheels of the vehicle 100 at any height of the body of the vehicle.

[0079] The lighting module 1 comprises a light source 5 and a lens 18 arranged around the light source 5. The lighting module further comprises a first screen 111, a second screen 112 and a third screen 113. The three screens are arranged around the lens 18 and are separated from the lens 18. The light source 5 can be positioned approximately equidistant from the first screen and the second screen. As will be seen below, the lighting module may also not have the third screen 113.

[0080] The light source 5 may include a light emitting diode. In order to simplify the description, it will be considered that there is only a single light source hereinafter, but in practice the light source may be composed of a plurality of separate light sources. This light source may emit any light, such as white light and / or near infrared light.

[0081] The first screen is positioned on a first side of the light source 5. In particular, the first screen 111 extends substantially vertically in front of the light source and at the height of the light source. The bottom of the first screen may extend horizontally and be located at a height substantially the same as or slightly lower than the bottom of the lens 18. For example, the bottom of the first screen may be a few centimeters or millimeters lower than the bottom of the lens 18. The first screen may be positioned so that rays emitted or exiting horizontally and toward the front from the lens 18 are blocked or reflected by the first screen 111. More specifically, by adjusting the position of the bottom of the first screen and the distance between the first screen and the lens, the distance between the first screen and the lens may be defined (in Fig.10 When the incident angle A1 is less than the incident angle A1, the light from the lens 18 is blocked or reflected by the first screen. Therefore, the first screen serves as a screen to protect the driver in front of the vehicle 100 from being dazzled by the light source 5.

[0082] The second screen 112 is positioned on the second side of the light source 5, the second side being opposite to the first screen 111 relative to the light source 5. As before, the second screen 112 extends substantially vertically behind the light source and at the height of the light source. The bottom of the second screen may extend horizontally and be located at substantially the same height as the bottom of the first screen. The bottom of the second screen may also be a few centimeters or millimeters lower than the bottom of the lens 18. The second screen may be positioned so that rays emitted horizontally and toward the rear from the lens 18 are blocked or reflected by the second screen 112. More specifically, by adjusting the position of the bottom of the second screen and the distance between the second screen and the lens, the value of the incident angle A2 may be defined, and in the case of being less than the incident angle A2, the light from the lens 18 is blocked or reflected by the second screen. Therefore, the second screen acts as a screen to protect the driver located behind the vehicle 100 from the glare caused by the light source 5.

[0083] The third screen extends between the first screen 111 and the second screen 112. The third screen extends above the light source 5 approximately horizontally, or extends in a manner slightly inclined downwardly with respect to the horizontal plane at an angle between 5 and 10 degrees. Thus, the three screens roughly constitute three adjacent sides of a box or cap covering the light source 5 and the lens 18. In addition to performing specific optical functions (which will be described in detail later), the three screens protect the light source and the lens 18 from external impacts or damage in the lateral direction and from above. As a variant, for example, if the lighting module is already protected from influences from above by a part of the motor vehicle 100, and / or if the light source is configured to emit light in a half-space generally oriented downward, then the third screen may also be absent. The three screens can be delimited by angles that embody a clear separation between these screens, or by rounded contours.

[0084] The first screen generally extends along a first vertical and transverse plane. Similarly, the second screen generally extends along a second vertical and transverse plane. Fig.10 , the first screen 111 and the second screen may thus be substantially parallel to each other. The first screen and the second screen may be parallel to the vertical axis Z. The first screen and the second screen may also be tilted relative to the vertical axis Z to promote irradiation more or less towards the ground. The first screen and the second screen may also be tilted relative to the transverse axis x to promote additional irradiation towards the front or rear of the vehicle 100.

[0085] The first screen and the second screen may have the same or similar shape. The first screen and the second screen may have a rectangular overall shape, with the long sides extending laterally and the short sides extending vertically. The first screen and the second screen may also have a trapezoidal or even triangular overall shape, such as Fig. 9 . The two parallel sides of the trapezoid (constituting the upper and lower edges of the screen) may extend substantially horizontally. The first screen and the second screen may include upper edges 111A, 112A, respectively, which are inclined relative to the transverse axis x. The third screen 113 may extend between these two edges 111A and 112A. Thus, the third screen is inclined downward from the side of the corresponding vehicle 100.

[0086] Typically, the bottom of the third screen may be located at approximately the same height as the bottoms of the first and second screens. Thus, the third screen may block or reflect rays emitted horizontally and laterally from the lens 18. As with the first and second screens, the position of the bottom of the third screen may be adjusted to adjust the value of the incident angle below which the light from the lens 18 is blocked or reflected by the third screen 113.

[0087] The first screen 111 and / or the second screen 112 and / or the third screen 113 may include a reflective surface for reflecting the light from the light source. These reflective surfaces are arranged on the surface of each screen facing the light source 5. When the first screen is equipped with such a reflective surface, the light from the lens 18 toward the front at an incident angle less than the incident angle A1 is reflected toward the rear. Similarly, when the second screen is equipped with such a reflective surface, the light from the lens 18 toward the rear at an incident angle less than the incident angle A2 is reflected toward the front. Finally, when the third screen is equipped with such a reflective surface, the light from the lens 18 toward the right at an incident angle less than a given value is deflected downward.

[0088] It will therefore be appreciated that by adjusting the orientation and position of the screens, the angle at which light is reflected or deflected by the screens can be modified. Advantageously, at least the first and second screens are provided with a reflective surface. In this way, all light generated by the light source is advantageously used to illuminate the side of the vehicle 100. When a single screen or only two of the three screens comprise a reflective surface, the method for manufacturing the lighting module can be simplified. Light that would otherwise reach a screen that is not provided with a reflective surface may be absorbed and / or diffused by the screen.

[0089] refer to Fig.11 , the irradiation area Z2 obtained by the lighting module 1 located on the right side of the vehicle 100 can be decomposed into three parts Z21, Z22, and Z23. The first part Z21, which is roughly located at the longitudinal height of the lighting module, is obtained by direct irradiation, that is, without being reflected by the reflective surface provided on the first screen or the second screen. The second part Z22 located in front of the first part Z21 is obtained by reflection of light on the reflective surface provided on the second screen 112. The third part Z23 located behind the first part Z21 is obtained by reflection of light on the reflective surface provided on the first screen 111.

[0090] It should be noted that, depending on the orientation of the reflective surfaces, light may be reflected successively by the reflective surface of the first screen and then by the reflective surface of the second screen. However, the intensity of the light radiation reflected multiple times may eventually decrease. Therefore, the intensity of the light radiation actually emitted horizontally from the lighting module is very low and does not pose a risk of dazzling other drivers.

[0091] like Fig.11 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the first portion Z21 and the second portion Z22 partially overlap. Similarly, the first portion Z21 and the third portion Z23 partially overlap. The shape and position of each portion of the irradiation area can be adjusted by modifying the position and shape of the reflective surface set on each screen.

[0092] In particular, Fig.12 and Fig.13 The figure shows a variant embodiment of the invention, in which two screens 111' and 112' are tilted downwards relative to the vertical. The respective vertical sections of the first screen 111' and the second screen 112' form a non-zero angle with respect to the vertical, in particular an angle between 0° and 50°. The two screens 111', 112' also form an angle between 0° and 50° between them. The screens 111' and 112' are tilted downwards so as to reflect incident light at an angle away from the horizontal plane. Then, parts Z21, Z22 and Z23 of the illumination area Z2 are compressed to a greater extent than described above. Parts Z22 and Z23 are closer to the lighting module 3 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the illumination area Z2 obtained is smaller, but at a lower angle than Fig.10 and Fig.12 An advantage of this arrangement of screens 111 'and 112' is that the illumination losses at the ends of the central part Z21 of the illumination area Z2 in the parts Z22, Z23 are minimized. In addition, there is no risk that the light from the light source 5 undergoes multiple reflections before illuminating the road. Therefore, the optical power loss is minimized.

[0093] As a variant and / or in addition to the above, the reflective surface of the first screen and / or the second screen and / or the third screen may include one or more undulations. They may, for example, have a concave or convex shape. They may also include multiple (planar or non-planar) faces that form an angle with each other. In this way, an illumination area with a variable area and a variable light intensity distribution can be generated within the illumination area. As will be seen below, the shape of the lens can also be adjusted to modify the distribution of the light.

[0094] The first screen and / or the second screen and / or the third screen may be obtained by injection molding. The first screen 111, the second screen 112 and the third screen 113 may form an integral assembly, in particular obtained by injection molding. Advantageously, the first screen 111, the second screen 112, the third screen 113 and the housing 15 may form an integral assembly, in particular obtained by injection molding. In other words, the screens 111, 112 and 113 may be formed directly in the shell of the rearview mirror. The first screen and the second screen may, for example, be located in the vertical extension of the front and rear ends of the housing 15. It should be noted that the vertical demoulding of the part at the end of the injection molding operation is easier when the plane in which the first screen 111 extends forms a non-zero angle with the plane in which the second screen 112 extends. As a variant, the various screens mentioned above may constitute separate parts, which are assembled together by any mechanical or other means to fix them to each other.

[0095] The reflective surface of the first screen and / or the reflective surface of the second screen and / or the reflective surface of the third screen can be obtained by metal deposition (for example by aluminizing). This method has the advantage of being particularly easy to implement and not causing the lighting module to be too heavy. As a variant, the reflective surfaces can be obtained by adding a reflector in the form of a part added to the first screen and / or the second screen and / or the third screen, respectively.

[0096] The lens 18 includes an exit refractive portion 115 and an entrance refractive portion oriented toward the light source 5. The entrance refractive portion is the surface of the lens through which light from the light source 5 enters the lens. The exit refractive portion is the surface of the lens through which light from the light source 5 exits the lens. The lens 18 may have a three-dimensional shape that is generally similar to a peanut, with its length extending parallel to the longitudinal axis y. The lens 18 may have a generally symmetrical shape relative to a median vertical transverse plane.

[0097] As shown in the figure, a cross section of the lighting module 1 in a vertical and longitudinal plane Fig.10 and Fig.12 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the exit diopter 115 comprises at least one section comprising two convex portions 116 separated by a concave portion 117, as seen from the side opposite to the light source 5. The convex portions 116 and the concave portions 117 may have a rounded shape, in particular in the form of a portion of a circle and / or in the form of a series of linear portions forming an angle between each other. These specific shapes of the entrance diopter and the exit diopter are designed to optimally distribute the light in the illumination zone Z2, while still keeping the lens compact.

[0098] Advantageously, all vertical and longitudinal sections of the two diopters of the lens 18 will have the same characteristics as described above over the entire width of the lens 18 (along the transverse axis x). As a variant, only a portion of these sections, preferably a portion extending over at least half of the width of the lens 18, or even over at least three quarters of the width of the lens 18, will have these characteristics. It should be noted that the horizontal section (not shown) of the lens 18, and in particular the horizontal section of the exit diopter 15, has a shape similar to that of its vertical and longitudinal sections shown.

[0099] By way of example, the distance separating the light source 5 from the entrance diopter may be less than or equal to 10 mm, or even less than or equal to 3 mm. Preferably, the light source 5 adjoins the entrance diopter 114. Alternatively, the entrance diopter 114 may constitute a chamber at least partially accommodating the light source 5. In addition, the lens has a total length (along the y-axis) less than or equal to 50 mm, preferably between 24 mm and 45 mm, a total width (along the x-axis) less than or equal to 15 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, and a total height (along the z-axis) less than or equal to 20 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm. The lens is preferably presented as a single part or component. The lens is a monolithic piece. The lens may in particular be made of a plastic material.

[0100] When the lighting module is operating, the light source emits light that passes through an incident diopter having a substantially circular cross-section. The light is substantially not deflected in the longitudinal and vertical planes. Then, the light passes through the exit diopter 115 and is deflected by means of the characteristic shape of this diopter. Light emitted toward the front from the exit diopter at an incident angle less than angle A1 is reflected by the reflective surface of the first screen 111 and illuminates the rear of the irradiation area Z2. Similarly, light emitted toward the rear from the exit diopter at an incident angle less than angle A2 is reflected by the reflective surface of the second screen 112 and illuminates the front of the irradiation area Z2. Light that does not reach the screens 111 and 112 directly illuminates the central portion of the irradiation area Z2.

[0101] The lighting module makes it possible to obtain uniform illumination at a lateral distance of several meters, suitable for realizing driving functions as mentioned above, while still maintaining a very limited volume. The presence of the screens 111 and 112 makes it possible to ensure that the drivers in front and behind the vehicle 100 are not dazzled. In other words, the lighting module is configured so that the light from the light source cannot directly reach an observer located at a height corresponding to the driver's usual height (e.g., between 1m and 3m above the ground) from the ground. This consideration is based on the assumption of a flat and horizontal ground between the vehicle 100 under consideration and other drivers. However, in the rare case where the road has a significant height difference, the light from the light source may directly reach the driver.

[0102] The invention also relates to a driving assistance device, comprising at least one such lighting module for illuminating the lateral area of ​​the motor vehicle 100. Such an assistance device also comprises at least one camera for observing the illuminated lateral area. Such an assistance device also comprises a central unit, which can be a computer comprising hardware and / or software means, so that the data transmitted by the at least one camera can be used to analyze the data so as to calculate driving assistance data and transmit the driving assistance data to the vehicle. Thus, such an assistance device implements the functions of lane keeping, and / or lane centering, and / or lane changing, and / or emergency braking, and / or autonomous emergency steering, and / or parking assistance, and / or autonomous parking as mentioned at the beginning of the description. In addition, such an assistance device can contribute to the automatic control of the vehicle, in particular on highways, for functions such as those referred to as "highway autopilot".

[0103] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for assisting the driving of a motor vehicle, in particular an autonomous motor vehicle, comprising the following steps:

[0104] - illuminating a lateral area of ​​the vehicle using at least one lighting module as described above;

[0105] - observing said illuminated lateral area using at least one camera and transmitting data observed by said camera to a central unit;

[0106] - analyzing, by the central unit, the data received from the camera, in particular detecting obstacles and deducing driver assistance instructions;

[0107] - transmitting the driving assistance data to a human-machine interface and / or autonomous driving device of the vehicle.

[0108] The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle, preferably an autonomous motor vehicle, comprising one or more lighting modules or auxiliary devices as described above and arranged on a side portion of said motor vehicle.

Claims

1. A lighting module (1) for a vehicle, characterized in that: The lighting module comprises a light source (5) and a lens (2), wherein the lens has a symmetrical shape relative to a vertical middle plane (P), comprises an incident diopter (3) and an exit diopter (4) oriented toward the light source (5), characterized in that the exit diopter (4) comprises at least one cross section through a horizontal plane, wherein the at least one cross section through the horizontal plane comprises two convex portions (6) separated by a concave portion (7) when viewed from the side opposite to the light source (5), and characterized in that the incident diopter (3) comprises a cross section through the vertical middle plane (P), wherein the cross section through the vertical middle plane (P) comprises a convex lower portion (8) and a concave upper portion (9) when viewed from the side opposite to the light source (5), The lighting module comprises a first screen (111) located on a first side of the lens (2) and a second screen (112) located on a second side of the lens (2), the light source being capable of projecting light to illuminate a lateral area (Z2, Z3) of the vehicle, the second side being opposite to the first side relative to the light source, the first screen (111) being used to extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, being located in front of the light source in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at a height of the light source, the second screen (112) being used to extend at a non-zero angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, being located behind the light source in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and at a height of the light source, the first screen (111) comprising a reflective surface for reflecting light from the light source toward the second side of the lateral area (Z2, Z3), the second screen (112) comprising a reflective surface for reflecting light from the light source toward the first side of the lateral area (Z2, Z3), The lighting module comprises a third screen (113) extending between the first screen (111) and the second screen (112), wherein the third screen is used to extend horizontally and be located above the light source (5) to block or reflect rays emitted horizontally and laterally from the lens.

2. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The convex portion (6) and the concave portion (7) of the at least one cross section of the exit diopter (4) passing through a horizontal plane have a rounded shape.

3. A lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The incident diopter (3) includes at least one cross section in the form of a part of a circle centered on the light source (5) passing through a horizontal plane, or the surface of the incident diopter (3) is formed by rotating the cross section passing through a vertical intermediate plane around a vertical rotation axis passing through the light source (5).

4. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The exit diopter (4) comprises a cross section through a vertical middle plane having a shape at least partially in the form of a portion of a circle centered on the light source (5).

5. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: All cross sections of the exit diopter (4) passing through a horizontal plane have two convex portions (6) separated by a concave portion (7), or a horizontal cross section of the exit diopter (4) has two convex portions (6) separated by a concave portion (7) within a range of at least half of the height of the lens (2).

6. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The surface of the exit diopter (4) extends in a rounded manner in at least one vertical plane until a lower end located in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the light source (5).

7. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The lens (2) comprises a reflective upper surface for reflecting light from the light source (5) into the lens (2).

8. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The lighting modules have shapes that are symmetrically distributed about a vertical middle plane (P).

9. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The lighting module has a length less than or equal to 50 mm.

10. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first screen (111) extends in a first plane and the second screen (112) extends in a second plane, the first plane and the second plane forming a non-zero angle.

11. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first screen (111) and the second screen (112) are obtained by injection molding.

12. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reflective surface of the first screen (111) and / or the reflective surface of the second screen (112) are obtained by metal deposition.

13. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reflective surface of the first screen (111) and / or the reflective surface of the second screen (112) comprises one or more undulations.

14. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The convex portion (6) and the concave portion (7) of the at least one cross section of the exit diopter (4) through a horizontal plane have the form of a portion of a circle.

15. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The convex portion (6) and the concave portion (7) of the at least one cross section of the exit diopter (4) passing through a horizontal plane have two rounded convex portions (6) separated by a concave portion (7) forming an acute angle or having a small radius of curvature.

16. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The convex lower portion (8) and the concave upper portion (9) of the cross section of the entrance diopter (3) through the vertical middle plane (P) have a rounded shape.

17. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein a horizontal cross section of the exit diopter (4) has two convex portions (6) separated by a concave portion (7) within a range of at least three quarters of the height of the lens (2).

18. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The surface of the exit diopter (4) extends in at least one horizontal plane until it reaches one or both ends in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through the light source (5).

19. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The exit diopter (4) comprises a plurality of cross sections through a vertical plane having the light source (5) having a shape at least partially in the form of a portion of a circle centered on the light source (5).

20. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lighting module has a length less than or equal to 45 mm.

21. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lighting module has a width less than or equal to 15 mm.

22. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lighting module has a width less than or equal to 13 mm.

23. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lighting module has a height less than or equal to 20 mm.

24. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lighting module has a height less than or equal to 15 mm.

25. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first plane and the second plane form a non-zero angle between 0° and 50°.

26. The lighting module (1) for a vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that: The reflective surface of the first screen (111) and / or the reflective surface of the second screen (112) are obtained by aluminum plating.

27. A side rearview mirror (14) for a motor vehicle (100), characterized in that: The side rear-view mirror comprises a lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the side rear-view mirror comprising a viewing mirror or a camera to allow the driver to view the area behind the motor vehicle, the lighting module being positioned vertically below the viewing mirror or the camera.

28. Side rearview mirror (14) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that The side rearview mirror comprises a housing (15) supporting the observation mirror, wherein the length of the housing is greater than or equal to the length of the lighting module (1), and / or the width of the housing is greater than or equal to the width of the lighting module (1).

29. A side rearview mirror according to any one of claims 27 and 28, characterized in that The side rearview mirror comprises a housing (15) supporting the viewing mirror, the housing forming an integral component with the first screen (111) and / or the second screen (112).

30. A driving assistance device, characterized in that: The driving assistance device comprises at least one lighting module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, and / or a lateral rearview mirror (14) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, the driving assistance device comprises at least one camera and a central unit, the at least one camera being used to observe the illuminated lateral area, the central unit comprising hardware and / or software devices, the hardware and / or software devices utilizing data transmitted by the at least one camera to calculate driving assistance data and transmit the driving assistance data to the vehicle.

31. A motor vehicle (100), characterized in that The motor vehicle comprises one or more lighting modules (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, which are arranged in the lower and side parts of the motor vehicle or at the side rearview mirrors of the vehicle, or the motor vehicle comprises a side rearview mirror (14) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, or is characterized in that the motor vehicle comprises a driving assistance device according to the preceding claim.

32. The motor vehicle (100) according to claim 31, characterized in that The motor vehicle (100) is an autonomous or semi-autonomous motor vehicle.

33. A method for assisting driving of a motor vehicle, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - illuminating a lateral area of ​​the vehicle using at least one lighting module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, which is arranged in a side part of the motor vehicle; - observing the illuminated lateral area using at least one camera arranged on the motor vehicle and transmitting the data observed by the camera to a central unit of the motor vehicle; - analyzing said data received by said central unit, detecting obstacles, and inferring driving assistance instructions; - transmitting the driving assistance data to a human-machine interface and / or autonomous driving device of the motor vehicle.

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