FRONT LIGHTING DEVICE FOR LAND VEHICLES

Abstract

FRONT LIGHTING DEVICE FOR LAND VEHICLES Front lighting device comprising: - a first optical lens (2), having a first optical axis (3), a first input diopter (14) with a surface generally transverse to the first optical axis, a limiting diopter (16) with a limiting surface adjacent to the first input diopter and parallel to the first optical axis, and a first output diopter (15) with a parabolic surface, the first optical lens being arranged to receive a first beam of light oriented along said first optical axis and to shape it into a low beam (9) distributed obliquely from and along a first side of a first limiting plane (10), - a second optical lens (4), having a second optical axis (5) substantially parallel to the first optical axis,a second entrance diopter (20) with a central cavity-shaped zone bounded by a convex bottom (22) and a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface (23), and a peripheral zone (24) with total internal reflection, the second optical lens being arranged to receive a second beam of light oriented along said second optical axis and to shape it into a road lighting beam (19) distributed around the second optical axis. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 9,

Description

Title of the invention: FRONT LIGHTING DEVICE FOR LAND VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of front lighting of light land vehicles such as bicycles or scooters, combining a downward lighting beam to illuminate the road surface in front of the vehicle, and an upward lighting beam for additional lighting.

[0002] Document WO 2013 / 186685 A1 describes a bicycle headlamp shaped to generate a first cone of light directed downwards relative to a horizontal plane, and a second cone of light directed upwards relative to said horizontal plane, having a sufficiently wide angle relative to said horizontal plane to avoid dazzling oncoming users. For this, the light emitted by a light-emitting diode is reflected by a parabolic mirror and then divided by an optical lens with two focal lengths to produce the first and second cones of light. Such a device does not provide sufficient illumination over a long distance.

[0003] Document FR 3 003 010 A describes a headlight with a combination of high and low beams for a bicycle. The high beam is generated by a first direct light-emitting diode facing forward, the light of which passes through a converging optical lens producing a beam with parallel horizontal rays. The low beam is generated by a light-emitting diode facing downward, the light of which is reflected by a reflection surface producing a beam with diverging rays directed downwards. Such a device is bulky and does not allow the distribution of illumination to be managed effectively, in particular in an intermediate zone between the high beam and the low beam.

[0004] With the development of light electrically assisted vehicles, the speed of which is increased by the electrical assistance, it becomes appropriate to improve the front lighting devices, to provide both effective long-distance road lighting and dipped beam lighting to avoid blinding or inconveniencing oncoming users. Statement of the invention

[0005] A problem addressed by the present invention is to design a front lighting device providing an efficient and well-distributed long-distance road lighting (HB) function, and providing an efficient and well-distributed dipped beam lighting (LB) function while avoiding blinding or inconveniencing oncoming users. reverse direction.

[0006] At the same time, the invention aims to design such a front lighting device which is simple, compact and inexpensive, to be compatible with the constraints relating to light vehicles.

[0007] As a possible addition, the invention aims to design such a front lighting device providing an additional light signaling function (DRL).

[0008] To achieve these and other objects, according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a light beam shaper for a lighting device, comprising: - first beam shaping means, in the form of a first optical lens having a first optical axis, arranged to receive a first incident beam of light oriented along said first optical axis and to shape it into a first illuminating beam distributed from and along a first side of a first boundary plane and around a first mean direction diverging obliquely from said first boundary plane, forming with the first optical axis a second plane perpendicular to the first boundary plane, - second beam shaping means, in the form of a second optical lens having a second optical axis substantially parallel to the first optical axis, the second optical axis being contained in said second plane and offset away from the first boundary plane opposite said first side, the second beam shaping means being arranged to receive a second incident beam of light oriented along said second optical axis and to shape it into a second illumination beam distributed around the second optical axis.

[0009] The first lighting beam is suitable for constituting a dipped beam (LB). The second lighting beam is suitable for constituting a main beam (HB).

[0010] In the present description and in the appended claims, the following designates: - “diopter” a surface separating two homogeneous and isotropic media having different refractive indices; - "optical axis" means the direction followed by a light ray passing through an optical lens without being deflected; in practice, an optical lens is limited by an entrance diopter and an exit diopter, and the optical axis passes through the two respective points of the entrance diopter and the exit diopter whose tangent planes are parallel to each other; - “upstream of an element” a position which is closer to a light source than this element, in the direction of progression of light rays propagating from this light source; - “downstream of an element” a position which is further from a light source than this element, in the direction of progression of the light rays propagating from this light source.

[0011] The use of two optical lenses, each having an optical axis, makes it possible to optimize each of the two lighting modes independently of one another, and to obtain better lighting efficiency.

[0012] The parallel orientation of the first and second optical axes makes it possible to achieve more efficient and well-distributed long-distance road lighting, presenting maximum illumination in the vicinity of the first limit plane.

[0013] Advantageously, the first optical lens is convergent.

[0014] To effectively confine the first illumination beam along the first side of the first boundary plane, the first optical lens may comprise: - a first entrance diopter with a surface generally transverse to the first optical axis, - a first exit diopter with a surface generally transverse to the first optical axis, - a limiting diopter having a limiting surface, preferably continuous and flat, adjacent to the first input diopter and developing in the direction of the first output diopter, parallel to the first and second optical axes and perpendicular to the plane defined by said first and second optical axes.

[0015] Preferably, the limiting diopter is extended, in the direction of the first exit diopter, by a convex diopter shaped to fold into the first beam shaping means a first portion of the first incident beam of light going beyond the limiting surface of the limiting diopter.

[0016] In practice, the limiting surface of the limiting diopter can be slightly offset away from the first optical axis in the direction of the second optical axis.

[0017] The first entrance diopter can be a flat surface, or slightly concave.

[0018] To achieve good distribution of the illumination provided by the first beam shaping means, the first output diopter may be a convex surface, preferably having two parabolic profiles, namely: - a first parabolic profile parallel to the second plane and, - a second parabolic profile along a plane perpendicular to the second plane and containing the first optical axis, - the vertices of the first and second parabolic profiles being located on the first optical axis.

[0019] A symmetrical distribution of the illumination can be achieved by providing that the second parabolic profile is symmetrical with respect to the second plane.

[0020] To ensure effective illumination over a long distance, it is advantageous to provide that the second optical lens is a total internal reflection lens, having a second entrance diopter with a central zone in the form of a cavity limited by a convex bottom and by a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface, and having a peripheral zone with total internal reflection.

[0021] The second optical lens may advantageously comprise a second output diopter with a convex ruled surface with a generator parallel to the second plane and perpendicular to the second optical axis, preferably connecting to a parabolic terminal edge of the first output diopter.

[0022] This makes it possible to effectively manage the lateral distribution of the illumination produced by the second beam shaping means.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the first input diopter and the input of said cavity are arranged substantially in the same input plane transverse to the first and second optical axes. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, because it allows, in the use of such a beam former, to place on the same plane, and therefore on the same printed circuit, the two light sources generating the first and second light beams, so as to reduce the production cost of a lighting device.

[0024] The shaper as defined above may further comprise third beam shaping means, extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the first and second beam shaping means, arranged to receive at least a third incident beam of light and to shape it into a third illumination beam distributed in a ring around the assembly formed by the first and second optical lenses and oriented downstream in a third mean direction substantially parallel to the first and second optical axes. This third illumination beam is suitable for providing the light signaling function (DRL).

[0025] In all the embodiments described above, it is advantageous to provide that the beam shaping means are formed by a single piece and in a single material. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the assembly and production cost of a lighting device, and this makes it possible to guarantee over time the maintenance of the optical properties of the lighting device since the different parts of the beam shaper are integral with each other and cannot become deregulated.

[0026] However, in the case of the presence of third beam shaping means, it is necessary to solve an additional problem resulting from the risk that the first, second and third lighting beams mix at least partially in the single-piece part and thus contain visible and unacceptable light disturbances at the output.

[0027] To solve this additional problem, it can be provided that the third beam shaping means are connected to the first and second beam shaping means by a connecting zone in the form of a connecting ring. Such a connecting ring zone constitutes a radial connecting zone, which the light rays of the first, second and third illumination beams, propagating essentially parallel to the optical axes, can hardly cross.

[0028] In addition, it is preferable that: - the first and / or second beam shaping means respectively comprise at least one internal total reflection zone, - the connecting ring is arranged, along the first and second optical axes, downstream of said at least one internal total reflection zone and upstream of the first and second output diopters. The penetration of the light rays of the first and second illumination beams into the radial connecting zone is thus prevented.

[0029] Furthermore, said connecting ring may advantageously have a thickness, taken in a direction parallel to the first and second optical axes, which is less than a thickness of the third beam shaping means. This further reduces the capacity of the light rays of the third illumination beam to penetrate into the radial connecting zone.

[0030] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a lighting device, comprising: - a light beam shaper as defined above, - a first light source arranged to emit said first incident beam of light oriented along said first optical axis directly towards the first input diopter of the first beam shaping means, - a second light source arranged to emit said second incident beam of light oriented along said second optical axis directly towards the input of the second beam shaping means.

[0031] In such a lighting device, it can advantageously be provided that: - the first optical lens comprises a first input diopter with a surface generally transverse to the first optical axis, and comprises a limiting diopter having a flat surface, adjacent to the first input diopter, parallel to the first and second optical axes and perpendicular to the plane defined by said first and second optical axes, - the limiting diopter is offset away from the first optical axis in the direction of the second optical axis, - the first light source comprises at least one first light-emitting diode having an emission axis substantially coinciding with the first optical axis, - said at least one first light-emitting diode comprises a surface emission, which is arranged upstream and close to the first input diopter along the first optical axis, and which extends partly beyond the limiting surface of the limiting diopter in the direction of the second optical axis.

[0032] Thanks to the partial extension of the emission surface beyond the limiting diopter, it is prevented that the limiting diopter visibly reduces the peripheral aberrations generated by the first light-emitting diode into the first beam of light.

[0033] At the same time, to prevent this parasitic and peripheral flux from penetrating into the second lighting beam, it is advantageous to provide an opaque cover, arranged between the limiting diopter and the second optical axis, and shaped to absorb the radiation emitted by said at least one first light-emitting diode in the direction of the second beam shaping means.

[0034] In such a lighting device, one or more of the following characteristics may also be provided: - the second light source comprises at least one second light-emitting diode having an emission axis substantially coinciding with the second optical axis, - a third light source emitting said third incident beam of light which is directly received by a third input diopter of the third beam shaping means, said third light source preferably comprising at least one third light-emitting diode, - the light-emitting diodes of the first and second light sources, and where appropriate the light-emitting diode(s) of the third light source, are carried by a flat face of the same printed circuit. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the attached figures, among which:

[0036] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a left side view of a beam former light according to a first embodiment of the present invention having two beam shaping means and a planar continuous limiting surface;

[0037] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view of the output face of the light beam former of [Fig.l];

[0038] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a left side view of the light beam former of [Fig.l], shown with two light sources and a cover;

[0039] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a side view illustrating the first parabolic profile of the first exit diopter;

[0040] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a top view illustrating the second parabolic profile of the first exit diopter;

[0041] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a right side view of the light beam former of [Fig.1], illustrating the path of the light beams in the first optical lens when illuminated by the first light source;

[0042] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates the illumination of a transverse screen placed 10 m downstream of the light beam shaper of [Fig.l] during illumination by the first light source;

[0043] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a right side view of the light beam former of [Fig.l], illustrating the path of the light beams in the second optical lens when illuminated by the second light source;

[0044] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a right side sectional view of the light beam former of [Fig.l], illustrating the path of the light beams in the first and second optical lenses when illuminated by the first and second light sources;

[0045] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates the illumination of a transverse screen arranged 10 m downstream of the light beam shaper of [Fig.l] during illumination by the first and second light sources;

[0046] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a right side view of a light beam shaper according to a second embodiment of the present invention having three beam shaping means and a planar continuous limiting surface;

[0047] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a view of the output face of the light beam former of [Fig.l 1];

[0048] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a left side view of the light beam former of [Fig.l 1];

[0049] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a right side view in section along the optical axes of the light beam shaper of [Fig.l 1], associated with three light sources;

[0050] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a top view in section along the second optical axis of the light beam shaper of [Fig. 11], associated with a second light source;

[0051] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a rear perspective view of the light beam former of [Fig.l 1];

[0052] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a rear perspective view of the third beam shaping means of the light beam shaper of [Fig.l 1];

[0053] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a rear face view of the third beam shaping means of the light beam shaper of [Fig.l 1];

[0054] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is a partial right side sectional view of the light beam former of [Fig.l 1], illustrating the path of the light rays in the second optical lens during illumination by the second light source;

[0055] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a top sectional view of the beam former light of [Fig.l 1], illustrating the path of the light rays in the second optical lens during illumination by the second light source;

[0056] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a partial right side sectional view of the conformer of light beams of [Fig.l 1] taken in isolation, illustrating the path of the light rays in the first optical lens during illumination by the first light source;

[0057] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] is a partial right side sectional view of the conformer of light beams of [Fig.l 1] associated with an output trim, illustrating the path of the light rays in the first optical lens and at the output when illuminated by the first light source;

[0058] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] is a front perspective view of a lighting device before according to an embodiment of the invention incorporating a light beam shaper according to the invention;

[0059] [Fig.24] [Fig.24] illustrates the six faces of the front lighting device of [Fig.23] ; And

[0060] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] is an exploded perspective view of the front lighting device of [Fig.23]. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] When identical reference numerals are used in several embodiments of the invention, these reference numerals designate identical or similar elements in each of the embodiments.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a light beam shaper 1 according to the present invention comprises first shaping means, in the form of a first optical lens 2 having a first optical axis 3, and second shaping means, in the form of a second optical lens 4 having a second optical axis 5.

[0063] [Fig.9] illustrates this light beam shaper 1 in use when illuminated by a first light source 6 and a second light source 7 to produce illumination beams.

[0064] The first light source 6 is arranged to produce a first incident beam of light 8 oriented along the first optical axis 3, and the first optical lens 2 is arranged to receive this first incident beam of light 8 and to conform it into a first illumination beam 9 distributed from and along a first side of a first limit plane 10 and around a first mean direction 11 deviating obliquely from said first limit plane 10 while forming with the first optical axis 3 a second plane 12 ([Fig.2]) perpendicular to the first limit plane 10 and containing the two optical axes 3 and 5.

[0065] The second light source 7 is arranged to produce a second incident beam of light 13 oriented along the second optical axis 5, and the second optical lens 4 is arranged to receive this second incident beam of light 13 and conform it into a second illumination beam 19 distributed around the second optical axis 5.

[0066] To fulfill the conformation function as set out above, the first optical lens 2 has the structure illustrated in the figures, in particular figures 1 to 5.

[0067] Thus, the first optical lens 2 comprises a first input diopter 14 and a first output diopter 15. The first input diopter 14 comprises a generally flat surface transverse to the first optical axis 3. The surface of the first input diopter 14 may be slightly concave. The first output diopter 15 comprises a convex surface, preferably symmetrical to the second plane 12.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first exit diopter 15 is a convex surface having two parabolic profiles, namely a first parabolic profile illustrated in [Fig.4] and parallel to the second plane 12, and a second parabolic profile illustrated in [Fig.5] and perpendicular to the second plane 12. The vertices of the first and second parabolic profiles are located on the first optical axis 3. The first parabolic profile is visible in side view, for example in [Fig.1], while the second parabolic profile is visible in top view, for example in [Fig.15],

[0069] The first optical lens 2 further comprises a limiting diopter 16, having a limiting surface developing on either side of the second plane 12. The limiting surface is adjacent to the first entrance diopter 14, develops in the direction of the first exit diopter 15, is parallel to the first optical axis 3 and perpendicular to the second plane 12 defined by the optical axes 3 and 5.

[0070] In the embodiments in Figures 1 to 16, the limiting surface of the limiting diopter 16 is a continuous planar surface. The limiting diopter 16 has the function of reliably preventing light rays passing through the first optical lens 2 from the first light source 6 from propagating beyond the first limiting plane 10.

[0071] The limiting diopter 16 may contain the first optical axis 3. Alternatively, the limiting diopter 16 may be slightly offset away from the first optical axis 3 in the direction of the second optical axis 5.

[0072] The particular structure of the first optical lens 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16 makes it possible to effectively shape the first illumination beam 9, to generate maximum illumination in the vicinity of the first limit plane 10, a absence of illumination beyond the first limit plane 10, and illumination distributed widely on either side of the second plane 12. This is illustrated by [Fig.7], showing the iso-illumination curves on a transverse screen placed downstream at a distance from the first optical lens 2 during its use. In this figure, we distinguish the first limit plane 10, the second plane 12, and the distribution of the illumination obtained. This is suitable for producing, for example, a dipped beam lighting beam for a light vehicle, by orienting the first optical lens 2 with its limiting diopter 16 in a horizontal position facing upwards, so that the first limit plane 10 is horizontal and constitutes an upper limit of the first lighting beam 9.

[0073] In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the limiting diopter 16 is extended, in the direction of the first exit diopter 15, by a convex diopter 17. As illustrated in [Fig.6], the convex diopter 17 is shaped to fold into the first optical lens 2 a first possible portion 18 of the first incident beam of light 8 going beyond the limiting surface of the limiting diopter 16.

[0074] When in use, for example illustrated in [Fig.6], the first optical lens 2 is advantageously associated with an opaque cover 100, arranged between the limiting diopter 16 and the second optical axis 5, and arranged to absorb a possible second portion 101 of the first incident beam of light 8 propagating in the direction of the second optical lens 4.

[0075] To fulfill the conformation function as previously explained, the second optical lens 4 has the structure illustrated in the figures, in particular in [Fig.6].

[0076] The second optical lens 4 is a total internal reflection collimator type lens, the structure of which is better visible in section for example in [Fig.6]. The second optical lens 4 comprises a second input diopter 20 and a second output diopter 21.

[0077] The second entrance diopter 20 comprises a central cavity-shaped zone limited by a convex bottom 22 and by a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface 23. The second optical lens 4 further comprises a peripheral zone 24 with total internal reflection, adjacent to the second entrance diopter 20.

[0078] The second exit diopter 21 comprises a convex ruled surface with a generator parallel to the second plane 12 and perpendicular to the second optical axis 5. Preferably, the surface of the second exit diopter 21 connects to a parabolic terminal edge 15a of the first exit diopter 15, so that the profile of the second exit diopter 21 seen from above ([Fig. 15]) is itself parabolic.

[0079] [Fig.8] illustrates the path of the light rays in the second optical lens 4 during its use. In particular, we can distinguish the rays of the second incident beam of light 13, refracted as they pass through the convex bottom 22 and the perisurface spherical 23 of the second entrance diopter 20, totally reflected by the peripheral zone 24 with total internal reflection, and finally refracted by the surface of the second exit diopter 21.

[0080] In reality, as seen in [Fig.9], when used to generate a high beam, the two optical lenses 2 and 4 are advantageously used simultaneously, illuminated by the two respective light sources 6 and 7. At the output of the light beam shaper 1, the output lighting beams 9 and 19 combine.

[0081] The particular structure of the second optical lens 4, as illustrated in the figures, makes it possible to effectively shape the second lighting beam 19, to generate maximum illumination at a distance on either side of the first limit plane 10. This is illustrated by [Fig. 10], showing the iso-illumination curves on a transverse screen placed downstream at a distance from the second optical lens 4 during its simultaneous use with the first optical lens 2. In this figure, the first limit plane 10, the second plane 12, and the distribution of the illumination obtained by the combination of the illuminations produced by the first optical lens 2 and the second optical lens 4 are distinguished. This is suitable for producing, for example, a road lighting beam for a light vehicle, by orienting the first optical lens 2 so that the first limit plane 10 is horizontal and constitutes an upper limit of the first lighting beam 9.

[0082] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first input diopter 14 and the input of the cavity of the second input diopter 20 are arranged substantially in the same input plane transverse to the first and second optical axes 3 and 5.

[0083] Also, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the light beam shaper 1, consisting of the first lens 2 and the second lens 4, is a single-piece part made from a single transparent material shaped by molding, advantageously from PMMA or PC, for example.

[0084] We will now consider another embodiment of the light beam shaper 1 according to the invention, as illustrated in Figures 11 to 16. In this other embodiment, the light beam shaper 1 again comprises the optical lenses 2 and 4 of the previous embodiment, and further comprises third beam shaping means 25, arranged to receive, on at least a third input diopter 26, at least a third incident beam of light and to shape it into a third signaling beam, distributed in a ring around the assembly formed by the optical lenses 2 and 4, directed in the same direction as the first illumination beam 9 and the second illumination beam 19, and oriented in a third average direction substantially parallel to the first and second optical axes 3 and 5.

[0085] The optical lenses 2 and 4 and the third beam shaping means 25 are advantageously made of a single piece, made from a single transparent material shaped by molding, advantageously PMMA or PC, for example.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the third beam shaping means 25 comprise: - a first light guide 27 comprising the third input diopter 26, a first longitudinal section 28 and a first arcuate section 29, - a second light guide 27a comprising a fourth input diopter 26a, a second longitudinal section 28a and a second arcuate section 29a, - the first arc section 29 having a first rear face 30 provided with a series of prisms distributed to reflect the light towards a third exit diopter 31, the prisms being arranged and shaped along the first arc section 29 in order to obtain the most homogeneous possible luminance at the guide exit, - the second arc section 29a having a second rear face 30a provided with a series of prisms distributed to reflect the light towards the third exit diopter 31, the prisms being arranged and shaped along the second arc section 29a in order to obtain the most homogeneous possible luminance at the guide exit.

[0087] As seen in the figures, the first and second longitudinal sections 28 and 28a each have an outer surface shaped with faces arranged to allow the light beam shaper 1 to be demolded when the latter is made from a single molded part. The arcuate sections 29 and 29a each occupy a little less than a semicircle, as seen in particular in [Fig. 12].

[0088] Alternatively, the third beam shaping means 25 could comprise a single light guide whose arcuate section occupies a large part of the circle, or could comprise a different number of light guides.

[0089] As can be seen in the figures, in the illustrated embodiment, the arc sections 29 and 29a actually constitute an excess thickness of a connecting ring 32, transverse with respect to the first and second optical axes 3 and 5, and which connects the third beam shaping means 25 to the first and second optical lenses 2 and 4 while forming part of the single-piece part constituting the entire light beam shaper 1. Thus, said connecting ring 32 has a thickness, taken in a direction parallel to the first and second optical axes 3 and 5, which is less than the thickness of the arc sections 29 and 29a of the third beam shaping means 25.

[0090] According to the present invention, it is prevented that the light beams traveling through one of the optical systems constituted either by the first optical lens 2, or by the second optical lens 4, or by the third beam shaping means 25, propagate towards one of the other optical systems in the interior of the single-piece part. constituting the whole of the light beam shaper 1. For this, the connecting ring 32 is arranged, along the first and second optical axes 3 and 5 and in the direction of progression of the light rays, downstream of the peripheral zone 24 of total internal reflection of the second optical lens 4, and upstream of the first and second exit diopters 15 and 21.

[0091] Figures 19 to 22 illustrate this effect of the structure and the particular positioning of the connecting ring 32, avoiding the mixing of the light beams.

[0092] Thus, in Figures 19 and 20, the light rays traveling through the second optical lens 4 are perpendicular to the plane of the connecting ring 32, so that they cannot penetrate into the connecting ring 32. Simultaneously, any light rays penetrating into the thin connecting ring 32 from the first arcuate section 29 would generally be perpendicular to the second optical axis 5, and could not be deflected at 90° in the second optical lens 4 to propagate towards the second exit diopter 21 by mixing with the second illumination beam 19.

[0093] In [Fig. 21], the light rays traveling through the first optical lens 2 are oblique relative to the plane of the connecting ring 32 and therefore do not tend to propagate radially in the connecting ring 32 towards the second arc section 29a. Only a few boundary rays 33 are deflected towards the second arc section 29a, and these boundary rays 33 are absorbed by a front trim 37 illustrated in [Fig. 22].

[0094] We consider again [Fig. 9], which illustrates the general structure of the optical elements of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, we find the light beam shaper 1 formed of the first optical lens 2 and the second optical lens 4. In this case, the light beam shaper 1 is associated with a first light source 6, arranged close to the first input diopter 14 and oriented along the first optical axis 3, and with a second light source 7, arranged close to the second input diopter 20 and oriented along the second optical axis 5.

[0095] The first light source 6 comprises at least one first light-emitting diode having an emission axis substantially coinciding with the first optical axis 3. This first light source 6 comprises an emission surface arranged upstream and a few tenths of a millimeter from the first input diopter 14 so as to collect a maximum of its emitted flux. This emission surface extends mainly from the limiting diopter 16 away from the second optical axis 5, to efficiently collect the first incident beam of light 8. This emission surface extends partly beyond the limiting diopter 16 in the direction of the second optical axis 5, so that the unavoidable peripheral aberrations of the first light-emitting diode are not visibly reduced by the first optical lens 2 in the first illumination beam 9.

[0096] If increased illumination power is required, the first light source 6 may comprise several first light-emitting diodes. These first light-emitting diodes are then ideally distributed in one or more rows perpendicular to the second plane 12, to guarantee the above effects relating to the light distribution of the first lighting beam 9.

[0097] The second light source 7 comprises at least one second light-emitting diode having an emission axis substantially coinciding with the second optical axis 5. If increased illumination power is required, the second light source 7 may comprise several second light-emitting diodes.

[0098] We now consider [Fig. 11], which illustrates the general structure of the optical elements of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this other embodiment, we find the light beam shaper 1 formed of the first optical lens 2, the second optical lens 4, and the third beam shaping means 25. In this light beam shaper 1, the first optical lens 2 is associated with a first light source 6, the second optical lens 4 is associated with a second light source 7, arranged as in the embodiment of [Fig. 9]. The third beam shaping means 25 are associated with a third light source 34 and a fourth light source 34a, arranged respectively near the third input diopter 26 and the fourth input diopter 26a.

[0099] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.23], the general structure of the previously defined optical elements of the lighting device is contained in a housing 35, comprising a front opening 36 for the exit of the lighting beams. In this figure, the first exit diopter 15 and the second exit diopter 21 can also be seen.

[0100] For illustration purposes, [Fig.24] shows the six faces of the lighting device of [Fig.23]. The rear face of the housing 35 includes cooling fins 35a.

[0101] [Fig.25] illustrates, in exploded view, the various constituent parts of the lighting device of [Fig.23]. We find the light beam shaper 1 with the first optical lens 2, the second optical lens 4 and the third beam shaping means 25, the front trim 37, a support ring 38, the cover 100, a flat printed circuit 39 carrying the light-emitting diodes forming the first light source 6, second light source 7, third light source 34 and fourth light source 34a, a housing body 40 with the fins cooling 35a, and an outer ring 41 forming the outer surface of the housing 35.

[0102] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variations and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Light beam former (1) for a lighting device, comprising: - first beam former means, in the form of a first optical lens (2) having a first optical axis (3), arranged to receive a first incident beam of light (8) oriented along said first optical axis (3) and to shape it into a first illumination beam (9) distributed from and along a first side of a first boundary plane (10) and around a first mean direction (11) obliquely deviating from said first boundary plane (10) by forming with the first optical axis (3) a second plane (12) perpendicular to the first boundary plane (10), - second beam former means, in the form of a second optical lens (4) having a second optical axis (5) substantially parallel to the first optical axis (3),the second optical axis (5) being contained in said second plane (12) and offset away from the first boundary plane (10) opposite said first side, the second beam shaping means being arranged to receive a second incident beam of light (13) oriented along said second optical axis (5) and to shape it into a second illumination beam (19) distributed around the second optical axis (5).,

2. Conformer according to claim 1, characterized in that the first optical lens (2) is convergent.

3. A shaper according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first optical lens (2) comprises: - a first input diopter (14) with a surface generally transverse to the first optical axis (3), - a first output diopter (15) with a surface generally transverse to the first optical axis (3), - a limiting diopter (16) having a limiting surface, adjacent to the first input diopter (14) and extending in the direction of the first output diopter (15), parallel to the first and second optical axes (3, 5) and perpendicular to the plane defined by said first and second optical axes (3, 5).

4. Shaper according to claim 3, characterized in that the limiting diopter (16) is extended, in the direction of the first exit diopter (15), by a convex diopter (17) shaped to fold into the first beam shaping means (2) a first portion of first incident beam of light (18) going beyond the limiting surface of the limiting diopter (16).

5. Shaper according to claim 4, characterized in that the limiting surface of the limiting diopter (16) is a continuous flat surface.

6. Conformer according to claim 5, characterized in that the limiting surface of the limiting diopter (16) is offset away from the first optical axis (3) in the direction of the second optical axis (5).

7. Conformer according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the first entrance diopter (14) is a flat or slightly concave surface.

8. Conformer according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first output diopter (15) is a convex surface, preferably having two parabolic profiles, namely: - a first parabolic profile parallel to the second plane (12) and, - a second parabolic profile perpendicular to the second plane (12), - the vertices of the first and second parabolic profiles being located on the first optical axis (3).

9. Shaper according to claim 8, characterized in that the second parabolic profile is symmetrical with respect to the second plane (12).

10. Conformer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second optical lens (4) is a total internal reflection lens, having a second entrance diopter (20) with a central zone in the form of a cavity limited by a convex bottom (22) and by a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface (23), and having a peripheral zone (24) with total internal reflection.

11. Conformer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second optical lens (4) comprises a second output diopter (21) with a convex ruled surface with a generator parallel to the second plane (12) and perpendicular to the second optical axis (5).

12. Shaper according to claim 11, characterized in that the second exit diopter (21) is connected to a parabolic terminal edge (15a) of the first exit diopter (15).

13. Shaper according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the first entry diopter (14) and the entry of said cavity are arranged substantially in the same entry plane. transverse to the first (3) and second (5) optical axes.

14. Conformer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises third beam shaping means (25), extending along at least part of the periphery of the first (2) and second (4) beam shaping means, arranged to receive at least a third incident beam of light and to shape it into a third illuminating beam distributed in a ring around the assembly formed by the first (2) and second (4) beam shaping means and oriented downstream in a third average direction substantially parallel to the first (3) and second (5) optical axes.

15. Shaper according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the beam shaping means (2, 4, 25) are formed by a single piece and in a single material.

16. Shaper according to claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the third beam shaping means (25) are connected to the first (2) and second (4) beam shaping means by a connecting zone in the form of a connecting crown (32).

17. Conformer according to claim 16, characterized in that: - the first (2) and / or second (4) beam shaping means respectively comprise at least one internal total reflection zone (16, 24), - the connecting ring (32) is arranged, along the first (3) and second (5) optical axes, downstream of said at least one internal total reflection zone (16, 24) and upstream of the first (15) and second (21) output diopters.

18. Shaper according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that said connecting ring (32) has a thickness, taken in a direction parallel to the first (3) and second (5) optical axes, which is less than a thickness of the third beam shaping means (25).

19. Lighting device, comprising: - a light beam shaper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, - a first light source (6) arranged to emit said first incident beam of light (8) oriented along said first optical axis (3) directly towards the first input diopter (14) of the first beam shaping means (2), - a second light source (7) arranged to emit said second incident beam of light (13) oriented along said second optical axis (5) directly towards the input (20) of the second beam shaping means (4).

20. Lighting device according to claim 19, characterized in that: - the first light source (6) comprises at least one first light-emitting diode having an emission axis substantially coinciding with the first optical axis (3), - said at least one first light-emitting diode comprises an emission surface, which is arranged upstream and close to the first input diopter (14) along the first optical axis (3), and which extends partly beyond the limiting surface of the limiting diopter (16) in the direction of the second optical axis (5).

21. Lighting device according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that it comprises an opaque cover (100), arranged between the limiting diopter (16) and the second optical axis (5), and shaped to absorb the radiation (18) emitted by said at least one first light-emitting diode in the direction of the second beam shaping means (4).

22. Lighting device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the second light source (7) comprises at least one second light-emitting diode having an emission axis substantially coinciding with the second optical axis (5).

23. Lighting device according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that it comprises a third light source (34) emitting said third incident beam of light which is directly received by a third input diopter (26) of the third beam shaping means (25), said third light source (34) preferably comprising at least one third light-emitting diode.

24. Lighting device according to claim 22 or claim 23, characterized in that the light-emitting diodes of the first (6) and second (7) light sources, and where appropriate of the third light source (34), are carried by a flat face of the same printed circuit (39).

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