WO2024088832A1

WO2024088832A1 - Optical module for a light-emitting signalling device for motor vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2024088832A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/078891
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas PINOIT; Berkan ABACI; Stephanie Bergerat; Alexandre JAMET
Original assignee: Valeo Vision
Priority date: 2022-10-25
Filing date: 2023-10-17
Publication date: 2024-05-02
Also published as: FR3141231A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a transparent one-piece optical module (10) for a light-emitting signalling device (1), the optical module being configured to collimate a light beam from a light source (2) along an optical axis (XO), the optical module comprising a first optical surface (14) configured to deflect light rays from the light source, a second optical surface (15) configured to deflect light rays from the first optical surface, and an optical guide (13) extending parallel to the optical axis and connecting the first optical surface to the second optical surface.

Description

OPTICAL MODULE FOR A LIGHT SIGNALING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of light signaling devices for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to an optical module for such light devices, the optical module being able to collimate a light beam

State of the prior art

Motor vehicles carry light signaling devices, such as traffic lights, in order to be clearly seen by other motorists. The lighting devices are harmoniously integrated into the silhouette of the vehicle and contribute to its lighting signature. The light signature of a vehicle can be defined as a particular arrangement of lighting zones giving the vehicle an original aesthetic appearance and/or allowing rapid and intuitive identification of a vehicle model or a vehicle brand. The light devices thus comprise a set of light sources arranged in fairly complex shapes, generally composed of curved shapes, through which light rays are emitted.

Furthermore, light devices must also emit light rays in specific directions so that other users are correctly warned of the presence of the vehicle and/or its intentions, and in order to comply with automobile legislation. For this, the light devices can carry optical modules capable of collimating a light beam. Document FR3045781A1 discloses for example such an optical module. Collimation of a light beam consists of modifying a divergent light beam emitted by a light source so that its light rays are parallel to each other. This transformation of the light beam requires the use of optical surfaces positioned with great precision. The assembly of these optical surfaces is therefore particularly complex. This assembly is even more complex when the light device comprises a plurality of light sources arranged along a line or a curved surface. Thus, the light devices known from the state of the art are generally complex to assemble and/or fail to comply with the most severe automotive legislation.

Presentation of the invention

The aim of the invention is to provide an optical module for a light signaling device and remedying the above drawbacks and improving the optical modules known from the prior art.

More precisely, an object of the invention is an optical module which simplifies the assembly of light devices while making it possible to achieve high optical precision.

The invention relates to a one-piece and transparent optical module for a signaling light device, the optical module being configured to collimate a light beam coming from a light source along an optical axis, the optical module comprising a first optical surface configured to deflect light rays coming from the light source, a second optical surface configured to deflect light rays coming from the first optical surface, and an optical guide extending parallel to the optical axis and connecting the first optical surface to the second optical surface.

The optical module may comprise a first part in the form of a cylinder portion and a second part in the form of a plate, the first part being connected to the second part by said optical guide, the first optical surface being arranged on the first part and the second optical surface being arranged on the second part.

The first optical surface may include a first set of prisms extending parallel to a first axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the optical axis, and the second optical surface may include a second set of prisms extending parallel to a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the optical axis.

The first axis and the second axis can be parallel.

The optical guide can connect a center of the first optical surface to a center of the second optical surface. The optical guide may comprise a cylindrical shape with a circular base.

The optical module may comprise a third optical surface configured to deflect light rays coming from the light source, the first optical surface being positioned downstream of the third optical surface in the direction of propagation of the light rays.

The third optical surface may extend parallel to the first optical surface. The third optical surface may comprise a third set of reliefs formed by a set of lines in an arc of circles centered on the same axis.

The light rays coming from the second optical surface can form a collimated light beam. The optical module may include a fourth optical surface configured to straighten light rays coming from the second optical surface, the fourth optical surface extending parallel to the second optical surface.

The optical module can be manufactured by injection of a transparent polymer, in particular by injection of polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate.

The invention also relates to a light signaling device comprising a printed circuit board, a light source fixed to the printed circuit board, in particular a light-emitting diode, and an optical module as defined above, the optical module comprising supporting surfaces in contact with the printed circuit board on either side of the light source.

Presentation of figures

These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made on a non-limiting basis in relation to the attached figures among which:

There is a schematic profile view of a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

There is a schematic profile view of a lighting device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

There is a schematic profile view of a lighting device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

There is a first perspective view of an optical module according to one embodiment of the invention, the optical module cooperating with a light source fixed to a printed circuit board.

There is a second perspective view of the optical module of the .

There is a sectional view of the optical module of the according to a first median plane P1.

There is a sectional view of the optical module of the according to a second median plane P2.

detailed description

There schematically illustrates a lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle. The light device 1 is a vehicle signaling device: it is intended to emit light rays in order to make the vehicle clearly visible to other road users. It can be arranged either at the front or at the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the shapes of the lighting device compose a lighting signature of the vehicle. The light device thus has an exterior surface, visible from outside the vehicle, which extends in the extension of a body surface of the vehicle. This exterior surface can extend in three dimensions and have at least one curvature.

The light device 1 comprises a series of light sources 2 each capable of producing a light beam F, and an optical device 3 according to one embodiment of the invention. The light sources 2 can, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp or even a xenon lamp. Preferably, each light source can be formed by a single light-emitting diode. Each light source emits a divergent light beam F, that is to say composed of light rays propagating in different directions from the light source 2. In the figures, these light rays are represented by rectilinear arrows. The optical device 3 is positioned on the trajectory of the light beams F coming from all the light sources 2 and is intended to be crossed by these light beams.

The optical device 3 comprises collimation means and means for straightening the light beams coming from the light sources 2. The collimation means are configured so as to make the rays of the light beams substantially parallel to each other. They therefore transform the diverging light beams into parallel beams of rays. Such a transformation of the light beam then makes it possible to straighten the light beams, that is to say to redirect the light rays in a given direction. The straightening means therefore transform light beams collimated in a first direction into light beams collimated in a second direction distinct from the first direction. Straightening the light beam makes the vehicle clearly visible to other road users and in particular at angles imposed by automobile legislation.

In addition to the optical device 3, the light device 1 can also include a rectifying and/or diffusing optical filter (not shown). The optical filter is positioned downstream of the optical device 3 according to the direction of propagation of the light rays. The function of straightening the light beam carried out by the optical filter can be provided in addition to the straightening function provided by the optical device 3. The light device 1 can also include a protective glass (not shown), possibly without any particular optical property , mainly aimed at protecting the light device.

The optical device 3 comprises a series of unitary and discretized optical modules 4. The optical modules are thus distinct from each other and in particular without direct contact between them. The optical modules 4 are positioned next to each other along a curved line C. This curved line C can have the shape of an arc of a circle or more generally a convex shape. It extends substantially transversely to the light beams F. Each optical module 4 is associated with one and only one light source 2. Thus, each optical module is intended to receive the light beam F emitted by the light source 2 which is assigned to it. associated. The same light ray cannot pass through two different optical modules.

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, Each optical module comprises at least two neighboring or adjacent optical modules, except of course the first optical module 4A and the last optical module 4B of the series of optical modules, which are positioned at each end of the curved line C and have only one neighboring or adjacent optical module. Each optical module between the two ends of the curved line C thus comprises two opposite edges 5A, 5B and each of these edges 5A, 5B extends opposite an edge 5A, 5B of an optical module adjacent. The representation following a curved line C appearing in the figures can be transposed to a curved surface, the optical modules then being arranged for example according to a grid. Each optical module then comprises four neighboring or adjacent optical modules, except the modules positioned at the edges of the surface which have only three neighboring or adjacent optical modules, and except the modules positioned at the corners of the surface which have only two neighboring optical modules. or adjacent.

For each optical module 4 we can define an optical axis X0 defining an axis of use of the optical module. The optical axis of each light module corresponds to the normal to a local curve of the optical module. The light source 2 associated with each optical module 4 is preferably positioned on the optical axis XO of the latter. In other words, the optical axis of each light module is oriented in the direction of the light source 2 associated with it.

Each optical module 4 is able to collimate the light beam it receives. Consequently, each optical module 4 can be qualified as a collimator. For this purpose, the optical modules 4 may comprise one or more optical surfaces comprising a set of prisms 6 extending parallel to each other. These optical surfaces, also called Fresnel surfaces or stepped surfaces, make it possible to perform a collimation function while limiting the bulk of the optical module. The prisms 6 may include faces inclined relative to the optical axis XO, for example at approximately 45°. The specific orientation of these inclined faces makes it possible to modify the orientation of the light rays which pass through them. The different prisms 6 which make up the optical surface can have variable dimensions depending on their distance from the optical axis XO.

As illustrated in the figures, the optical modules 4 have a generally rectangular shape. Edges 5A and 5B correspond to the short sides of the rectangular shape. These edges extend substantially parallel to the optical axis XO. The long sides of the rectangular shape extend perpendicular to the optical axis XO and include the stepped surfaces described above. The long sides of the rectangular shape can typically have a length of between one and three centimeters. Alternatively, the optical modules could adopt any other geometric shape, for example a round shape or a square shape and/or any other dimensions. Another advantageous embodiment of the optical modules 4 is described below.

The optical modules 4 are rigid. They are not intended to deform during the assembly of the light device 1 or during its use. The optical modules can for example be made of a transparent polymer, in particular a polycarbonate or a polymethyl methacrylate. Advantageously, the optical modules 4 all have an identical shape. This facilitates the design of the light device because the optical modeling can be carried out on the scale of an optical module then easily generalized on the scale of the optical device. This also facilitates the manufacturing of the optical device by means of a repetitive process of manufacturing and assembling the optical modules. In particular, we can envisage devices of different sizes simply by varying the number of optical modules it contains. The optical device 3 preferably comprises a series of at least five optical modules, that is to say at least five optical modules assembled in series, or even at least ten optical modules assembled in series, or even at least twenty optical modules assembled. serial. The optical modules are advantageously manufactured by a plastic injection process in an injection mold, which allows them to be manufactured in large quantities and with excellent reproducibility.

According to a preferred embodiment, each optical module is articulated in rotation with its adjacent optical modules by means of one or more flexible elements 7 connecting them. The optical device 3 thus forms a sort of garland of light modules 4 assembled in series having great flexibility. This garland is flexible thanks to the flexible elements connecting the optical modules together. According to a simplified embodiment, only part of the optical modules 4 of the optical device 3, in particular at least two adjacent optical modules, could be connected together by one or more flexible elements 7.

According to one embodiment, all the optical modules are assembled in series according to a single dimension. According to another embodiment mentioned previously, the optical modules are assembled in series and in parallel, that is to say according to a grid, and thus form a surface or a flexible sheet.

The connection formed by a flexible element 7 between two adjacent optical modules 4 allows these two optical modules to be articulated in rotation relative to each other while being held together. In particular, the rotational articulation is established around an axis extending substantially between the two edges 5A, 5B of two adjacent optical modules. Preferably, two adjacent optical modules are articulated in rotation relative to each other with an amplitude greater than or equal to 1°, in particular greater than or equal to 2°. The maximum rotation amplitude between two adjacent optical modules can remain less than or equal to 5°. The first optical module 4A can be articulated in rotation relative to the last optical module 4B via the other optical modules with an amplitude greater than or equal to 10°, in particular greater than or equal to 20°, or even greater than or equal to 45°. ° . In other words, a tangent T1 to the curved line C at the level of the first optical module 4A can form an angle A1 greater than or equal to 10°, in particular greater than or equal to 20°°, or even greater than or equal to 45° with a tangent T2 to curved line C at the last optical module 4B. The flexible elements 7 are dimensioned so as to withstand such amplitudes of bending without damage and in particular without permanent deformation. Flexible elements are notably considerably less rigid than optical modules. The flexible elements 7 can, for example, be made of silicone, or alternatively, of polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The flexible elements may for example include an elongation of between 100% and 150% measured according to the ASTM D882 standard, and/or a traction of between 5 and 15 Kpsi measured according to the ASTM D882 standard.

According to the embodiment illustrated on the , the flexible elements 7 extend in a space formed between the two adjacent optical modules 4 which it connects. The number of optical elements 7 is then equal to the number of optical modules 4 minus one. The flexible elements can then comprise a width corresponding to the spacing between two adjacent optical modules, i.e. of the order of approximately one to three millimeters. Advantageously, the flexible elements are transparent or translucent so as to maintain the passage of a significant quantity of light through the optical device. Alternatively, they could be opaque because their small dimensions relative to the optical modules would only moderately affect the quantity of light passing through the optical device.

As a note, the spacing between adjacent optical modules results from a compromise between the smallest possible distance to minimize the quantity of light rays passing between two adjacent optical modules and the largest possible distance to both facilitate the process. assembly and avoid contact between adjacent optical modules when the optical device 3 is curved. The greater the distance between adjacent optical modules 4, the smaller the radius of curvature of the curved line C can be before resulting in contact between two adjacent optical modules. Advantageously, the edges 5A and 5B can have a convex and/or chamfered shape in order to avoid contact between the adjacent optical modules and thus increase the amplitude of rotation without increasing the dimension of the gap between these optical modules.

There illustrates a second embodiment of an optical device according to the invention. The same reference signs as for the first embodiment are used to describe this second embodiment. According to the second embodiment, the optical device comprises a single flexible element 7 in the form of a flexible film 8 arranged downstream of the optical modules 4 in the direction of propagation of the light rays. The film 8 thus comprises a first face 8A on which all the optical modules 4 are fixed and a second face 8B, opposite the first face and free of any component. In such a configuration, the optical film is necessarily transparent so as to allow the passage of light rays through the optical device 3. According to an alternative embodiment, the film 8 could be arranged upstream of the optical modules 4 according to the direction of propagation of the light rays, however such a variant would lead to an increased spacing between the optical modules once the optical device is bent along the curved line C.

According to an improvement of the invention, the film 8 not only has a flexible holding function for the optical modules 4, but it is also configured to modify the orientation of the light rays which pass through it, that is to say that it performs the function of straightening the light beam. This can in particular be obtained by means of a Fresnel surface or stepped surface arranged on one of the faces of the film, in particular the second face 8B of the film. Alternatively, the rectification function could also be carried out by the optical modules 4.

The film 8 can have a substantially constant thickness, for example between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter. The optical modules 4 can be glued using optical glue on the first side 8A of the film.

To manufacture such an optical device, we can proceed as follows. First of all, the film 8 and a set of light modules 4 are provided separately. The film 8 can be in the form of a roll. The film is then unrolled on a flat support so as to extend along a plane, preferably horizontal. Then, optical glue is applied locally to the unrolled film 8, then an optical module 4 is placed on the optical glue. As the optical film is positioned flat, the operation of fixing the optical module is particularly simple to carry out. A robotic arm can grasp an optical module and place the optical module on the optical glue by a simple vertical translation movement. Once a first optical module is fixed, the optical film can be advanced on the flat support, for example by unrolling it further, and reproduce the application of the glue and the fixing of a second optical module next to the first optical module. . By repeating these operations, it is possible to produce an optical device 3 comprising any number of optical modules 4. If the film supplied is larger than necessary to manufacture an optical device, the manufacturing process may optionally include a film cutting operation. optical between two adjacent optical modules. Alternatively, it is also possible to form a roll with the film on which the optical modules are fixed for subsequent cutting. Finally, the optical device 3 is shaped so that the optical modules are positioned next to each other along a curved line. This shaping can for example be carried out during the integration of the optical device into the light device 1. For this purpose, the light device can advantageously comprise means for supporting the optical module configured to hold the optical device along a curved line given. Maintaining the shape of the optical device can for example be ensured by screwing, by clipping or even by maintaining the optical device between two support layers extending parallel to each other.

According to a third embodiment illustrated on the , the optical device comprises a single transparent flexible element 7 overmolded on all the optical modules 4. As for the second embodiment, this single optical element comprises a first face on which all the optical modules 4 are fixed and a second face , opposite the first face, and free of any component. The flexible element 7 comprises a first part extending like a film along the optical modules and a set of second parts each extending in the interstices formed between the adjacent optical modules.

Figures 4 and 5 now illustrate an embodiment of a particularly advantageous optical module 10. The optical module 10 can be used instead of the optical module 4 previously described whatever the embodiment of the optical device envisaged. In particular, the optical module 10 can be used instead of the optical module 4 for each of the embodiments of optical device illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

The optical module 10 is a single piece or in other words monolithic, that is to say it is made in one piece, preferably by an injection process in a mold. The optical module is also made of transparent material. As seen previously, the optical module is preferably made of a transparent polymer, in particular a polycarbonate or a polymethyl methacrylate. Likewise, the optical module 10 is configured to collimate a light beam coming from a light source 2 along an optical axis XO.

The optical module 10 comprises a first part 11 in the shape of a portion of a cylinder, in particular a half-cylinder shape, a second part 12 in the form of a plate, in particular rectangular, and an optical guide 13, or pillar, connecting the first part 11 to the second part 12. The first part 11 supports a first optical surface 14 configured to deflect light rays coming from the light source 2. The second part 12 supports a second optical surface 15 configured to deflect light rays coming from the first optical surface 14. The second optical surface 15 is therefore positioned downstream of the first optical surface 14 in the direction of propagation of the light rays. The combination of the two optical surfaces 14 and 15 makes it possible to collimate the light beam produced by the light source 2 in at least one direction D1 perpendicular to the optical axis XO. The first optical surface 14 makes it possible to achieve partial collimation, that is to say that the light rays coming from the first optical surface 14 are less divergent than the rays coming from the light source without being parallel to each other. The second optical surface 15 makes it possible to complete the collimation of the light beam in direction D1.

As the first optical surface 14 and the second optical surface 15 are connected by the optical guide 13, they are perfectly positioned relative to each other, which makes it possible to obtain high optical precision and therefore qualitative collimation of the beam. light produced by the light source 2.

The optical guide 13 extends parallel to the optical axis XO between the first optical surface 14 and the second optical surface 15. It connects a center of the first optical surface 14 to a center of the second optical surface 15. The optical guide includes a cylindrical shape with a circular base. It can be connected by fillets 16 to the optical surfaces 14 and 15. We therefore understand that the optical surfaces 14 and 15 face each other.

The light source 2 (in this case a light-emitting diode) cooperating with the optical module 10 is fixed on a printed circuit board 17. The optical module 10 comprises two bearing surfaces 18 in contact with the printed circuit board 17 on either side of the light source 2. In particular the bearing surfaces 18 are formed on the first part 11 of the optical module 10. The light source is positioned substantially on the axis of revolution of the shape of cylinder portion of the first part 11. The first part 11 thus forms a tunnel at the center of which is the light source 2.

Advantageously, the first part 11 of the optical module 10 can be held by a support 19 comprising positioning pins 20 cooperating with openings provided in the printed circuit board 17 on either side of the light source 2. The support 19 can extend parallel to the printed circuit board 17 and comprise edges framing the first part 11 of the optical module 10 so as to position the optical module 10 precisely. According to an alternative embodiment, this support 19 could form a single part with the optical module 10. The optical module 10 is therefore supported on the printed circuit board via its first part 11. The second part 12 of the optical module is held to the first part 11 via the optical guide 13 which thus achieves no only a light ray guide function but also a holding function.

The first optical surface 14 comprises a first set of prisms 21 extending parallel to a first axis X1. The first axis X1 is perpendicular to the optical axis XO. Likewise, the second optical surface comprises a second set of prisms 22 extending parallel to a second axis X2. The second axis X2 is also perpendicular to the optical axis, and in particular parallel to the first axis X1. The first optical surface 14 and the second optical surface 15 are therefore Fresnel surfaces or stepped surfaces. They make it possible to collimate the light beam coming from the light source 2 in the direction D1 while maintaining a limited footprint of the optical module. The prisms 21 and 22 can have variable dimensions depending on their distance from the optical axis XO, so as to produce a deviation adapted to the angle of incidence of the light rays.

As a note, the light rays passing through the first part 11 of the optical module and arriving on the light guide 13 do not pass through the optical surfaces 14 and 15 and are therefore not deflected by these surfaces. This is not a problem insofar as the light guide is arranged substantially in the center of the optical surfaces 14 and 15. The rays which pass through the light guide are therefore already rays oriented substantially parallel to the optical axis XO and the deviation of these rays is therefore not required.

In addition, the optical module 10 also includes a third optical surface 23 configured to deflect light rays coming from the light source. The first optical surface 14 is positioned so as to deflect light rays coming from the third optical surface 23. In other words, the first optical surface 23 is positioned downstream of the third optical surface 23 following the direction of propagation of the light rays.

The third optical surface 23 extends parallel to the first optical surface 14. In particular, the third optical surface 23 extends on an interior face of the cylinder portion of the first part 11 of the optical module 10 while the first optical surface 14 extends over an exterior face of the cylinder portion. The third optical surface 23 therefore faces the light source 2.

The third optical surface 23 is configured to collimate the light beam 2 coming from the light source 2 in a second direction D2, perpendicular to the first direction D1. For this purpose, the third optical surface comprises a third set of reliefs 24 extending along a portion of the cylinder, perpendicular to the prisms 21 and 22. The third optical surface 23 is formed by a set of lines in an arc of circles. centered on the same axis, parallel to axis X1. These different lines in an arc have radii of different values so as to form steps. The third optical surface 23 is therefore also a Fresnel surface or in other words a stepped surface. Alternatively, the optical module could not include this third optical surface. Thus, the interior face of the cylinder portion of the first part 11 of the optical module 10 could be smooth.

Furthermore, the optical module 10 can also include a fourth optical surface 25 configured to straighten and/or diffuse light rays coming from the second optical surface 15. Straightening the light rays consists of generally redirecting a light beam. Diffusion of light rays consists of slightly blurring the light beam. The fourth optical surface 25 extends parallel to the second optical surface 15. In particular, the fourth optical surface 25 is arranged on an external face of the second part 12, opposite the face on which the second optical surface 15 is arranged. fourth optical surface 25 can for example comprise a corrugated and profiled shape parallel to the second axis X2. Alternatively, the optical module could not include this fourth optical surface. The external face of the second part could thus be smooth. The terms "first optical surface", "second optical surface", "third optical surface" and "fourth optical surface" are used to distinguish three distinct optical surfaces. These expressions do not in themselves characterize relative positions between the optical surfaces. Thus, a light ray from the light source first passes through the third optical surface, then the first optical surface, then the second optical surface, and finally the fourth optical surface.

Preferably, the optical modules 10 of the same optical device are connected to each other via a flexible element in the form of the film 8. In particular the optical modules are fixed to the film via the external face of the second part 12. According to an alternative embodiment, the optical modules could be connected together by means of flexible elements arranged between the lateral edges of the first part 11 and/or the second part 12.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the path of the light rays respectively along a first plane P1 perpendicular to the first axis X1 and along a second plane P2 perpendicular to the second axis X2. Plans P1 and P2 are notably identified on the . When the light source 2 emits light rays, these first reach the third optical surface 23. The third optical surface 23 collimates the light rays in the second direction D2. Then, the light rays pass through the first part 11 of the optical module, which is transparent, and arrive at the first optical surface 14. The first optical surface 14 partially collimates the light rays in the first direction D1. The third optical surface 23 and the first optical surface 14 act on the light beam which passes through them in two perpendicular directions. These two optical surfaces are independent of each other. The light rays then propagate in the air between the first optical surface 14 and the second optical surface 15 then reach the second optical surface 15. The second optical surface 15 completes collimating the light rays in the first direction D1. The light rays coming from the second optical surface 15 are thus collimated in directions D1 and D2 and are therefore parallel to each other. Then, the light rays pass through the second part 12 of the optical module, which is also transparent, and reach the fourth optical surface 25. The fourth optical surface 25 straightens and/or diffuses the light rays in a direction different from the optical axis XO. Alternatively, the fourth optical surface is smooth and produces no straightening of the light rays. The light beam coming from the optical module can then be straightened by the flexible film 8 on which the optical module 10 is fixed.

Finally, thanks to the invention, we have an optical device capable of conforming to different geometries. The same optical device can thus more easily be integrated into different vehicle models. The optical modules which make up the optical device constitute elementary bricks which can easily be reused in the design of different optical devices. In addition, the optical modules can be assembled flat before shaping the optical device, which facilitates manufacturing.

Claims

One-piece and transparent optical module (10) for a light signaling device (1), the optical module being configured to collimate a light beam coming from a light source (2) along an optical axis (XO), the optical module comprising a first optical surface (14) configured to deflect light rays coming from the light source, a second optical surface (15) configured to deflect light rays coming from the first optical surface, and an optical guide (13) extending parallel to the optical axis and connecting the first optical surface to the second optical surface.
Optical module (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a first part (11) in the form of a cylinder portion and a second part (12) in the form of a plate, the first part being connected to the second part by said optical guide (13), the first optical surface (14) being arranged on the first part and the second optical surface (15) being arranged on the second part.
Optical module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first optical surface (14) comprises a first set of prisms (21) extending parallel to a first axis (X1), the first axis being perpendicular to the optical axis (XO), and in that the second optical surface (15) comprises a second set of prisms (22) extending parallel to a second axis (X2), the second axis being perpendicular to the axis optical (XO).
Optical module (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2) are parallel.
Optical module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical guide (13) connects a center of the first optical surface (14) to a center of the second optical surface (15) and/or in this that the optical guide comprises a cylindrical shape with a circular base.
Optical module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a third optical surface (23) configured to deflect light rays coming from the light source (2), the first optical surface (14) being positioned downstream of the third optical surface following the direction of propagation of the light rays.
Optical module (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the third optical surface (23) extends parallel to the first optical surface (14) and/or in that the third optical surface (23) comprises a third set of reliefs (24) formed by a set of lines in an arc of circles centered on the same axis.
Optical module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light rays coming from the second optical surface (15) form a collimated light beam, and/or in that the optical module (10) comprises a fourth optical surface (25) configured to straighten light rays coming from the second optical surface (15), the fourth optical surface extending parallel to the second optical surface.
Optical module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is manufactured by injection of a transparent polymer, in particular by injection of polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate.
Light signaling device (1) comprising a printed circuit board (17), a light source (2) fixed to the printed circuit board, in particular a light-emitting diode, and an optical module (10) according to one of the claims previous, the optical module comprising bearing surfaces (18) in contact with the printed circuit board on either side of the light source.