Optical module for improved comfort outdoor lighting

Abstract

An optical module (1) for outdoor lighting comprises: a hollow body (2), comprising a first end (21) provided with a projection aperture (25); a mechanical-optical group (5), accommodated in the body (2) and comprising a light matrix (8), for the generation of light rays, and a shielding structure (7), coupled to the light matrix (8) and configured to interact with the light rays generated by the light matrix (8), the light matrix (8) comprising a plurality of light sources (81) configured to emit the light rays along a first axis (Z) through the shielding structure (7); and an output window (3) coupled to the projection aperture (25), configured to allow the output of the light rays. The shielding structure (7) comprises a body in which a plurality of cup-shaped shielding elements (71) is formed. Each shielding element (71) has: a base (71a), substantially orthogonal to the first axis (Z) and coupled to a corresponding light source (81); and lateral walls (74-77), configured to at least partially intercept and block the light rays emitted by the corresponding light source (81).

Description

Cross reference to related Applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000025845 filed on November 15, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to an optical module for outdoor lighting. The term "optical module for outdoor lighting" means a device configured for the lighting of public or private streets and squares used for the passage of vehicles and / or pedestrians. In this sense, the optical module for outdoor lighting is generally coupled on top of a vertical support structure to create a street luminaire, e.g. a lamppost. In this context, the present invention will address the problem of realizing an optical module for outdoor lighting with improved comfort.Context

[0003] As is known, street lighting in urban and extra-urban contexts is of paramount importance to guarantee safety of movement and to reduce crime. Nowadays, the most popular optical modules for outdoor lighting in the public lighting installations use LED light sources: in view of optimising energy consumption, there is in fact an increasing need to use high-efficiency and long-lasting light sources that allow limiting the economic impact of the lighting systems themselves for the same performance. While this requirement generally applies to all optical lighting modules, there are more specific criteria for areas intended for slow mobility, recreational and social use such as squares, city centre boulevards, cycle-pedestrian paths and gardens: in these cases the focus on user perception is greater, and in this sense the design choices are oriented towards solutions that favour lighting comfort.

[0004] Depending on the lighting needs, the optical modules for lighting can be equipped with mechanical-optical systems for shielding the radiation emitted by LED light sources. For example, in relation to the type of area to be illuminated, such mechanical-optical systems coupled to the LED light sources can generate light cones in output from the optical module - by means of, for example, reflection phenomena - such as to project desired light distributions on the plane to be illuminated.

[0005] However, the commercially available optical modules for outdoor lighting may have drawbacks concerning light dispersion and waste caused by non-optimised light distributions, with a consequent increase in energy consumption and light pollution. Furthermore, such non-optimised light distributions, e.g. excessively turned towards the sky, may disturb birds and insects by negatively interfering with their orientation and behaviour, and / or they may undesirably hit fa ades and front walls of nearby dwellings causing discomfort and glare.Summary

[0006] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to overcome or at least in part mitigate the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art.

[0007] According to the present invention, an optical module for outdoor lighting as defined in the appended claims is presented.

[0008] In particular, an optical module according to the present invention comprises the following components: a hollow, box-type, body comprising a first end provided with a projection aperture which in use is turned towards the area to be illuminated; a mechanical-optical group, accommodated in the body and comprising a light matrix for the generation of light rays in the form of a plurality of light sources; a shielding structure coupled to the light matrix and configured to interact with the light rays generated by the light matrix; an output window coupled to the projection aperture and configured to allow the output of the light rays generated by the light matrix, wherein the shielding structure comprises a body in which a plurality of substantially "cup-shape" shielding elements is formed; each shielding element comprising a base coupled to a corresponding light source, an aperture opposite the base, and lateral walls configured to at least partially intercept and block the light rays emitted by the corresponding light source.

[0009] The mechanical-optical group formed by the plurality of light sources and the corresponding plurality of cup-like shielding elements represents the main aspect of the present invention that allows to achieve a lighting with improved comfort.

[0010] In the following description of the attached Figures, characteristics of the cup-like shielding elements that allow in various examples to achieve the aforementioned lighting with improved comfort will be shown and described.Brief description of the figures

[0011] To better understand the present invention preferred embodiments thereof will be now described, for merely exemplary and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein: Figures 1 and 2 schematically shows in perspective views an optical module for lighting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with parts removed for clarity of display; Figure 3 schematically shows the optical module for lighting of Figures 1 and 2 in a bottom plan view; Figure 4 schematically shows a possible application of the optical module for lighting of Figures 1 and 2 to create a street luminaire; Figure 5A schematically shows a section of the optical module for lighting of Figures 1 and 2 taken along the line VA-VA; Figure 5B schematically shows a section of the optical module for lighting of Figures 1 and 2 taken along the line VB-VB; Figure 6 is a simplified polar graph of the obtainable light distribution of the optical module for lighting of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 7 schematically shows a component of the optical module for lighting of Figures 1 and 2 according to a different embodiment; and Figures 8 and 9 schematically show respective portions of a component of the optical module for lighting of Figure 3 in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention with parts removed for clarity of exposition. Description of embodiments

[0012] The following description refers to the arrangement shown in the drawings; consequently, expressions such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "right", "left" and the like are relative to the attached Figures and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner.

[0013] An optical module for outdoor lighting (hereinafter also simply "module") in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in part in Figure 1 and is denoted by number 1. The term "optical module for outdoor lighting" means below, without loss of generality, a device intended for the lighting of public and private areas, used for the passage of vehicles and / or pedestrians, such as lighting of the urban area, squares, streets, railways, furniture, buildings, monuments and sites of interest.

[0014] Figure 1 shows the module 1 in a reference system of orthogonal axes X, Y, Z. The module 1 comprises in detail a body 2, (in this example, box-type) hollow and open on one side in the direction of the axis Z, and an output window 3, for example a flat glass. In practice, the body 2 has a substantially flat base 22 in the plane XY and four lateral ends 23 which extend substantially in the direction of the axis Z from the edge of the base 22. As mentioned, the body 2 has an aperture (which will be defined as a projection aperture 25), facing the base 22, which in use of the module 1 is turned downwards, i.e. towards the area to be illuminated. More in detail, edges of the lateral ends 23, forming a first end 21 of the body 2, define a projection aperture 25 opposite the closed base, or second end, 22 of the body 2. The projection aperture 25 allows, as will also be explained below, the output of the light generated by the module 1. The second end or base 22 comprises on the opposite face with respect to the projection aperture 25 a plurality of fins for heat dissipation needs of the module 1. The output window 3 acts as a closing cover and mechanically seals the projection aperture 25 of the body 2. To allow light to pass through, the window 3 is at least partially transparent to light.

[0015] In a non-limiting embodiment, the body 2 has in particular sections along planes parallel to the planes XZ and YZ of trapezoidal shape, of which the lateral ends 23 define oblique sides with respect to the axis Z, the output window 3 defines the lower base, substantially parallel to the plane XY, and the second end 22 in use defines the upper base. Even more in particular, the body 2 has chamfered corners and a projection, along the axis Z, of the second end 22 is contained within the projection aperture 25 with the lateral ends 23 being inclined towards the outside of the second end 22.

[0016] With reference also to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the body 2, and in particular the projection aperture 25, and therefore also the output window 3, have sections along planes parallel to the plane XY which also are trapezoidal in shape. In particular, the lateral ends 23 of the body 2 aligned with the axis X comprise a first lateral end 23a and a second lateral end 23b opposite the first lateral end 23a along the axis Y. In this example, the first lateral end 23a has a dimension along the axis X greater than the second lateral end 23b. Without loss of generality, it is considered below that the first and second lateral ends 23a, 23b of the body 2 are aligned and parallel to the development of the area to be illuminated and, more in particular, that the first lateral end 23a is turned towards the centre of the area to be illuminated while the second lateral end 23b is turned towards support means of the module 1, such as support poles. For example, in an application of the module 1 for street lighting, the first lateral end 23a is the one closest to the centre of the road while the second lateral end 23b is closest to the edge of the road.

[0017] The body 2 further comprises hooking portions 24 for connecting the body 2 to a protective casing (not shown in Figures 1-3) coupled in turn, for example, to the aforesaid support poles or directly to a wall of a building. The module 1 is, in use, in an appliance installed for example at a height of 4 metres and it is intended that the area to be illuminated is below the module 1, as shown schematically in Figure 4.

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 also show for clarity respective internal portions of the body 2 of the module 1. In particular, Figure 1 shows an internal portion along a section of the module 1 parallel to the plane YZ, while Figure 2 shows an internal portion along a section parallel to the plane XY in which the second end or base 22 of the body 2 has been removed. The module 1 comprises in detail a mechanical-optical group 5, positioned substantially centrally with respect to the body 2 and coupled to the second end 22 of the body 2, and a spacer 6, interposed between the mechanical-optical group 5 and the body 2 and coupled to the first end 21 of the body 2. In detail, the mechanical-optical group 5 and the spacer 6 are contained in the body 2; moreover, the spacer 6 (also referred to as "recuperator" in technical jargon) surrounds the mechanical-optical group 5, to which it is coupled on respective sides, and contacts the output window 3 at the edges of the lateral ends 23. The mechanical-optical group 5 and the spacer 6 define an optical compartment of the module 1.

[0019] The mechanical-optical group 5 comprises a shielding structure 7 and a light matrix 8. In detail, the shielding structure 7 comprises a plurality of shielding elements 71 equal (or substantially equal) to each other. In the mechanical-optical group 5, the shielding elements 71 are arranged, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in rows (parallel to the axis X) and columns (parallel to the axis Y) to form a sort of matrix. In addition, each shielding element 71 contacts, as will be explained below, adjacent shielding elements 71 of the same row and adjacent shielding elements 71 of the same column, effectively creating a single body. Without loss of generality, in the example shown in Figure 3 the matrix is rectangular and the rows are eight in number, while the columns are six in number, for a total of shielding elements 71 equal to forty-eight.

[0020] The light matrix 8 comprises a plurality of light sources 81, for example with LED, equal to each other and in number equal to the number of the shielding elements 71 of the shielding structure 7. According to one aspect of the present invention, the light matrix 8 is coupled to the shielding structure 7 so that each light source 81 corresponds to (i.e. is at least partially accommodated in) a shielding element 71. More in particular, each shielding element 71 is configured, as described below, to convey (i.e., to channel) radiation emitted from a corresponding light source 81 toward the output window 3 and to create light distributions according to design preferences at desired distances from the module 1.

[0021] With reference now to Figure 5A and Figure 5B, the light matrix 8 is arranged between the second end 22 of the body 2, with which it comes into contact for heat dissipation needs, and the shielding structure 7. The light matrix 8 is therefore arranged, along the axis Z, in a more distal position, from the output window 3, with respect to the shielding structure 7. In a non-limiting embodiment, the light matrix 8 is a single PCB board that carries the light sources 81, comprises the appropriate electrical connections and is coupled to the internal face of the second end 22.

[0022] More in detail, each light source 81 of the light matrix 8 comprises an emission element 82, defined for example by a single LED chip (or by more LED chips in a multi-coloured configuration), and a conditioning optics 83, defined for example by a free-form lens whose profile is selected as a function of the emitting properties of the corresponding LED. In particular, each emission element 82 has an emitting face turned towards the corresponding shielding element 71; even more in particular, each emission element 82 emits radiation defined by light rays with a respective optical axis parallel to the axis Z. Each conditioning optics 83 receives the light rays emitted by the respective emission element 82, for example by intercepting them at least in part and redistributing them over a larger emitting surface of the same conditioning optics 82. In addition, each conditioning optics 83 faces at least partially in the corresponding shielding element 71, as explained below.

[0023] Each shielding element 71 of the shielding structure 7 is formed by an inverted "cup-type" hollow body with a substantially truncated-pyramid shape with a quadrangular base, open on both sides along the axis Z. In detail, each shielding element 71 has an increasing cross-section (also called tapered or funnel-shaped) along the axis Z (in the negative direction, i.e. it widens towards the output window 3) from a first base 71a, arranged near the light matrix 8, up to a second base 71b having a larger dimension, on a plane parallel to the plane XY, with respect to the first base 71a and facing the output window 3. More in detail, the first base 71a of each shielding element 71 has a through first aperture 72 for receiving the conditioning optics 83 of the corresponding light source 81, for example accommodating it at least partially; the second base 71b of each shielding element 71 is instead completely open and its free edge defines a corresponding second aperture 73 through which the radiation emitted by a corresponding light source 81 can pass. In a non-limiting embodiment, each first aperture 72 has a substantially circular shape, is arranged substantially centrally to the respective first base 71a and has a dimension on a plane parallel to the plane XY smaller than the dimension of the respective first base 71a (see also Figures 2 and 3); the first base 71a is for example flat and parallel to the plane XY and directly contacts the light matrix 8.

[0024] The shielding elements 71 of the shielding structure 7 have different cross-sections when viewed in planes parallel to the plane YZ (Figure 5A) and in planes parallel to the plane XZ (Figure 5B) in such a way as to create a directed conveyance of the radiation emitted by corresponding light sources 81. The section shown in Figure 5A is hereinafter referred to as the "longitudinal section" of the module 1 and the section shown in Figure 5B as the "transverse section" of the module 1.

[0025] With reference to the longitudinal section and, without loss of generality, considering a single shielding element 71, it comprises a first longitudinal wall 74 and a second longitudinal wall 75 facing each other and both inclined with respect to the axis Z. In detail, the first longitudinal wall 74 has a greater inclination than the second longitudinal wall 75 (which may also be parallel to the axis Z in some embodiments). The first longitudinal wall 74 is the one facing the first lateral end 23a, i.e. it faces the centre of the road and will therefore orient, in use, the light mainly in that direction. The second longitudinal wall 75 is instead the one facing the edge of the road and will therefore orient, in use, the light mainly in that direction. With reference now to the cross-section, the shielding element 71 comprises a first transverse wall 76 and a second transverse wall 77 facing each other and both inclined with respect to the axis Z. These walls 77 and 76 in use are those turned along the direction of development of the road and will therefore orient, in use, the light mainly in that direction. In detail, the first transverse wall 76 has the same inclination as the second transverse wall 77; the second transverse wall 77 is symmetrical to the first transverse wall 76 with respect to a plane parallel to the plane YZ and passing centrally to the shielding element 71. Here and in the following, the term "inclination" means the angle formed by the walls of the shielding element 71 with an axis passing centrally to the shielding element 71 and parallel to the axis Z.

[0026] The first and second longitudinal walls 74, 75 and the first and second transverse walls 76, 77 extend from the first base 71a up to the second aperture 73, form a single body and all have the same height along the axis Z. Furthermore, on a same column of the shielding structure 7 (one shown in Figure 5A), the first longitudinal wall 74 of a shielding element 71 contacts, along a respective corner, the second longitudinal wall 75 of the adjacent shielding element 71; on a same row of the shielding structure 7 (one shown in Figure 5B), the first transverse wall 76 of a shielding element 71 contacts, along a respective corner, the second transverse wall 77 of the adjacent shielding element 71.

[0027] More in detail with respect to the foregoing, in the module 1 of Figure 5A, the first longitudinal wall 74 of each shielding element 71 faces towards the first lateral end 23a of the body 2 and therefore towards the area to be illuminated. From the optical point of view, as said before, considering the longitudinal section, the light rays emerging from each conditioning optics 83 are at least partially intercepted and blocked by the corresponding second longitudinal wall 75, which therefore acts as a barrier, while the directions of the light rays towards the corresponding first longitudinal wall 74 are favoured; a mechanical spatial filtering of the generated radiation is thus created. The inclinations, with respect to the axis Z, of the first and second longitudinal walls 74, 75 are design parameters with respect to the light distribution obtainable in output from the module 1. For example, the first longitudinal wall 74 may have an inclination between 60° and 85°, while the second longitudinal wall 75 may have an inclination between 0° and 65°; it is understood that the inclinations of the first longitudinal wall 74 and of the second longitudinal wall 75 are measured respectively on opposite parts with respect to the axis Z. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first longitudinal wall 74 is a curved wall and the inclination with respect to the axis Z is considered as the inclination of the tangent to the first longitudinal wall 74 at half height.

[0028] Considering instead the transverse section, the light rays emerging from each conditioning optics 83 pass through the corresponding shielding element 71 almost undisturbed or in any case guided towards the output window 3, creating a mechanical spatial filtering such as to cut off the tails of the radiation emitted by the light sources 81. The inclinations, with respect to the axis Z, of the first and second transverse walls 76, 77 are also design parameters with respect to the light distribution obtainable in output from the module 1. For example, the first and second transverse walls 76, 77 may have an inclination between 60° and 85°. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first and second transverse walls 76, 77 are curved walls and the inclination with respect to the axis Z is considered as the inclination of the tangent to the first transverse wall 76 at half height.

[0029] An example of a polar graph obtainable in output from the module 1 is shown in Figure 6. In particular, a first curve 101 and a second curve 102 are shown which refer to the light distributions obtainable respectively in a plane parallel to the plane XZ and in a plane parallel to the plane YZ. As can be seen, while the light distribution of the first curve 101 is substantially uniform (±50°), the light distribution of the second curve 102 shows a predominant imbalance in the semi-plane towards which the first lateral end 23a of the body 2 faces.

[0030] The shielding structure 7 of the module 1 is made of plastic material. Further, the walls of the shielding elements 71 may be a light-coloured (e.g., white) or a dark-coloured (e.g., black). For example, light-coloured shielding elements 71 can provide a diffusive contribution with partial reflections of light rays incident thereon.

[0031] Again with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, the spacer 6 of the module 1 is a mechanical fitting that fixes the distance between the shielding structure 7 of the mechanical-optical group 5 and the output window 3. In particular, the spacer 6 maintains the light sources 81 at the desired distance so as to obtain a uniform luminance at the projection aperture 25 of the body 2. The spacer 6 actually defines the optical aperture of the optical compartment of the module 1. Furthermore, the spacer 6 also has different sections when viewed in planes parallel to the plane YZ (longitudinal section) and in planes parallel to the plane XZ (transverse section).

[0032] With reference to the longitudinal section, the spacer 6 comprises a first longitudinal side 61 and a second longitudinal side 62 facing on opposite parts (along the axis Y) of the shielding structure 7 and both inclined with respect to the axis Z. The first longitudinal side 61 faces the first lateral end 23a of the body 2 and contacts, on the one hand, respective external shielding elements 71 and, on the other, the first end 21 of the body 2 and the output window 3. The second longitudinal side 62 faces the second lateral end 23b of the body 2 and contacts, on the one hand, respective external shielding elements 71 and, on the other hand, the first end 21 of the body 2 and the output window 3. In detail, the first longitudinal side 61 has a greater inclination than the second longitudinal side 62. Even more in detail, the inclination of the first longitudinal side 61 is greater than the inclination of the first longitudinal wall 74 of the shielding elements 71, thus allowing the radiation exiting the second openings 73 of the shielding elements 71 not to be substantially intercepted. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first and second longitudinal sides 61, 62 are curved.

[0033] With reference now to the transverse section, the spacer 6 comprises a first transverse side 63 and a second transverse side 64 facing on opposite parts (along the axis X) of the shielding structure 7 and both inclined with respect to the axis Z. The first and second transverse sides 63, 64 also contact, on the one hand, respective external shielding elements 71 and, on the other hand, the first end 21 of the body 2 and the output window 3. In detail, the first transverse side 63 has the same inclination as the second transverse side 64. Even more in detail, the inclination of the first and second transverse sides 63, 64 is greater than the inclination of the first and second transverse walls 76, 77 of the shielding elements 71, thus allowing the radiation exiting the second openings 73 of the shielding elements 71 not to be substantially intercepted. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first and second transverse sides 63, 64 are curved.

[0034] The first and second longitudinal sides 61, 62 and the first and second transverse sides 63, 64 of the spacer 6 form a single body. In other words, the spacer 6 is a frame which, on the one hand, receives the shielding structure 7 and, on the other hand, delimits the projection aperture 25 of the body 2. The spacer 6 is also made of plastic material and its sides may be a light-coloured (e.g. white) or a dark-coloured (e.g. black). For example, a light-coloured spacer 6 allows to recover any reflected rays inside the optical compartment of the module 1 and, in use, appears illuminated attenuating the contrast between the mechanical-optical group 5 and the external environment.

[0035] The output window 3 allows the conveyed radiation to exit the module 1, at the same time protecting the latter from dust and debris contamination. The output window 3 is for example a plain glass or is a glass treated on one or both surfaces. The treatment, or finishing, can be obtained by sandblasting, etching or more generally by imprinting a regular texture on the surface, so as to alter the light distribution in output according to design preferences. Different treatments of the glass surface of the output window 3 therefore allow the degree of illumination comfort of the optical module to be varied.

[0036] In Figure 7 the shielding structure according to a different embodiment is shown, denoted with number 107. The shielding structure 107 is in particular described with reference to the differences with respect to the shielding structure 7 of Figure 5A.

[0037] Figure 7 shows the longitudinal section of the shielding structure 107 in which a single column is shown. The shielding structure 107 comprises a first group G1 and a second group G2 of shielding elements 71 as described above. In detail, the first group G1 comprises a first half of the shielding elements 71 and the second group G2 comprises a second half of the shielding elements 71; for example, the shielding elements 71 of the shielding structure 107 are in a same number as those of the shielding structure 7 shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0038] More in detail, the first group G1 comprises shielding elements 71 arranged like the shielding elements 71 of the shielding structure 7 of Figure 5A; the second group G2 instead comprises shielding elements 71 arranged symmetrically with respect to the shielding elements 71 of the first group G1 with respect to a plane H of symmetry parallel to the plane XZ and passing centrally to the shielding structure 107. In other words, the shielding elements 71 of the second group G2 are rotated by 180° about the axis Z with respect to the shielding elements 71 of the first group G1. The first longitudinal wall 74 of each of the shielding elements 71 of the second group G2 therefore faces the second lateral end 23b of the body 2. Furthermore, the first longitudinal walls 74 of the more central shielding elements 71 of the first and second groups G1, G2 contact each other along respective corners.

[0039] The transverse section of the shielding structure 107 is identical to that of the shielding structure 7 of Figure 5B. The shielding structure 107 thus makes it possible to obtain a light distribution in the area to be illuminated that is more elliptical, i.e. narrower in a plane parallel to the plane YZ with the same light distribution in a plane parallel to the plane XZ, in order to satisfy for example needs for a more concentrated lighting below the module 1.

[0040] Figures 8 and 9 show portions of respective optical-mechanical groups of the optical module for outdoor lighting according to different embodiments, denoted by number 205. The mechanical-optical group 205 is described with reference to the differences with respect to the mechanical-optical group 5 of Figure 3, and in particular with reference to the differences with respect to the arrangement of the shielding elements in the shielding structure and therefore of the light sources of the light matrix.

[0041] The mechanical-optical group 205 comprises a shielding structure 207 and a light matrix 208. In detail, the shielding structure 207 comprises a plurality of shielding elements 271 equal (or substantially equal) to each other. The light matrix 208 comprises a plurality of light sources 281, for example identical to the light sources 81 of the mechanical-optical group 5, equal to each other and in number equal to the number of the shielding elements 271 of the shielding structure 207. Also in the mechanical-optical group 205, the light matrix 208 is coupled to the shielding structure 207 so that each light source 281 corresponds to (i.e. is at least partially accommodated in) a shielding element 271.

[0042] In the mechanical-optical group 205, the shielding elements 271 are arranged, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, offset along at least one of the axis X and the axis Y (e.g., in Figure 8 offset along the axis X and in Figure 9 offset along the axis Y). In addition, each shielding element 271 contacts adjacent shielding elements 271 and is formed by an inverted "cup-type" hollow body, open on both sides along the axis Z. In detail, each shielding element 271 has a growing section along the axis Z (in the negative direction, i.e. it widens towards the output window 3) from a first base 271a, which is configured to receive the conditioning optics of the corresponding light source 281 (for example, accommodating it at least partially), up to a second base 271b having a larger dimension, on a plane parallel to the plane XY, with respect to the first base 271a, the second base 271b facing the output window 3 and its free edge defining a corresponding aperture through which the radiation emitted by a corresponding light source 281 can pass.

[0043] Figure 8 shows in particular a mechanical-optical group 205 in which the shielding elements 271 are arranged in a "honeycomb" pattern. In detail, each shielding element 271 of Figure 8 has sections along planes parallel to the plane XY which are hexagonal and comprises six lateral walls 271c all inclined with respect to the axis Z (the shielding elements 271 of Figure 9 have therefore a substantially truncated-pyramid shape with a hexagonal base). More in detail, the lateral walls 271c all have the same inclination with respect to the axis Z, the inclination being a design parameter with respect to the light distribution obtainable in output from the optical module. For example, the lateral walls 271c may have an inclination between 60° and 85°. In a non-limiting embodiment, the lateral walls 271c are curved walls.

[0044] In particular, Figure 9 shows a mechanical-optical group 205 in which the shielding elements 271 have sections along planes parallel to the plane XY which are circular and in which shielding elements 271 adjacent to each other contact tangentially. Each shielding element 271 has therefore substantially a truncated-cone shape and has a lateral surface 271d inclined with respect to the axis Z, the inclination being a design parameter with respect to the light distribution obtainable in output from the optical module. For example, the lateral surface 271d may have an inclination between 60° and 85°; for example, the sections parallel to the planes XZ and YZ of the shielding elements 271 of Figure 9 are identical to the section of the shielding elements 71 shown in Figure 5B. In a non-limiting embodiment, the lateral surface 271d is curved.

[0045] The mechanical-optical group 205 of Figures 8 and 9 further comprises an adaptation element 272 that encloses the shielding elements 271 and facilitates the connection between the outermost shielding elements 271 and the spacer 6 (not shown in Figures 8 and 9). In a non-limiting embodiment, the adaptation element 272 is quadrangular and comprises slabs that run around the external perimeter of the shielding structure 207.

[0046] The shielding elements 271 of Figures 8 and 9 are also configured to convey radiation emitted from a corresponding light source 281 towards the output window 3 and to create light distributions according to design preferences at desired distances from the optical module. In particular, since the shielding elements 271 have the same sections along planes parallel to the planes XZ and YZ, the optical module comprising the mechanical-optical group 205 allows to obtain an omnidirectional lighting comfort and at the same time a spatial filtering of the light sources 281.

[0047] In general, the optical module of the present invention allows obtaining desired light distributions on the area to be illuminated with greater flexibility. In addition, the obtainable light distributions are overall improved in terms of lighting comfort, greatly reducing the dotted effect of the LED light sources, light waste in unwanted and harmful directions, and glare and visual disturbance. As described above, in fact, the shielding structure allows the radiation generated to be directed with a very high degree of control in the area of interest, maximising the use of the optical module from an energy point of view and improving its reliability.

[0048] Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to what has been described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0049] For example, the shielding structure can have an external profile different from the rectangular shape shown in Figure 3, despite the shielding elements being arranged in rows and columns: for example, the shielding structure can have an elliptical or circular shape and the shielding elements can be arranged in rows and columns having a number of elements different from each other (for example, the row / column corresponding to the major axis of the ellipse having a number of elements greater than the column / row corresponding to the minor axis of the ellipse). The mechanical-optical group, moreover, may or may not have an adaptation element that facilitates the connection of the shielding structure to a spacer as the one shown; or, the spacer may have sections in planes parallel to the plane XY different from what is shown, in particular an internal profile suitable, for example, for connection to a shielding structure of elliptical or circular shape.

[0050] In an embodiment not shown, for example, shielding elements of quadrangular section and having lateral walls all with the same inclination with respect to the axis Z are arranged in rows and columns as shown in Figure 3. More in general, shielding elements having lateral walls all at the same inclination with respect to the axis Z may have sections in planes parallel to the plane XY with a polygonal shape different from what is shown (e.g., pentagonal or octagonal) and be arranged in corresponding arrangements in the shielding structure.

[0051] For example, the light matrix can be defined by several PCB boards separated from each other, at most by a PCB board for each light source that contacts the body on one side and a corresponding shielding element on the other one. It is also possible that the light matrix is not rectangular in shape, but hexagonal, circular or elliptical depending on the shape of the shielding structure.

[0052] The emission element LED of the light sources can be further conditioned by internal optics, optically arranged upstream of the corresponding conditioning optics shown, in order to achieve emitting properties according to design preferences and without impacting on the directed conveyance created by the shielding structure.

Claims

1. Optical module (1) for outdoor lighting comprising: - a hollow, box-type, body (2) comprising a first end (21) provided with a projection aperture (25); - a mechanical-optical group (5; 205), accommodated in the body (2) and comprising a light matrix (8; 208), for the generation of light rays, and a shielding structure (7; 107; 207), coupled to the light matrix (8; 208) and configured to interact with the light rays generated by the light matrix (8; 208), the light matrix (8; 208) comprising a plurality of light sources (81; 281) configured to emit the light rays along a first axis (Z) through the shielding structure (7; 107; 207); and - an output window (3) coupled to the projection aperture (25), configured to allow the output of the light rays generated by the light matrix (8; 208) and passing through the shielding structure (7; 107; 207), characterized in that the shielding structure (7; 107; 207) comprises a body in which a plurality of cup-shaped shielding elements (71; 271) is formed, each shielding element (71; 271) having: - a base (71a; 271a), substantially orthogonal to the first axis (Z) and coupled to a corresponding light source (81; 281); and - lateral walls (74-77; 271c; 271d), configured to at least partially intercept and block the light rays emitted by the corresponding light source (81; 281).

2. Optical module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shielding elements (71) are arranged in a matrix of rows and columns and wherein each shielding element (71) comprises a first lateral wall (74) and a second lateral wall (75) facing each other along a second axis (Y), perpendicular to the first axis (Z) and parallel to the columns, and inclined with respect to the first axis (Z), the inclination of the first lateral wall (74) being greater than the inclination of the second lateral wall (75) so that the light rays emitted by the corresponding light source (81) are more intercepted and blocked by the second lateral wall (75).

3. Optical module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inclination of the first lateral wall (74) with respect to the first axis (Z) has values between 60° and 85°.

4. Optical module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first lateral walls (74) of the shielding elements (71) of a same column have a same orientation.

5. Optical module (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the shielding elements (71) of a same column are divided into a first group (G1) and into a second group (G2) of the shielding structure (107), and wherein the first lateral walls (74) of the shielding elements (71) of the first group (G1) have an opposite orientation with respect to the first lateral walls (74) of the shielding elements (71) of the second group (G2).

6. Optical module (1) according to any of the claims 2 to 5, wherein each shielding element (71) further comprises a third lateral wall (76) and a fourth lateral wall (77) facing each other along a third axis (X), perpendicular to the first axis (Z) and to the second axis (Y) and parallel to the rows, the third lateral wall (76) and the fourth lateral wall (77) having a same inclination with respect to the first axis (Z).

7. Optical module (1) according to any of the claims 2 to 6, wherein the base (71a) of each shielding element (71) is provided with a first aperture (72), and wherein each shielding element (71) further has a second aperture (73), the first aperture (72) and the second aperture (73) being opposite to each other along the first axis (Z), the first aperture (72) being configured to accommodate at least partially a conditioning optics (83) of the corresponding light source (81) and the second aperture (73) being configured to be crossed by the light rays emitted by the corresponding light source (81), and wherein the first lateral wall (74) and the second lateral wall (75) extend from the base (71a) to the second aperture (73).

8. Optical module (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding elements (71) are hollow and have a substantially truncated-pyramid shape with quadrangular base, with increasing cross-section along the first axis (Z).

9. Optical module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shielding elements (271) of the mechanical-optical group (205) are arranged offset along at least one between a second axis (Y) and a third axis(X), the second and the third axis (Y, X) being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the first axis (Z), each shielding element (271) being in contact with adjacent shielding elements (271), and wherein the lateral walls (271c; 271d) are inclined with respect to the first axis (Z) and all have a same inclination.

10. Optical module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the shielding elements (271) are hollow and have a substantially truncated-pyramid shape, for example with hexagonal base, or a substantially truncated-cone shape, with increasing cross-section along the first axis (Z).

11. Optical module (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a spacer (6), accommodated in the body (2) and connecting the shielding structure (7; 107; 207) to the first end (21) of the body (2), the spacer (6) comprising sides (61-64) more inclined, with respect to the first axis (Z), than the lateral walls (74-77; 271c; 271d) of the shielding elements (71; 271).

12. Optical module (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light sources (81; 281) are LED sources and wherein the shielding structure (7; 107; 207) is of a plastic material.

13. Optical module (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output window (3) is a plain glass, or is a glass treated on at least a surface, for example is a sandblasted or etched glass.

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