Lamp for a motor vehicle comprising a light guide

Abstract

The present application relates to an automotive lighting module, which includes a plurality of light sources, a light guide, a light reflecting coupler, a light facet, a light exit surface and a light guide. The arrangement extends the width of the light reflecting coupler (110) to be offset behind the successive couplers, and the successive couplers produce additional angled reflective surfaces, which distribute light toward the outer side instead of the main optical axis, and control the light to be redirected at a specific angle or enhance the light distribution propagation, thereby improving the lighting effect and enhancing the appearance of the vehicle. The coupler profile (110) is formed by a curved facet (130) and an engaged angled facet (125), wherein the related couplers are juxtaposed and offset from the adjacent couplers. The angled surface (125) includes a plurality of light reflecting facets (135), which are suitable for receiving collimated light, and the collimated light is directed toward the outer side of the vehicle. The curved facet (130) of each coupler receives other collimated light directed toward the forward direction of the vehicle.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device or a signal device for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a light guide and light reflection coupler system of a motor vehicle optical signal module. Background Art

[0002] Efforts to improve the appearance of exterior lighting of vehicle lamps are an ongoing effort among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and numerous component / system suppliers. Of particular interest is the desire to improve the appearance of exterior lighting to make it uniform while meeting uniformity requirements and regulatory requirements. The present invention is directed to one such innovative solution and provides a lighting or signaling device that can improve the appearance of exterior lighting while still meeting uniformity requirements and regulatory requirements.

[0003] Known headlight optics include light guides that provide different lighting functions and signal functions. In particular, the light guide with multiple light sources is designed to transmit the generated light beams toward the forward direction of the vehicle. In addition, the optical device component includes multiple light coupling reflectors (also called "couplers"), a light exit surface, and a light guide that connects the coupler to the light exit surface. Such known optical device components are not designed to send light toward the outside / side of the vehicle, but to guide it toward the front side of the vehicle.

[0004] Literature that may be relevant to this technology include patent documents: US 7,639,918 B2 and US 7,686,497 B2; US publication document US 2015 0233 539 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0005] Therefore, among the various objects proposed by the present invention, one object is to apply a multi-light source light guide system with enhanced light effect control, lighting efficiency and improved photometric measurement arrangement. Another object is to increase the light distribution spread to meet lighting uniformity requirements and regulatory requirements. Another object is to improve efficiency by directing the generated waste light or transmitted light to the side of the vehicle. Yet another object is to achieve brighter lighting aspects and visibility along the outer side emitting surface of the vehicle lamp module.

[0006] The present invention herein overcomes one or more problems and disadvantages of known mentioned optical device components and generally known limitations associated with optical devices with limited light direction. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention is directed to a unique solution to one or more of the above problems. It is believed that the present invention provides a lighting and / or signaling device that can improve the appearance of the exterior lighting while producing an efficient and uniform light beam. In particular, the present invention provides an optical device having a light guide, the light guide including a coupler having an optical element on one of its side surfaces, wherein the optical element with the associated surface of the coupler is adapted to direct a portion of the light beam toward the exterior side of the vehicle. Thus, the appearance or lighting effect of the side exterior lighting of the vehicle is improved.

[0008] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an optical device for a motor vehicle is envisaged, which optical device includes: a plurality of light sources; and a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide including: a plurality of couplers, a light emitting surface, and a light guiding portion connecting the coupler and the light emitting surface; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and redirect a portion of the received light beam to produce a collimated light beam, wherein the profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface connected to the curved facet, wherein the couplers are juxtaposed and offset from successive or adjacent couplers to produce an angled facet surface, and each angled facet surface includes a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the curved facet of each coupler is suitable for receiving the collimated light beam of the other portion and guiding the other portion toward the forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light emitting surface; and wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler are suitable for receiving another portion of the collimated light beam and guiding the other beam portion toward the outer side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light emitting surface.

[0009] The present invention can be further characterized by one or any combination of the features described herein (for example, a light emitting surface, which includes multiple stepped surface facets suitable for transmitting, reflecting or diffusing light at the light emitting surface); these multiple reflective surfaces are multiple prisms, preferably parallel elements; the at least one light source is arranged at the top of the coupler and is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the light guide; the light guide portion includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, which are parallel to the bottom surface and interconnected by the light emitting surface; the thickness dimension of the coupler is the same as the thickness dimension of the light guide portion; the light beam portion from the curved facet propagates along the optical axis of the light guide; the angled surface is angled relative to the optical axis; each coupler includes a collimator for collimating the received light beam; the light guide and at least one optical coupler include a single polymer sheet; the optical device is used to provide lighting, signaling or both lighting and signaling for a motor vehicle; and the collimated light beam guided from the angled surface facets of the coupler to the light emitting surface is in the form of a parallel light beam; multiple couplers are oriented along the Y axis with spacing, and the multiple light sources are positioned along the Z axis; and the multiple couplers are oriented along the direction of extrusion of the light guide.

[0010] Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle is considered, the lighting and / or signaling device comprising: a reflector assembly; a lens; a housing; and an optical device, wherein the optical device comprises: a plurality of light sources; a light guide having an optical axis, wherein the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light exit surface, and a light guide portion connecting the couplers and the light exit surface; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to produce a collimated light beam, wherein the profile of each coupler is composed of a curved facet and a light guide portion connected to the curved facet. The angled facets of the small faces are formed, wherein the couplers are juxtaposed and offset from successive or adjacent couplers to produce angled facet surfaces, and each angled facet surface includes a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler are suitable for receiving a collimated light beam portion and guiding the collimated light beam portion toward a vehicle side via a light guiding portion and a light emitting surface; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is suitable for receiving other collimated light beam portions and guiding the other collimated light beam portions toward a forward direction of the vehicle via a light guiding portion and a light emitting surface.

[0011] It should be understood that the above-referenced aspects and examples are non-limiting, as there are other aspects of the invention as shown and described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1A An exemplary view of an optical lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the invention is shown.

[0013] Figure 1B The depiction according to the present invention is shown relative to the Figure 1A View of an optical illumination device in terms of the angled surfaces of the light source position and the spacing of the coupler features.

[0014] Figure 1C The diagram according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1A Aspects of a coupler feature of an optical illumination device view relative to a light source along an angled surface of the optics position.

[0015] Figure 2 The embodiment according to the present invention is shown Figure 1A An optical device operates to produce a beam or light distribution path.

[0016] Figure 3A It shows that according to the present invention Figure 1A An isometric view of an exemplary optical device is shown.

[0017] Figure 3B It shows that according to the present invention Figure 1A A rear view of an exemplary optical device is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 Aspects of an exemplary optical device according to the invention are shown as seen from the outside side.

[0019] Figure 5A The present invention shows a method without applying an optical device. Figure 4 An exemplary photometric distribution of an optical device in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5B The optical device with external lighting application according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 An exemplary photometric distribution of an optical device in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention provides a lighting and / or signaling device that can improve the appearance of exterior side lighting while producing an efficient and uniform light beam.

[0022] Of particular interest and main focus of the present disclosure is the provision of an optical device with a light guide as shown in the relevant figures. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an optical device for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0023] For greater simplicity, the following will refer to the orthogonal reference system shown in the various figures, wherein the X-axis direction may represent the optical axis direction and the longitudinal direction, wherein the Y-axis direction is perpendicular to the X-axis direction and together forms a horizontal plane. The Z-axis may represent the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (represented by the X-axis and the Y-axis). The Y-axis may correspond to the width of the optical device, the LAX axis may correspond to the width of the optical device, and the Z-axis may correspond to the height of the optical device.

[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs.

[0025] The optical device 100 depicted in FIG1 includes a plurality of light sources 1 and a light guide 105 having an optical axis (OA). The light guide 105 includes a plurality of couplers 110, a light exit surface 115, and a light guide portion 120 connecting the couplers 110 and the light exit surface 115. Considering the relationship between the relevant components and component assemblies (e.g., at least geometric characteristics and material characteristics) is very important in solving one or more of the problems described in the above background section. Each of the components and component assemblies and their relationship are specifically disclosed in more detail in the following paragraphs.

[0026] Light Source 1

[0027] Light source 1 represents a visually perceived source of electromagnetic radiation or a source of visually perceived radiant energy (including "visible" light within the electromagnetic spectrum), but may include a wide combination or range of electromagnetic energy or radiant energy, including X-ray energy, ultraviolet energy and infrared energy, microwave spectrum and radio wave spectrum. The light source may include every conventional and suitable lighting element source, such as a filament-based lamp or incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, an arc or gas discharge type lamp, a light emitting diode (LED) or other suitable conventional source.

[0028] These multiple light sources are preferably of the light emitting diode (LED) type. The light source 1 is arranged at a predetermined point relative to the light guide 105. In the example, the light sources are arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) (indicated by 133 but not shown) located around the optical device 100 or integrated in the optical device (i.e., the light sources are arranged in a Figure 3A 105). The PCB 133 can be used to power, control and carry the light sources. It should be understood that the number of light sources may depend on the size of the light guide 105. It should be noted that the emission of the optical axis L of each light source is perpendicular to the light guide 105. In an embodiment, multiple light sources 1 can be arranged on a single PCB. In another embodiment, multiple light sources 1 can be arranged on different PCBs.

[0029] Angled facet 125; curved facet 130

[0030] The angled facets 125 and the curved facets 130 serve as a plurality of serially arranged light reflective surfaces formed on the illuminator 120, and may include geometric shapes that provide a specific optical effect when in contact with light (either by light irradiation, light penetration, or by reflection through a resulting surface form pattern or geometric structure). The curved facets 130 are adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light from the coupler 110 and direct such light portions toward a forward direction of the vehicle aligned with the optical axis OA via the light guide 120.

[0031] Optical Devices 135

[0032] The optical device or light reflecting facet 135 is used as a geometric form arranged in series on the light emitter (for example, a pattern formed on the surface of the lens material), and can include formed cuts, protrusions, indentations, a specific form pattern, a structure with many facets to provide a specific optical effect when in contact with light (either by light irradiation, light penetration, or via reflection through the generated form pattern or geometric structure). The light distribution facets can conform to / conform to geometric shapes, which include simple geometric triangles, squares, diamonds, quadrilaterals, polygons, spheres, domes or beads, shallow concave shapes, cones, concave shapes, convex shapes, or similar forms or other customized forms.

[0033] Horizontal Axis LAX

[0034] The transverse axis LAX serves as a reference axis defining a transverse direction along which light propagates through the optical system and along which there is some degree of rotational symmetry.The term "transverse axis" is used herein to refer to an imaginary line or rotational plane that serves to define the path along which light propagates.

[0035] Light Guide 105

[0036] The light guide 105 can be a refined component of the luminescent medium 120 or light guide portion 120, used as a material body through which light waves (including electromagnetic particles or variable spectrum light waves) pass. For example, the light waves pass through or pass through the guiding material or "medium" material. The light guide 105 can be composed or formed by a unitized, integral or combination of component body parts. The material of the luminescent medium 120 can include a rigid body or a material body with variable flexibility or a material body with relative elasticity or a gel rubberized material. The luminescent medium 120 can be formed of simple geometric shapes or custom shapes, and can include various colorants or additive features that can interfere with light transmission at various levels, but still allow light transmission through the "medium" body to varying degrees.

[0037] The light guide 105 is in the form of a sheet. The term "sheet" is understood to mean a shape defined by two faces in the thickness direction, which are substantially parallel to each other in at least a portion of the shape. The shape of the sheet itself may have a non-planar shape. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light guide 105 is preferably made of transparent plastic by injection molding. The light guide 105 may be curved, following the curved geometry of the vehicle headlight. In other embodiments, the light guide 105 may be curved differently. However, the present invention is not limited to curved light guides, but may also be extended to straight light guides. In an embodiment, the light guide 105 is integral, in other words, formed by a single piece, for example, by molding of a plastic material. The light guide 105 includes a light guide portion 120, which connects the coupler 110 and the light exit surface 115. The light guide portion 120 guides the light beam received from the coupler 110 to the light exit surface 115. In an embodiment, the light exit surface 115 includes a plurality of stepped surface facets, which are suitable for transmitting, reflecting or diffusing light at the light exit surface.

[0038] Optical axis OA

[0039] The optical axis OA serves as a reference axis defining the primary optical path along which light propagates through an optical system along which there is some degree of rotational symmetry.The term "optical axis" is used herein to refer to an imaginary line or plane of rotation that serves to define the path along which light propagates.

[0040] Coupler 110

[0041] The coupler 110 or light coupling reflector is used to collect ambient generated light and distribute or redirect such associated generated light in a specific manner or along a customized direction (specific point, location, random direction or focused target area) using the reflective surface of the coupler.

[0042] The plurality of couplers 110 are adapted to transmit the light from the light source through the light emitting surface 115 toward the forward direction of the vehicle and the outer side of the vehicle. Figure 3A As shown, the optical device 100 includes a plurality of optical couplers 110, which are located at the light entrance surface 145 of the light guide 105. It will therefore be understood that the coupler 110 is associated with the light entrance surface of the light guide 105. The coupler 110 is oriented along the extrusion direction of the light guide 105. In other words, the coupler 110 is oriented along the Y axis (or is spaced apart laterally along the LAX depicted). Here in FIG. 1, six optical couplers are shown. It should be understood that the number of couplers 110 is not limited to six and depends in particular on the size of the light guide 105. The coupler 110 is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source 1, and collimates the received light beam to produce a collimated light beam. The profile of each coupler 110 is formed by interconnected curved facets 130 and angled facet surfaces 125. As shown, the coupler 110 is juxtaposed and offset with successive or adjacent couplers 110 to produce angled facet surfaces 125, and each angled facet surface 125 includes a plurality of light reflecting facets 135. In an embodiment, the plurality of reflective surfaces 135 are a plurality of prisms, preferably juxtaposed elements.

[0043] Each coupler 110 is configured to couple light of the light guide 105 with a corresponding collimator 140. In an embodiment, the thickness dimension of the light guiding portion 120 of the light guide 105 is the same as the thickness dimension of the coupler 110.

[0044] Collimator 140

[0045] The collimator 140 or light reflecting coupler is used to collect the ambient generated light and distribute or redirect such associated generated light in a specific or customized direction (the collected light is directed in parallel beams relative to a reference point or a specific point, position, random direction or focused target area).

[0046] A collimator 140 may be associated with each coupler 110. The collimator 140 and the associated coupler 110 may be in contact. The collimator 140 may include a lens, a reflector, a refractor (not shown), or any other concave or convex collimating device. The collimator 140 has a top surface inlet (145 and Figure 3AAs shown in FIG. 1 , when the light source is disposed at the top surface entrance 145 of the collimator 140, the top surface entrance is a light entrance side adapted to receive light emitted by the light source. At least one light source 1 may be associated with each collimator 140, and the at least one light source 1 may be arranged in such a way that the collimated light beam emitted by the at least one light source is mostly guided according to the optical axis OA of the light guide 105, in other words, the at least one light source emits a light beam along the X-axis direction.

[0047] In an embodiment, the collimator 140 is adapted to receive a light beam emitted by an associated light source and collimate the emitted light beam. The collimated light beam is then directed toward the angled facet surface 125 and the curved facet 130 of the coupler 110.

[0048] Figure 1A to Figure 2 The operation of the optical device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2 The optical device is described in detail. Figure 2 Paths of light rays generated during operation of the optical device 100 according to the present invention are shown. The paths of the light rays are indicated in a generalized manner by reference numerals 150 and 155. In operation, light rays or beams emitted by a light source may be collimated by the collimator 140 to produce a collimated light beam. The collimated light beam is then transmitted toward the angled facet surfaces 125 and the curved facets 130 of the coupler 110, where the angled facet surfaces 125 and the curved facets 130 reflect the collimated light beam.

[0049] The plurality of light reflecting facets 135 of the angled facet surface 125 of each coupler 110 are adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam, which is directed toward the vehicle exterior side via the light guide 120 and the light exit surface 115. The path of the light beam toward the vehicle exterior side is indicated by reference numeral 150. Figure 2 Indicated by the arrow shown in .

[0050] The curved facet 130 of each coupler 110 is adapted to receive the other portion of the collimated light beam and guide the collimated light beam portion toward the forward direction of the vehicle via the light guide portion 120 and the light exit surface 115. The curved facet 130 is configured to guide the light beam along a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis OA of the optical device 100, in other words, along the X-axis direction. The path of the light beam toward the forward direction of the vehicle is represented by Figure 2 The light rays and light beams in are illustrated and are indicated by reference numeral 155 .

[0051] Therefore, the appearance of the optical device 100 of the present invention having the vehicle exterior side lighting of the lighting signal module is improved compared to conventional optical devices having multiple light sources.

[0052] Figure 3A It shows that according to the present invention Figure 1AAn isometric view of the optical device 100 is shown. Figure 3A 1 and 2. The face entrance 145 of the collimator 140 is clearly shown in FIG. When the light source is disposed at the face entrance 145 of the collimator 140, the face entrance 145 is a light entrance side adapted to receive light emitted by the light source.

[0053] In an embodiment, the optical device 100 is unitary. In other words, formed from a single piece, for example by moulding of a plastic material, ie the light guide and the at least one optical coupler comprise a single polymer piece.

[0054] As previously described, the optical device 100 of the present invention provides a more efficient and uniform light beam while improving the appearance of the exterior lighting.

[0055] In an embodiment, the optical device 100 is used to provide lighting for a motor vehicle. In another embodiment, the optical device 100 is used to provide a signal for a motor vehicle. In another embodiment, the optical device 100 is used to provide both lighting and signal for a motor vehicle.

[0056] Although the present disclosure provides references to the accompanying drawings, all embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to explain the preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of example and are not intended to limit the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that certain modifications will fall within the teachings of the present invention, and that various changes or modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, as long as these changes or modifications fall within the scope defined by the claims and their equivalents, these changes or modifications are all covered by the present invention.

[0057] Any value cited herein includes all values ​​from a lower value to a higher value in increments of one unit, provided that there is an interval of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. For example, if the value of the amount or process variable (e.g., temperature, pressure, time, etc.) of the description component is, for example, 1 to 90, preferably 20 to 80, more preferably 30 to 70, then it is intended to explicitly list values ​​such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32, etc. in this specification. For values ​​less than 1, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 (as the case may be). These are merely examples of specific intent, and all possible numerical combinations between the lowest and highest values ​​listed will be considered to be explicitly stated in a similar manner in this application.

[0058] Unless otherwise specified, all ranges include endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", including at least the specified endpoints.

[0059] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0060] The term "consisting essentially of" describing a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, as well as such other elements, ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination.

[0061] Element number list

[0062] Angled surface 125

[0063] Top entrance 145

[0064] Concentrator 132

[0065] Collimator 140

[0066] Coupling reflector or coupler 110

[0067] Curved face 130

[0068] Light Source 1

[0069] Horizontal Axis LAX

[0070] Light Guide 105

[0071] Light emitting surface 115

[0072] Light guiding part - luminous medium 120

[0073] Luminous axis L

[0074] Optical axis OA

[0075] Optical device 100

[0076] Optical parts or reflective surfaces 135

[0077] The path of the light beam reflected by the angled facet 150

[0078] Path of the light beam reflected by the curved facet 155

[0079] Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 133

Claims

1. An optical device for a motor vehicle, comprising: Multiple light sources; as well as A light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprising: A plurality of couplers, a light emitting surface, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light emitting surface; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to produce a collimated light beam, wherein the profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface connected to the curved facet, wherein each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap an adjacent coupler, producing each angled facet surface at the adjacent coupler, each angled facet comprising a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facets of each coupler are adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and direct the portion of the collimated light beam toward a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light exit surface; and The curved small facet of each coupler is suitable for receiving the collimated light beam of the other part, and guiding the other part toward the forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light emitting surface.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The light exit surface includes a plurality of stepped surface facets, and the plurality of stepped surface facets are suitable for transmitting, reflecting or diffusing light at the light exit surface.

3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of light reflecting facets includes a plurality of prisms positioned juxtaposed to one another.

4. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one light source is disposed at the bottom of the collimator and is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the light guide.

5. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The light guiding portion includes an upper surface and a bottom surface, wherein the upper surface and the bottom surface are parallel and interconnected by the light emitting surface.

6. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the coupler is the same as the thickness of the light guide.

7. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: Light beams from the other portions of the curved facets propagate along the optical axis of the light guide.

8. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The angled facet surface is angled relative to the optical axis.

9. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: Each coupler includes a collimator for collimating the received light beam.

10. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The light guide and the at least one optical coupler comprise a single polymer sheet.

11. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical device is used to provide lighting, signaling or both lighting and signaling for the motor vehicle.

12. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The collimated light beam directed from the angled facet surface of the coupler to the light exit surface is in the form of a bundle of parallel light rays.

13. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of couplers are oriented along an X-axis component and the plurality of light sources are positioned along an optical axis of the light guide along a Z-axis component.

14. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of couplers are oriented along an extrusion direction of the light guide.

15. A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising: Reflector assembly; lens; case; and an optical device, wherein the optical device comprises: multiple light sources; and A light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprising: a plurality of couplers, a light emitting surface, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light emitting surface; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to produce a collimated light beam, wherein the profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface connected to the curved facet, wherein each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap an adjacent coupler, producing each angled facet surface at the adjacent coupler, each angled facet surface comprising a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facets of each coupler are adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and direct the portion of the collimated light beam toward a side of the vehicle via the light directing portion and the light exit surface; and The curved facet of each coupler is suitable for receiving the collimated light beam of the other part and guiding the other part toward the forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light emitting surface.

Images