Optical module with camera and optical deflection element

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical module (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a camera (10) with a set of optical lenses (100), a housing (11) configured to receive said camera (10), a protective lens (12) arranged opposite said camera (10), and at least one light source (13) arranged next to the housing (11) of said camera (10) and configured to emit a light beam (R1) for illuminating said protective lens (12). The optical module (1) is characterized in that it further comprises at least one optical deflection element (14) configured to deflect multiple reflections (r) of the light beam (R1) emitted by said at least one light source (13) on said protective lens (12) so as to prevent said light beam (R1) from returning, in whole or in part, to the set of optical lenses (100) of said camera (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical module for a vehicle, which module is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to motor vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, one example (known to those skilled in the art) of an optical module 6 for a vehicle is: a camera 60 equipped with a set of optical lenses 600; a housing 61 configured to receive said camera 60; a protective lens 62 arranged opposite said camera 60; at least one light source 63 positioned next to said camera 60 and configured to emit a light beam R1 for illuminating said protective lens 62; It is equipped with:

[0003] The camera 60 is used to monitor the vehicle's external environment and for driver assistance functions such as parking assist and overtaking assist, and safety functions such as automatic braking when a pedestrian or cyclist is detected crossing in front of the vehicle. The camera generates images of the vehicle's external environment. These images may include, in a non-limiting example: - assist the driver of the vehicle (the driver can view the image from the camera 60 on an on-board screen); and / or - Used to assist driving with auxiliary systems.

[0004] One drawback of this prior art is that, as shown in FIG. 1 , light rays R1 from the at least one light source 63 are reflected from the inner surface 62.2 of the protective lens 62, resulting in primary reflections r1. These primary reflections r1 are first reflections. Some of these primary reflections r1 return to the lens set 600, as shown in FIG. 1 . Other primary reflections r1 are then reflected from the inner surface 62.2 of the protective lens 62, resulting in secondary reflections r2. Some of these secondary reflections also return to the lens set 600, as shown in FIG. 1 , and so on. This set of reflections, called multiple reflections (including, inter alia, the primary reflections r1 and secondary reflections r2 within the lens set 600), therefore clutters the field of view (FoV) of the camera 60.

[0005] The driver will see the parasitic light in the image produced by the camera 60, which will be visually annoying to the driver viewing the image from the camera 60 on an in-vehicle screen, thus reducing the effectiveness of driver assistance features. Furthermore, these multiple reflections will also reduce the effectiveness of safety features by disrupting the image produced by the camera 60. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In this context, the present invention aims to provide an optical module making it possible to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to an optical module for a vehicle, comprising: a camera having a set of optical lenses and a field of view; - a housing configured to receive said camera; a protective lens positioned opposite the camera, the protective lens having an outer refractive surface and an inner refractive surface; - An optical module comprising at least one light source configured to emit light rays for illuminating the protective lens and positioned next to the housing of the camera, characterized in that the optical module further comprises at least one optical deflection element configured to deflect multiple reflections of the light rays emitted by the at least one light source from the protective lens so as to prevent all or part of the light rays from returning to the set of optical lenses of the camera.

[0008] Thus, as will be seen in more detail below, thanks to the optical deflection elements, reflections of light rays from the at least one light source do not return to the camera's optical lens set and therefore do not obstruct the camera's field of view, and therefore there is no parasitic light in the image from the camera.

[0009] According to non-limiting embodiments, the optical module may further comprise one or more of the following additional features implemented alone or in any technically possible combination:

[0010] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one optical deflection element is a groove occurring on the inner refractive surface of the protective lens.

[0011] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the groove has an inner surface covered with black paint.

[0012] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the grooves comprise prisms.

[0013] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the outer refractive surface of the protective lens has a curved surface positioned opposite the at least one light source.

[0014] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one optical deflection element is made from a light-absorbing material.

[0015] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one optical deflection element is positioned adjacent to and extends along the inner refractive surface of the cover lens.

[0016] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one optical deflection element is formed by a prism located on the inner refractive surface of the protective lens.

[0017] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one optical deflection element is positioned in a recess on the inner refractive surface of the protective lens, facing the field of view of the camera.

[0018] According to one non-limiting embodiment, all or part of the at least one optical deflection element is positioned on the optical path of the multiple reflections.

[0019] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the protective lens is the vehicle's logo, or the light-emitting outer lens of the vehicle's front headlight, or the vehicle's front end grille, or the light-emitting outer lens of a taillight, or a flashing turn signal.

[0020] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the groove is positioned on the optical path of the multiple reflections.

[0021] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the grooves are configured to deflect certain light rays as well.

[0022] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the groove is positioned on the path of a certain light beam.

[0023] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the groove is positioned outside the field of view of the camera.

[0024] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the groove is positioned outside the field of view of the at least one light source.

[0025] According to one non-limiting embodiment, prisms are located on the inner surfaces of the grooves.

[0026] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the light absorbing material is located on the inner or outer side of the protective lens.

[0027] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the light absorbing material is positioned outside the field of view of the camera.

[0028] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the light absorbing material is positioned outside the field of view of the at least one light source.

[0029] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the prism faces towards the interior of the protective lens.

[0030] According to one non-limiting embodiment, the prism faces towards the exterior of the protective lens.

[0031] The invention and its various applications will be better understood from reading the following description and from observing the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art optical module for a vehicle, the optical module being viewed from above and comprising a camera, a housing for the camera, a protective lens, and at least one light source; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical module for a vehicle according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the optical module comprising a camera, a housing for the camera, a protective lens, at least one light source, and at least one optical deflection element, from above; [Figure 3] 3 is a close-up view of a portion of the optical module of FIG. 2, according to one non-limiting embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic view from above of the optical module of FIG. 2 according to a first embodiment variant of the first non-limiting embodiment; [Figure 5]3 is a schematic view from above of the optical module of FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment variant of the first non-limiting embodiment; [Figure 6] 3 is a schematic view from above of the optical module of FIG. 2 according to a third embodiment variant of the first non-limiting embodiment; [Figure 7] Schematic top view of a second non-limiting embodiment of an optical module for a vehicle, the optical module comprising a camera, a housing for the camera, a protective lens, at least one light source, and at least one optical deflection element. [Figure 8] Schematic top view of a third non-limiting embodiment of an optical module for a vehicle, the optical module comprising a camera, a housing for the camera, a protective lens, at least one light source, and at least one optical deflection element. [Figure 9] Schematic top view of a third non-limiting embodiment of an optical module for a vehicle, the optical module comprising a camera, a housing for the camera, a protective lens, at least one light source, and at least one optical deflection element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Elements that are identical in structure or function and that appear in different figures are designated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise indicated.

[0034] An optical module 1 for a vehicle 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 9. In one non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. "Motor vehicle" means any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment will be considered as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the specification. Throughout the remainder of the specification, the vehicle 2 will thus also be referred to as motor vehicle 2.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 to 9, an optical module 1 for a motor vehicle 2 includes: - Camera 10 and - Housing 11 and - a protective lens 12; at least one light source 13; at least one optical deflection element 14; It is equipped with:

[0036] Each element of the optical module 1 is described in detail below.

[0037] The camera 10 includes a set of optical lenses 100. The set of optical lenses 100 may include one or more optical lenses. The camera 10 has a field of view (FoV) 1, depicted by a dashed line in each figure. The camera 10 generates an image i1 of the environment external to the motor vehicle 2. In other words, the camera generates an image i1 related to a situation within the environment. The camera 10 thus detects moving objects, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles, as well as stationary objects, such as sidewalks, road markings, buildings, and trees. In a first non-limiting embodiment, the camera 10 is used for driver assistance functions. The image i1 is displayed on the instrument panel of the motor vehicle 2, enabling the driver of the motor vehicle 2 to perform maneuvers to (by way of non-limiting example) park the motor vehicle 2 or overtake another vehicle. In another non-limiting example, the image i1 allows the driver to see vehicles that may be approaching from the right or left at an intersection in order to determine whether the driver can safely cross the intersection. In another non-limiting example, image i1 is from a reversing camera. These images thus allow the driver to see pedestrians behind the vehicle 2 and perform a completely safe reversing maneuver without running over the pedestrian. In a second non-limiting embodiment, the camera 10 is used for safety functions, such as automatic braking if, in one non-limiting example, the camera 10 detects a pedestrian or bicyclist crossing in front of the vehicle 2. In a third non-limiting embodiment, the camera 10 is used for automated driving functions, such as an automated parking function.

[0038] Of course, the three non-limiting embodiments illustrating the use of the camera 10 may be combined.

[0039] In one non-limiting embodiment, the camera 10 is a wide-angle camera. In one non-limiting example, the camera 10 has a total horizontal angle of 170° relative to the vehicle axis Ax. In non-limiting embodiments, the camera 10 is located on the front, rear, or one side of the motor vehicle 2. In non-limiting embodiments, the camera 10 is located on the front, rear, or one side of the motor vehicle 2. - At the illuminated logo, as shown in Figure 4, or - In the front headlight, as shown in Figure 2, or - behind an illuminated front end grille, as shown in Figure 4, or - In the taillight, as shown in Figure 5, or - In a flashing turn signal on an exterior side mirror, as shown in Figure 6, It will be placed in.

[0040] The housing 11 is configured to receive the camera 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the inner surface 11.2 of the housing 11 is black and non-reflective. To be non-reflective, the surface is (in a non-limiting embodiment) covered with a matte paint. This allows the camera 10 to be hidden from the exterior of the motor vehicle 2. Thus, even if an observer from outside the motor vehicle 2 looks at the optical module 1, the camera 10 will not be visible.

[0041] The protective lens 12 (also known as the outer lens) is positioned opposite the camera 10. The lens is configured to hide the camera 10 from the exterior of the motor vehicle 2. Therefore, the camera 10 is not visible to an observer from the exterior of the motor vehicle 2 who is looking at the optical module 1. The protective lens 12 is thus opaque. The protective lens 12 has an inner surface 12.2 facing the camera 10 and an outer surface 12.1 (opposite the inner surface 12.2) facing the exterior of the motor vehicle 2. In one non-limiting embodiment, the protective lens 12 closes the housing 11. The protective lens 12 has an outer refractive surface 12a and an inner refractive surface 12b. The inner refractive surface 12b faces the camera 10. The outer refractive surface 12a faces the exterior of the motor vehicle 2. As shown in the figures, part of the ray R1 is reflected from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12, resulting in multiple reflections r (also called internal reflections r or reflections r), including a primary reflection (also called reflection r1) and a secondary reflection (also called reflection r2). A part of the ray R1 (labeled R1') passes through the protective lens 12 and emerges again outside the motor vehicle 2.

[0042] Camera 10, - if located on the logo to be illuminated, the protective lens 12 is the logo itself, - when located in a front headlight, the protective lens 12 is the light-emitting outer lens of the front headlight, If it is located behind an illuminated front end grille, the protective lens 12 is the front end grille.

[0043] The at least one light source 13 (also referred to as light source 13) is configured to illuminate the protective lens 12. Thus, in some non-limiting embodiments, the light source either illuminates a logo to create an illuminated logo, illuminates a front end grille to create an illuminated front end grille, or illuminates the light-exiting outer lens of a front headlight if the light source is a front headlight light source. For this purpose, the light source emits a light ray R1 that is incident on the protective lens 12 to illuminate the lens. The light source 13 is located next to the camera 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the optical module 1 comprises multiple light sources 12, as shown in FIG. 8 when the optical module 1 comprises two light sources 12. The at least one light source 13 has a field of view FoV2.

[0044] In one non-limiting embodiment, the at least one light source 13 is a semiconductor light source. In one non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor light source forms part of a light emitting diode. A light emitting diode is understood to mean any type of light emitting diode, be it an OLED (organic LED), an AMOLED (active matrix organic LED), or even a FOLED (flexible OLED), as non-limiting examples of an LED.

[0045] 2 to 7, a light source 13 is depicted on the left side of the camera 10 by way of example and not limitation. From the perspective of an observer located outside the motor vehicle 2, the light source is positioned behind the protective lens 12. In Fig. 8, two light sources 13 are depicted on the left and right sides of the camera 10 by way of example and not limitation. From the perspective of an observer located outside the motor vehicle 2, the light sources are positioned behind the protective lens 12.

[0046] In the remainder of the specification, we consider, as a non-limiting example, a non-limiting embodiment with only a single light source.

[0047] In one non-limiting embodiment, the optical module 1 comprises a single optical deflection element 14 as shown in Figures 2 to 8. In the remainder of the specification, we consider, as a non-limiting example, a non-limiting embodiment with only a single optical deflection element 14.

[0048] The optical deflection element 14 is configured to deflect multiple reflections r (from the protective lens 12) of all or part of the light rays R1 emitted by the at least one light source 13 and parts of the light rays R1, so as to prevent these multiple reflections and parts of the light rays from returning to the set of optical lenses 100 of the camera 10 and thus interfering with the field of view FoV1 of the camera. These light rays R may be reflected from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12 and return to the set of optical lenses 100 of the camera 10 by multiple reflections r. In one non-limiting embodiment, the optical deflection element 14 is configured to deflect all of the light rays R1 from the at least one light source 13 and parts of the light rays R1, so as to prevent these multiple reflections r (from the protective lens 12) and parts of the light rays R1 from returning to the set of optical lenses 100 of the camera 10.

[0049] Thus, the optical deflection element 14 prevents multiple reflections r (also known as parasitic reflections r) of some ray R1 from interfering with the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10. Multiple reflections r include primary reflections, secondary reflections, and any other n-th order reflections (n ​​is an integer). Recall that the primary reflections are those resulting from ray R1 and reflected from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12. The secondary reflections are those resulting from the primary reflections and reflected from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12. For simplicity's sake, only reflections r1 and r2 are shown in the figures.

[0050] As will be seen hereinafter, the optical deflection element 14 - deflecting said rays R1 and their multiple reflections r so that they do not return to the set of optical lenses 100 of the camera 10 and thus do not impair the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10, or absorb the rays R1 and their multiple reflections r so that they do not return to the set of optical lenses 100 of the camera 10 and thus do not impair the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10, or It is configured to be either one of the above.

[0051] Various non-limiting embodiments of the optical deflection element are described in detail below.

[0052] 2, the optical deflection element 14 is a groove formed on the inner refractive surface 12b of the protective lens 12. The groove 14 is positioned outside the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10 and outside the field of view FoV2 of the light source 13. The groove 14 is located on the optical path of multiple reflections r of all or part of the light ray R1 and on the optical path of some of the light rays R1 emitted by the light source 13. In a variation of the non-limiting embodiment, the groove 14 is located on the optical path of multiple reflections r of all of the light ray R1 and on the optical path of some of the light rays R1 emitted by the light source 13.

[0053] As can be seen in Figure 2 and in the enlarged view in Figure 3, (a) some light rays R10 emitted by the light source 13 are reflected from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12 so as to produce a first reflection that reaches the groove 14 and is reflected from said groove to the left; - (b) Some rays R11 emitted by the source 13 are - (i) reflected from the outer surface 14.1 of the groove 14, deflected to the left, reflected again from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12 at the outer refractive surface 12a (these are primary reflections r1), then reflected again at the inner refractive surface 12b of the protective lens 12 (these are secondary reflections r2), etc. The reflections r1, r2, etc. do not return to the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10, - (ii) reflected from the inner surface 14.2 of the groove 14, deflected to the left, reflected again from the inner surface 12.2 on the outer refractive surface 12a of the protective lens 12 (these are primary reflections r1), then reflected again on the inner refractive surface 12b of the protective lens 12 (these are secondary reflections r2), etc. The reflections r1, r2, etc. do not return to the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10, - (iii) Passing directly across the groove 14 (in this case to the right) (this is the transmitted light ray R1'') and emerging again from the groove 14 so that the transmitted light ray R1'' does not reach the set of optical lenses 100 of the camera 10.

[0054] As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, it can be seen that the transmitted light ray R1″ has a projection exit angle β that is smaller than the incidence angle α (within the groove 14). The projection exit angle β is defined relative to a normal to the groove 14 along the longitudinal axis of the groove 14.

[0055] The transmitted light ray R1" emerges again from the groove 14 at a projection angle β so as not to reach the optical lens set 100 of the camera 10. Thanks to the groove 14, the projection angle β is bent closer to the normal N than the light ray R1. Thus, the groove 14 makes it possible to reduce the projection angle β of the transmitted light ray R1.

[0056] Note also that because part of ray R11 is reflected to the left, the transmitted ray R1" will be reduced in intensity, as will multiple reflections r from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12.

[0057] As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, as far as the reflection r1 of the transmitted light ray R1″ from the inner surface 12.2 on the outer refractive surface 12a is concerned, the angle of incidence θ1 of the projection on reflection is equal to the angle of incidence θ2 of the projection on reflection, which is larger with the grooves 14 than without the grooves 14. As a result, the reflection r1 can actually be guided so as not to return to the optical lens set 100 of the camera 10. The angle of incidence θ1 of the projection on reflection and the angle of emergence θ2 of the projection on reflection are determined with respect to a normal to the outer refractive surface 12a.

[0058] In the non-limiting variant of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the groove 14 has an inner surface 14.2 covered with black paint b. The black paint b makes it possible to stop the rays R1 that reach the groove 14. These rays are thus not reflected from the inner surface 14.2 of the groove 14, as would be the case, for example, with a transparent groove 14. There are also no transmitted rays R1″. The black paint b also makes it possible to stop multiple reflections r, which may result from other reflections r or from the ray R1 reflected from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens. In the non-limiting example shown, it can be seen that the black paint b stops the reflection r1 of the ray R reflected from the inner surface 12.2 on the outer refractive surface 12a of the protective lens 12.

[0059] In the second non-limiting embodiment variant shown in Figure 5, the groove 14 is provided with (shown) prism(s) 141. The prisms 141 deflect the light ray R1 and its reflection r so that they are not directed towards the field of view FoV1 of the camera. The prisms 141 are suitable for directing the light ray R1 in a beneficial direction (a direction other than towards the camera 10). In the shown non-limiting example, the prisms 141 are located on the inner surface 14.2 of the groove 14.

[0060] In a non-limiting third embodiment variant shown in FIG. 6, the outer refractive surface 12a of the protective lens 12 has a curved surface 12a.1 positioned facing the light source 13 (specifically, within its field of view FoV2). The curved surface 12a.1 is therefore positioned outside the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10. The curved surface 12a.1 enhances the deflection effect provided by the grooves 14 so that the ray R1 and multiple reflections r already deflected by the grooves 14 are deflected even further away from the camera 10 (to the left in this case). Thanks to the curved surface 12a.1, the ray R1 and multiple reflections r are not directed to the right toward the camera 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, the curved surface is positioned offset from the grooves 14 so as to capture the multiple reflections r and the ray R1 deflected by the grooves 14. In the non-limiting example shown, the curved surface 12a.1 is positioned to the left of the groove 14, i.e. is not positioned opposite said groove 14.

[0061] The three non-limiting embodiment variants may be considered separately or in any combination.

[0062] In a second non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the optical deflection element 14 is made of a light-absorbing material. The deflection element 14 is positioned on the optical path of multiple reflections r (i.e., reflections or light rays that may reach the optical lens set 100 of the camera 10) of all or part of the light rays R1 emitted by the at least one light source 13. In a non-limiting example, the light-absorbing material is black-colored polycarbonate with a highly linear absorption coefficient. In a variation of the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the optical deflection element 14 is positioned adjacent to and extends along the inner refractive surface 12b of the protective lens 12. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the optical deflection element 14 is located on the inner side of the protective lens 12. The optical deflection element 14 is positioned near the housing 11 of the camera 10, outside the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10 and outside the field of view FoV2 of the light source 13. As can be seen, a certain ray R1 reflected from the inner surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12 returns to the inner refractive surface 12b at the location of the absorber 14 and is absorbed by said absorber 14. In one non-limiting embodiment not shown, the optical deflection element 14 is located on the outer side of the protective lens 12. It should be noted that an embodiment in which the optical deflection element 14 is located on the inner side of the protective lens 12 is more aesthetically pleasing than an embodiment in which the optical deflection element 14 is located on the outer side of the protective lens 12. It should be noted that an embodiment in which the optical deflection element 14 is located on the outer side of the protective lens 12 is easier to manufacture than an embodiment in which the optical deflection element 14 is located on the inner side of the protective lens 12.

[0063] In a third non-limiting embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the optical deflection element 14 is formed by a prism(s) 140 (as shown) located on the inner refractive surface 12b of the protective lens 12, in particular along the inner refractive surface 12b. Thus, a portion 12b.1 of the surface of the inner refractive surface 12b is provided with the prism 140. The optical deflection element 14 with the prism 140 is positioned on the optical path of multiple reflections r from the protective lens 12 of all or part of the light ray R1 emitted by the light source 10 (i.e., reflections or light rays that may reach the optical lens set 100 of the camera 10). The prism 140 is positioned outside the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10. The prism 140 is also positioned outside the field of view FoV2 of the light source 13. The prism 140 is suitable for directing the multiple reflections r (including r1) of the light ray R1 in a beneficial direction (a direction other than toward the camera 10). In non-limiting embodiments, the prism 140 faces toward the interior of the protective lens 12 (not shown) or faces toward the exterior of the protective lens 12, as shown in FIG. 8. As can be seen, the multiple reflections r of the light ray R1 reflected from the interior surface 12.2 of the protective lens 12 are deflected by the prism 140 in directions other than toward the camera 10, and therefore do not reflect from the optical lens set 100 of the camera 10 and therefore do not disrupt its field of view FoV1. It should be noted that an embodiment in which the optical deflection element 14 including the prism 140 is located on the exterior side of the protective lens 12 is easier to manufacture than an embodiment in which the optical deflection element 14 is located on the interior side of the protective lens 12.

[0064] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the optical deflection element 14 is a recess formed on the inner refractive surface 12b of the protective lens 12 and positioned opposite the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10.

[0065] A portion of the recess 14 is positioned in the optical path of multiple reflections r from the protective lens 12 of all or part of the light rays R1 emitted by the at least one light source 10 (i.e., reflections that may return and disrupt the field of view FoV1 of the camera 10).

[0066] The recess 14 has a trapezoidal or curved shape. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment variant, the recess 14 has a bottom 14.4 and two side portions 14.3 arising from each end of the bottom 14.4. The portion capable of deflecting the reflection r consists of one or both side portions 14.3. This can be only one side portion if there is only a single light source 13, or both sides 14.3 if there are two light sources 13, as in the illustrated non-limiting example. For this purpose, each side portion 14.3 is designed to deflect multiple reflections r of a given light ray R1 emitted by each light source 13. As can be seen, the recess 14 deflects the multiple reflections r of a given light ray R1 so that these reflections do not reach the camera 10. In the illustrated non-limiting example, only the reflection r1 is shown.

[0067] Of course, the description of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the above-described fields. Thus, in one non-limiting embodiment, the optical module 1 comprises several optical deflection elements 14 according to any one of the presented non-limiting embodiments or any combination of the presented non-limiting embodiments. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment of the second non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the prisms 141 are located on the outer surface 14.1 of the groove 14 instead of on the inner surface 14.2. Thus, in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 5, the prisms 141 of the groove 14 can be replaced by a roughened surface. Thus, in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 8, the prisms 140 of the optical deflection elements 14 can be replaced by a roughened surface located on the inner refractive surface 12b of the protective lens 12.

[0068] The invention thus described has the following advantages in particular: - it is possible to significantly reduce or even eliminate multiple reflections r from the set of optical lenses 100, from which parasitic reflections arise from said at least one light source 13, so that the driver of the vehicle 2 no longer sees any annoying light when viewing the video from the camera.

Claims

1. An optical module (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a camera (10) equipped with a set of optical lenses (100) and having a field of view (FoV1); a housing (11) adapted to receive said camera (10); a protective lens (12) positioned opposite said camera (10) and having an outer refractive surface (12a) and an inner refractive surface (12b); at least one light source (13) positioned next to the housing (11) of the camera (10) and configured to emit a light beam (R1) for illuminating the protective lens (12); In an optical module (1) comprising: and at least one optical deflection element (14) configured to deflect multiple reflections (r) of the light rays (R1) emitted by the at least one light source (13) from the protective lens (12) so as to prevent all or part of the light rays (R1) from returning to the set of optical lenses (100) of the camera (10), the at least one optical deflection element (14) is a groove formed on the inner refractive surface (12b) of the protective lens (12); The optical module (1), wherein the groove (14) has an inner surface (14.2) covered with black paint (b).

2. An optical module (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a camera (10) equipped with a set of optical lenses (100) and having a field of view (FoV1); a housing (11) adapted to receive said camera (10); a protective lens (12) positioned opposite said camera (10) and having an outer refractive surface (12a) and an inner refractive surface (12b); at least one light source (13) positioned next to the housing (11) of the camera (10) and configured to emit a light beam (R1) for illuminating the protective lens (12); In an optical module (1) comprising: and at least one optical deflection element (14) configured to deflect multiple reflections (r) of the light rays (R1) emitted by the at least one light source (13) from the protective lens (12) so as to prevent all or part of the light rays (R1) from returning to the set of optical lenses (100) of the camera (10), the at least one optical deflection element (14) is a groove formed on the inner refractive surface (12b) of the protective lens (12); The optical module (1), wherein the groove (14) is provided with a prism (141).

3. 3. The optical module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer refractive surface (12a) of the protective lens (12) has a curved surface (12a.1) positioned opposite the at least one light source (13).

4. 3. An optical module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all or part of the at least one optical deflection element (14) is positioned on the optical path of the multiple reflections (r).

5. 3. An optical module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of optical deflection elements (14).

6. 3. The optical module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective lens (12) is a logo of the vehicle (2), or the light-emitting outer lens of a front headlight of the vehicle (2), or the front end grille of the vehicle (2), or the light-emitting outer lens of a rear light, or a flashing turn signal.

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