Signaling device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a signaling device (1) comprising a support (2), a plurality of light sources (4), an optical device (8) and a light exit area (6), the optical device (8) being configured to direct the light rays emitted by the light sources (4) towards the exit area (6) in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the signaling device (1), the signaling device (1) being characterized in that the support (2) is inscribed in a plane that is inclined with respect to the optical axis and to a normal to the optical axis, the optical device (8) comprising means for collimating and deflecting the light rays to at least one first directional component (CD1) bringing them angularly closer to the optical axis.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Signaling device for motor vehicle

[0003] The present invention relates to signaling devices in the automotive field, and more particularly to such signaling devices having means for collimating and deflecting light rays.

[0004] Within motor vehicles, lighting devices are adapted to implement lighting functions, in particular for lighting the road or signaling the vehicle to other users. Lighting devices dedicated to signaling correspond, among other things, to the functions of positioning lights or direction indicator lights, without this list being exhaustive.

[0005] The light signaling devices comprise at least one printed circuit board, or PCB, on which light sources such as light-emitting diodes are arranged, the light sources being configured to emit light rays towards a closing window, which forms an output face of the light signaling device, to allow the projection of the beam corresponding to the function outside the vehicle.

[0006] Due to the curved profile of certain vehicles, it is necessary to arrange the printed circuit board in a particular orientation, which results in a significant angle of inclination, in order not to collide with the walls of the vehicle. This angle of inclination is assessed between a main axis of emission of the light rays by the light-emitting diodes on the one hand, and an optical axis of the light signaling device on the other hand. Such a configuration involves providing reflective means between the light-emitting diodes and the closing glass which make it possible to deflect the light rays to straighten them towards the optical axis of the light signaling device. The known solutions for this purpose involve the addition of bulky parts which is detrimental to the desired compactness of the light signaling device.Where appropriate, the printed circuit board may be arranged in such a way that the main axis of emission of the light rays is inclined relative to the optical axis of the light device, both relative to a horizontal component and a vertical component, which has the effect of further complicating the technical solutions to be implemented to straighten the emitted light rays. The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a light signaling device which makes it possible to orient the light rays substantially parallel to the optical axis of this light device at its output, despite the inclination of the printed circuit board, with an optimized footprint.

[0007] The main subject of the present invention is thus a signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a support, a plurality of light sources fixed on the support, an optical device arranged opposite the support, and a light exit zone, the optical device being configured to direct the light rays emitted by the light sources towards the light exit zone, the signaling device being configured to emit light rays in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis of the signaling device, the signaling device being characterized in that the support is inscribed in a plane inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, the optical device comprising means for collimating the light rays and means for deflecting the light rays according to at least a first directional component bringing them angularly closer to the optical axis.

[0008] The signaling device according to the invention is intended to equip a motor vehicle with a view to performing lighting functions of this vehicle, more particularly lighting signaling functions. This signaling device comprises for this purpose a support, which participates in the power supply of light emission means arranged on the support. The support may in particular be a printed circuit board, known by the English acronym PCB for "Printed Circuit Board". The printed circuit board may in particular be of the FR4 type, or of the metal core printed circuit type, known by the English acronym IMS PCB, IMS for "Insulated Metal Substrate". Alternatively, the support may be a flexible printed circuit, known by the name "Flex PCB". The light emission means, or light sources, are in particular light-emitting diodes.Within the vehicle, the support is arranged inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the signaling device. The support has, for example, an inclination of between 10° and 50° relative to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Such an inclination of the support results from space constraints within the motor vehicle, in particular when the latter has a curved or curved profile. For example, if the motor vehicle equipped with the signaling device according to the invention extends mainly in a longitudinal direction, the support extends mainly in a plane inclined relative to a vertical-transverse plane. This inclined plane corresponds, for example, to a plane having pivoted around a vertical axis and / or a plane having pivoted around a transverse axis.

[0009] The light rays emitted by the light sources pass through an optical device to participate in the light signaling function. This optical device has a ray entry zone which extends at a distance from the support, i.e. which is not in contact with it, and through which light rays emitted by the plurality of light sources enter the optical device. It should be noted that the optical device may also, in peripheral portions in particular, be in contact with the support to facilitate the positioning of one relative to the other. A distance between an entry zone of the optical device and the support is for example of the order of two millimeters. The optical device makes it possible firstly to align the light rays so that they are parallel to each other, using collimation means, and secondly to straighten these light rays towards the optical axis using deflection means.Thus, when the inclined plane in which the support extends is a plane that has pivoted about a vertical axis, the first directional component along which the light rays are straightened is the transverse direction. Conversely, when the inclined plane in which the support extends is a plane that has pivoted about a transverse axis, the first directional component along which the light rays are straightened is the vertical direction. When the support is inclined in two orientations, that is to say when it is oriented both in a plane that has pivoted relative to the vertical axis and in a plane that has pivoted relative to the transverse axis, the light rays are straightened according to the first directional component and according to a second directional component, which are respectively the vertical direction and the transverse direction, or conversely the transverse direction and the vertical direction.

[0010] Light rays are said to be straightened to the extent that the deflection means make it possible to bring the light rays angularly closer to the optical axis, that is to say to ensure that the angle between the optical axis and the light rays decreases.

[0011] The collimation means and the deflection means, which may differ depending on the embodiments of the optical device, thus make it possible to modify the orientation of the light rays so that at the exit of the signaling device, that is to say when they pass through the light exit zone of this signaling device, the light rays allow appropriate signaling of the motor vehicle despite the initial inclination of the emission of the light rays.

[0012] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the optical device comprises at least one optical element, this optical element comprising a light entry face facing the light sources, this light entry face comprising, facing each light source, at least one portion of a Fresnel lens participating in forming said collimation means.

[0013] Within the signaling device, the optical element is interposed between the support and the light exit zone of this signaling device. It is made of a single piece. The light entry face of the optical element forms the light entry zone of the optical device previously mentioned.

[0014] In a first embodiment of the invention, "at least a portion of a Fresnel lens" means that, facing a given light source, the optical element has a complete Fresnel lens. Conversely, in a second embodiment of the invention, this formulation covers a signaling device for which, facing a given light source, the optical element has only a portion of a Fresnel lens, and for example half a Fresnel lens. In both embodiments, the at least one portion of the Fresnel lens corresponds to collimation means of the optical device, in order to orient the light rays parallel to each other from the light entry face of the optical element.

[0015] According to an optional feature of the invention, the optical device comprises the optical element and a light guide.

[0016] Such a characteristic corresponds to the first embodiment, the light guide being interposed between the optical element and the light exit zone of the signaling device.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the optical element comprises a light exit face opposite its light entry face, this light exit face comprising at least part of the means for deflecting the light rays. The light entry face of the optical element faces the support, while its light exit face faces the light guide. This light exit face carries at least part of the means for deflecting the light rays, so as to direct them towards the light guide.By "at least part of the deflection means" is meant that depending on the embodiments, either the light exit face carries all the deflection means, in which case this deflection of the light rays occurs according to a single directional component, or part of the deflection means is carried by an element of the optical device other than the light exit face of the optical element, in which case each part of the deflection means allows a deflection according to a given directional component, or potentially according to two distinct directional components.

[0018] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the Fresnel lens and the means for deflecting the light rays form reliefs on the light entry face and on the light exit face of the optical element, a thickness of this optical element measured between its light entry face and its light exit face and excluding the reliefs being constant.

[0019] It is understood that due to the presence of the means for collimating the light rays, corresponding here to the Fresnel lens, and the means for deflecting these light rays, a surface of the optical element is not flat. In the first embodiment, a dimension of the optical element measured between its entry and exit faces, namely its thickness, is constant when the reliefs formed by the means for collimating and deflecting the light rays are not taken into account. In other words, with the exception of the reliefs, the thickness of the optical element is the same over the entire surface of this optical element. In the same way, a dimension of the optical element measured between a plane passing through the vertices of the reliefs formed by the Fresnel lens and a plane passing through the vertices of the reliefs formed by the deflection means, i.e. a thickness including the reliefs, is constant.

[0020] In this first embodiment, the light entry face and the light exit face are both substantially planar and parallel to the support.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the deflection means are refractive optical surfaces. For example, these deflection means are prisms. According to an optional feature of the invention, the means for deflecting the rays formed on the optical element are first deflection means, formed on the light exit face of the optical element, the light guide comprising a first face opposite the light exit face of the optical element, this first face comprising second means for deflecting the light rays.

[0022] The light guide extends between a first face facing the light exit face of the optical element, and a second face opposite the first face and facing the light exit zone of the signaling device. The first face of the light guide is thus configured to receive the light which exits from the light exit face of the optical element. The deflection means are thus formed by reliefs on the light exit face of the optical element and reliefs on the first face of the light guide.

[0023] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the first deflection means are configured to deflect the light rays in a first direction, the second deflection means being configured to deflect the light rays in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] As a result, the light rays extend in the first direction between the optical element and the light guide, and in the second direction at least within the light guide. The first direction results, for example, from a horizontal deflection, while the second direction results from a vertical deflection.

[0025] In this context, the first deflection means of the optical element may be refractive optical surfaces, for example first prisms, and the second deflection means of the light guide may also be refractive optical surfaces, for example second prisms. Edges of the first prisms are perpendicular to edges of the second prisms, so as to deflect the light rays in two perpendicular directions.

[0026] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light guide comprises a second face opposite its first face, this second face comprising means for diffusing the light rays.

[0027] These diffusion means, or diffusing means, allow for better homogeneity of the illuminating surface formed by the light rays exiting the light guide. Such diffusion means are, for example, beads provided on the second face. According to an optional characteristic, the optical device comprises only the at least one optical element, without a light guide.

[0028] This is the second embodiment of the optical device according to the invention, in which the at least one optical element previously mentioned is not associated with a light guide.

[0029] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the at least one optical element of the optical device is configured so that its light entry face comprises, opposite each of the light sources, the at least one Fresnel lens portion and a diffusing portion.

[0030] In the second embodiment, the optical element carries on its light entry face, facing a given light source, a portion of Fresnel lens, for example a half-Fresnel lens, and a diffusing portion. The diffusing portion, which comprises for example a plurality of pads, is easy to manufacture due to the simplified shape of these pads.

[0031] According to an optional feature of the invention, the optical element comprises a light exit face opposite its light entry face, and wherein for a portion of the optical element comprising an associated Fresnel lens portion and a diffusing portion, the Fresnel lens portion and the diffusing portion form reliefs on the light entry face of the optical element, apexes of the reliefs being arranged in a plane intersecting with respect to a plane in which the support mainly extends.

[0032] In this second embodiment, the light exit face is parallel to the support while the light entry face is inclined relative to this support.

[0033] The term "portion of the optical element comprising an associated Fresnel lens portion and a diffusing portion" means a part of the optical element arranged opposite a given light source; in other words, the Fresnel lens portion and the diffusing portion are opposite the same light source.

[0034] Furthermore, a dimension of the optical element measured between its light entry and exit faces, namely its thickness, is variable when the reliefs formed by the Fresnel lens portion and the diffusing portion are not taken into account. Such a variable thickness, which creates different inclination angles within the optical element between its light entry face and its light exit face, makes it possible to form a natural prism between these two faces to deflect the light rays.

[0035] In this context of a variable thickness of the optical element, regular recesses are made to prevent the optical element, due to its light entry face and its reliefs which extend in a plane intersecting the support, from coming into contact with this support. The recesses make it possible to maintain the variable thickness characteristic throughout the optical element, by different inclinations of the entry and exit faces, while ensuring that the light entry face of the optical element is kept at a distance from the support.

[0036] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, a thickness of the optical element measured between its light entry face and its light exit face and excluding the reliefs is variable.

[0037] Such variable thickness contributes to the formation of the deflection means, the light entry face and the light exit face extending in intersecting planes which participate in deflecting the light rays.

[0038] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light exit face of the optical element is devoid of reliefs.

[0039] Alternatively, the light exit face of this optical element has low reliefs. Here, the term "low" means reliefs which have a lower height compared to the height of the reliefs on the light entry face. For example, these low reliefs have a height of less than 1.5 mm.

[0040] According to an optional feature of the invention, the plurality of light sources comprises first light sources dedicated to a first light function and second light sources dedicated to a second light function, the first light sources and the second light sources being arranged alternately on the support.

[0041] More generally, the first light sources and the second light sources are mixed on the support so as to implement two light signaling functions within the signaling device. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0042] [Fig. 1] illustrates, schematically, a signaling device according to the invention, this signaling device being shown in top view according to a first embodiment and comprising an optical device having a plurality of optical elements and a plurality of light guides;

[0043] [Fig. 2] illustrates, schematically, a side view of the signaling device according to the first embodiment, this side view being oriented at an angle represented in Figure 1 by an arrow;

[0044] [Fig. 3] illustrates, schematically, a light entry face of the optical element of the signaling device according to the first embodiment;

[0045] [Fig. 4] illustrates, schematically, a light exit face of the optical element of the signaling device according to the first embodiment, opposite the light entry face of the optical element;

[0046] [Fig. 5] illustrates, schematically, a first face of the light guide of the signaling device according to the first embodiment;

[0047] [Fig. 6] illustrates, schematically, a second face of the light guide of the signaling device according to the first embodiment, opposite the first face;

[0048] [Fig. 7] illustrates, schematically, a signaling device according to a second embodiment;

[0049] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates an optical device of the signaling device according to the second embodiment.

[0050] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art. In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0051] In the detailed description which follows, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of a signaling device according to the invention when it is mounted on a motor vehicle. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a main direction of elongation of the motor vehicle that the signaling device is intended to equip, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a reference L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A vertical direction corresponds to a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground on which this motor vehicle rests, this transverse direction being parallel to a vertical axis V of the reference L, V, T and this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.Finally, a transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a transverse axis T of the reference frame L, V, T, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the vertical axis V.

[0052] Figures 1, 2 and 7 thus illustrate, schematically, a signaling device 1 according to the invention, such a signaling device 1 being intended to equip a motor vehicle to implement one or more light signaling functions. The signaling device 1 is illustrated according to a first embodiment in Figures 1 and 2, and it is shown according to a second embodiment in Figure 7. The signaling device 1 has an optical axis which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction L, such a longitudinal direction L corresponding to a main direction of elongation of the motor vehicle.

[0053] The signaling device 1 comprises a support 2, which is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the signaling device 1. Here, the support is formed by a printed circuit board 2, which can be just as well a printed circuit board of the FR4, IMS PCB or Flex PCB type, without this being limiting of the invention. The signaling device 1 is thus particularly suitable for motor vehicles having a curved or curved profile, the printed circuit board being positioned to follow as closely as possible the shape of the front face and the wings of the motor vehicle.More particularly, the support 2 is for example arranged in a plane originally vertical-transverse and having undergone a rotation relative to a vertical axis parallel to a vertical direction V, or else arranged in a plane originally vertical-transverse and having undergone a rotation relative to a transverse axis parallel to a transverse direction T, or else arranged in a plane originally vertical-transverse and having undergone a rotation relative to both the vertical axis and the transverse axis.

[0054] The support 2 carries a plurality of light sources 4, here light-emitting diodes, which are intended to emit light rays within the signaling device 1. The light rays are illustrated in the form of dotted lines in Figure 1 and in the form of solid lines in Figures 2 and 7. These light sources 4 are fixed on the same face of the support 2 and are for example aligned from one end to the other of this support. The light sources 4 are dedicated to at least one light signaling function of the motor vehicle. In certain variants of the invention, among the light sources 4, there are first light sources 4 dedicated to a first light function and second light sources 4 dedicated to a second light function. These two light functions are distinct from one another.For example, the first light function may correspond to an indication of a change of direction while the second light function corresponds to switching on the rear position lights of the motor vehicle. The first light sources 4 and the second light sources 4 are then mixed on the support 2; they are for example arranged alternately from one end of the support to the other.

[0055] The signaling device 1 comprises a light exit zone 6, through which the light rays leave the signaling device 1 to implement the light signaling function. This light exit zone 6 may in particular be a closing glass of a housing within which the various components of the signaling device are housed.

[0056] Between the support 2 and the light exit zone 6, the signaling device 1 comprises an optical device 8 which is intended to be crossed by the light rays emitted by the light sources 4. The optical device 8 is more particularly configured to direct the light rays emitted by the light sources 4 towards the light exit zone 6 in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the signaling device 1, so as to ensure correct arrangement of the light rays after they have crossed the light exit zone 6, for the performance of the light signaling function.

[0057] The optical device 8 is arranged opposite the support 2, and more precisely opposite its face which carries the light sources 4. The optical device 8 and the support 2 are at a distance from each other, at least in a portion forming an entry zone for light rays within the optical device; thus, a distance measured between these two elements is for example of the order of two millimeters.

[0058] The optical device 8 comprises at least one optical element 10, such an optical element 10 being shown in isolation in FIGS. 3 and 4 for the first embodiment and in FIG. 8 for the second embodiment. The light rays emitted by the light sources 2 enter this optical element 10 through a light entry face 12 and exit through a light exit face 14. It is thus understood that the light entry face 12 of the optical element 10 is oriented towards the face of the support 2 which carries the light sources 4, while the light exit face 14 of this optical element 10 is closer to the light exit zone 6 of the signaling device 1.The light entry face 12 and the light exit face 14 both extend from a first lateral end 16 of the optical element 10 to a second lateral end 18 of this optical element 10, these lateral ends 16, 18, visible in FIG. 2, forming ends of the optical element 10 in its main direction of extension.

[0059] As mentioned above, the optical device 8 is configured to direct the light rays emitted by the light sources 4 towards the output zone 6 of the signaling device 1 in a direction parallel to its optical axis. For this purpose, the optical device comprises means for collimating the light rays on the one hand, and means for deflecting these light rays on the other hand.

[0060] As part of these collimation means, the light entry face 12 of the optical element 10 comprises, opposite each light source 4, at least one portion of a Fresnel lens 20. In other words, for a given portion of the light entry face 12 which is arranged opposite one of the light sources 4 carried by the support 2, the optical element 10 has at least one portion of a Fresnel lens 20. This at least one portion of a Fresnel lens 20 forms reliefs on the light entry face 12 of the optical element 10, such that the light entry face 12 is not flat. The apexes of all these reliefs extend here in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane in which the light entry face 12 mainly extends.The optical device 8 has different configurations depending on whether the signaling device 1 is in its first embodiment, which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, or in its second embodiment, which is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0061] In the first embodiment, and as is particularly visible in FIG. 3, the at least one portion of Fresnel lens 20 corresponds to a complete Fresnel lens 20A. Conversely, for the second embodiment and as is particularly illustrated in FIG. 8, within the optical element 10 the at least one portion of Fresnel lens 20 corresponds substantially to a portion of Fresnel lens, for example a half-Fresnel lens 20B. The support 2 carrying a plurality of light sources 4 for each of these embodiments, it is understood that the optical element 10 has a plurality of complete Fresnel lenses 20A for the first embodiment, and a plurality of half-Fresnel lenses 20B for the second embodiment, these at least one portion of Fresnel lens 20 then being aligned between the first lateral end 16 and the second lateral end 18 of the optical element 10.

[0062] The at least one portion of Fresnel lens 20 is a means of collimating the light rays emitted by the light sources 4; thus, after having passed through the light entry face 12 of the optical element 10 on which this at least one portion of Fresnel lens 20 is formed, the light rays propagate within a thickness of the optical element 10, measured between its light entry face 12 and its light exit face 14, while being parallel to each other.

[0063] Thus, the collimation means of the optical device 10 are carried by its light entry face 12. In the first embodiment, the complete Fresnel lens 20A constitutes the collimation means of the optical element 10, as illustrated in FIG. 3. On the contrary, in the second embodiment the collimation means comprise, for a given light source, only a portion of Fresnel lens, here a half-Fresnel lens 20B.

[0064] The optical element 10 further comprises, in this second embodiment, a diffusing portion 22 arranged on the light entry face 12. This diffusing portion 22 forms pads on the light entry face 12 which process the portion of the light rays emitted by the given light source and which have not been directed towards the Fresnel half-lens. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 7, the Fresnel half-lens 20B and the diffusing portion 22 form a subassembly which is repeated successively between the first lateral end 16 of the optical element 10 and its second lateral end 18; in the presence of a plurality of Fresnel half-lenses 20B and diffusing portions 22, these are then alternated from the first lateral end 16 to the second lateral end 18 of the optical element 10.There exists, within the optical element 10, an association between a Fresnel half-lens 20B and a diffusing portion 22 for a given light source 4, this light source 4 being arranged opposite an interface zone at a junction between the Fresnel half-lens 20B and the diffusing portion 22. The diffusing portion 22 forms reliefs on the light entry face 12 of the optical element 10. The reliefs formed by the at least one Fresnel lens 20B and / or by the diffusing portion 22 have vertices which extend in a plane intersecting with respect to the support 2._.

[0065] The optical element 10, whether the signaling device 1 is in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, also has means for collimating the means for deflecting the light rays. The deflection of the light rays takes place according to at least one directional component, depending on the inclination of the support 2. The deflection means are intended to bring the light rays closer to the optical axis of the signaling device 1.

[0066] For the first embodiment, the deflection means are carried by the light exit face 14 of the optical element 10, this light exit face 14 being particularly visible in Figure 4. A deflection carried out by the deflection means of the light exit face 14 is further illustrated in Figure 2.

[0067] The deflection means here take the form of refractive optical surfaces, for example prisms 24, arranged on the light exit face 14. These prisms 24 are arranged one after the other along the light exit face 14, from the first lateral end 16 of the optical element 10 to its second lateral end 18. The prisms 24 form reliefs on this light exit face 14, the apexes of all the prisms 24 extending in the same plane which is for example parallel to the support 2. Edges 25 of the prisms 24 extend here in a first direction DI substantially perpendicular to the main direction of extension of the optical element 10.

[0068] As visible in Figure 2, the prisms 24 make it possible to deflect the light rays according to a first directional component CD1, which corresponds to a first direction which brings them closer to the optical axis of the signaling device 1, that is to say the longitudinal direction L. The deviation according to the first directional component GDI here makes it possible to straighten the rays according to the vertical direction V, in particular to orient them substantially in a longitudinal and transverse plane.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the thickness of the optical element 10 is constant, excluding the reliefs formed by the complete Fresnel lens 20A on the light entry face 12 and by the prisms 24 on the light exit face 14. It is thus understood that the thickness of the optical element 10 is the same from the first lateral end 16 of the optical element 10 to its second lateral end 18, to within manufacturing tolerances. The thickness of the optical element 10 is for example measured at right angles to the plane in which its light entry face 12 extends and the plane in which its light exit face 14 extends. Due to this constant thickness, the light entry face 12 and the light exit face 14 are parallel from one lateral end 16, 18 to the other of the optical element 10.

[0070] Thus, for the optical device 10 according to the first embodiment, both the light entry face 12 and the light exit face 14 are active, in that they respectively comprise means for collimating the light rays and means for deflecting these light rays. On the contrary, the optical device 10 according to the second embodiment has a single active face which is its light entry face 12 carrying collimation means, its light exit face 14 being, according to the embodiment variants, devoid of reliefs or being provided with low reliefs which do not allow a significant deviation of the light rays as is the case for the deflection means.

[0071] For the second embodiment, the deflection means are notably formed by a prism formed by the thickness of the optical element 10. This thickness of the optical element 10, which is measured between its light entry face 12 and its light exit face 14, is measured independently of the reliefs formed by the half-Fresnel lens 20B and the diffusing portion 22. Similarly, for variant embodiments of the second embodiment in which the light exit face 14 has low reliefs, the thickness of the optical element 10 is measured excluding these reliefs.

[0072] In this second embodiment, the light exit face 14 is parallel to the support 2, while its light entry face 12 is inclined relative to the latter, tending to move closer to the support, with the exception of regular offsets 23. Thus, the thickness of the optical element 10 is variable since the light entry face generally tends to move away from the light exit face. A thickness of the optical element 10 measured at the level of a Fresnel half-lens 20B is for example greater than a thickness of this optical element 10 measured at the level of a diffusing portion 22. The prism formed by such a variable thickness makes it possible to deflect the light rays which have previously been collimated by the collimation means of the light entry face 12 of the optical element 10, namely for the second embodiment the Fresnel half-lens 20B.This deviation occurs according to the first directional component GDI, represented in figure 7, which makes it possible to bring the light rays closer to the optical axis of the signaling device 1.

[0073] It is noteworthy that the light exit face has local cutouts. These cutouts make it possible, in particular, to avoid excessive variations in the thickness of the part, which ensures good injection of material during manufacturing.

[0074] As mentioned, the light entry face 12 has recesses 23 which make it possible to readjust the gap between the light entry face 12 and the support and to maintain from one lateral end to the other the general orientation of the light entry face and therefore the orientation of the Fresnel half-lenses 20B and the diffusing portions 22. In the example illustrated, a recess 23 is generated between each subassembly formed opposite a light source 4 by a Fresnel half-lens 20B and a diffusing portion 22.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the optical device 8 comprises only the optical element 10. Conversely, for the first embodiment, this optical device 8 comprises both the optical element 10 and a light guide 26.

[0076] The light guide 26, shown within the signaling device 1 in Figure 1 and in isolation in Figures 5 and 6, is arranged between the optical element 10 on the one hand and the light exit zone 6 of the signaling device 1 on the other hand. The light guide 26 has a first face 28, which is the one through which the light rays coming from the optical element 10 enter it, and a second face 30, which is the one through which these light rays leave it. The first face 28 is particularly visible in Figure 5, while the second face 30 is shown in Figure 6. The first face 28 of the light guide 26 is substantially parallel to the light exit face 14 of the optical element 10. The deflection means carried by the light exit face 14 of the optical element 10, namely its prisms 24, make it possible to direct the light rays towards the first face 28 of the light guide 26.This first face 28 of the light guide 26 is also equipped with means for deflecting the light rays, which correspond to deflection prisms 32. Thus, within the optical device 8, the light exit face 14 of the optical element 10 and the first face 28 of the light guide 26 are both equipped with means for deflecting the light rays, which are respectively first deflection means and second deflection means.

[0077] The deflection means of the light guide 26, i.e. the second deflection means, are configured to deflect the light rays according to a second directional component CD2 which is illustrated in FIG. 1. This second directional component CD2 is a second direction perpendicular to the first direction corresponding to the first directional component CD1. The deflection according to the second directional component CD2 here makes it possible to straighten the rays according to the transverse direction T, in particular to orient them substantially in a longitudinal and vertical plane.

[0078] The deflection prisms 32 are arranged on the first face 28 from a first lateral end 34 to a second lateral end 36 of the light guide 26 in a main direction of extension of the light guide 26, substantially parallel to the main direction of extension of the optical element 10 previously mentioned, the first end 34 being arranged substantially in the longitudinal continuity of the first lateral end 16 of the optical element 10 and the second end 36 being arranged substantially in the longitudinal continuity of the second lateral end 18 of the optical element 10. The deflection prisms 32 are further arranged in rows 33, each row 33 here comprising four deflection prisms 32. The vertices of all the deflection prisms 32 extend in the same plane which is for example parallel to a plane in which the first face 28 of the light guide 26 mainly extends.At least a portion of the edges 35 of the deflection prisms 32 extends substantially parallel to the main direction of extension of the light guide 26, these edges 35 being, for example, horizontal edges 35. Due to the parallel orientation of the first face 28 of the light guide 26 and the light exit face 14 of the optical element 10, the horizontal edges 35 of the deflection prisms 32 of the light guide 26 are substantially perpendicular to the vertical edges 25 of the prisms 24 of the optical element 10.

[0079] It is understood from the above that in the first embodiment, the light rays are deflected according to the first directional component GDI by the first deflection means of the light exit face 14 of the optical element 10, which correspond to the prisms 24, then the light rays are deflected perpendicularly according to the second directional component CD2 by the second deflection means of the first face 28 of the light guide 26, namely the deflection prisms 32.

[0080] The second face 30 of the light guide 26, through which the light rays leave the light guide 26 to pass through the light exit zone 6 of the signaling device 1, carries means 38 for diffusing the light rays. These diffusion means 38, visible in FIG. 6, are patterns, in particular ridges, which make it possible to homogenize the light rays before they leave the light guide 26. The diffusion means are arranged in rows from the first end 34 to the second end 36 of the light guide 26.

[0081] The present invention thus proposes a light signaling device suitable for motor vehicles with a curved profile, the light signaling device comprising both collimation means and deflection means. These deflection means make it possible to deflect the light rays according to at least one directional component to direct the light rays substantially parallel to an optical axis of the signaling device, in order to adapt to the inclined position of the support imposed by the curve of the vehicle in which the signaling device is to be integrated. Where appropriate, for complex curves the light rays can be straightened according to two different directional components.

[0082] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Signaling device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a support (2), a plurality of light sources (4) fixed on the support (2), an optical device (8) arranged opposite the support (2), this support (2), and a light exit zone (6), the optical device (8) being configured to direct the light rays emitted by the light sources (4) towards the light exit zone (6), the signaling device being configured to emit light rays in a direction substantially parallel to an optical axis of the signaling device (1), the signaling device (1) being characterized in that the support (2) is inscribed in a plane inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis,the optical device (8) comprising means for collimating the light rays and means for deflecting the light rays according to at least a first directional component (GDI) bringing them angularly closer to the optical axis., 2. Signaling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the optical device (8) comprises at least one optical element (10), this optical element (10) comprising a light entry face (12) facing the light sources (4), this light entry face (12) comprising, facing each light source (4), at least a portion of a Fresnel lens (20, 20A, 20B) participating in forming said collimation means.

3. Signaling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the optical device (8) comprises the optical element (10) and a light guide (26).

4. Signaling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the optical element (10) comprises a light exit face (14) opposite its light entry face (12), this light exit face (14) comprising at least part of the means for deflecting the light rays.

5. Signaling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the Fresnel lens (20, 20A) and the means for deflecting the light rays form reliefs on the light entry face (12) and on the light exit face (14) of the optical element (10), a thickness of this optical element (10) measured between its light entry face (12) and its light exit face (14) and excluding the reliefs being constant.

6. Signaling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the deflection means are prisms (24, 32).

7. Signaling device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, or any one of claims 1 or 2 or 6, in combination with claim 4, wherein the means for deflecting the rays formed on the optical element (10) are first deflection means, formed on the light exit face (14) of the optical element (10), the light guide (26) comprising a first face (28) facing the light exit face (14) of the optical element (10), this first face (28) comprising second means for deflecting the light rays.

8. Signaling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first deflection means are configured to deflect the light rays according to a first directional component (GDI), the second deflection means being configured to deflect the light rays according to a second directional component (CD2) perpendicular to the first direction.

9. Signaling device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, or any one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with claim 7, in which the light guide (26) comprises a second face (30) opposite its first face (28), this second face (30) comprising means for diffusing the light rays.

10. Signaling device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one optical element (10) of the optical device is configured so that its light entry face (12) comprises, opposite each of the light sources (4), the at least one Fresnel lens portion (20, 20B) and a diffusing portion (22).

11. Signaling device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the optical element (10) comprises a light exit face (14) opposite its light entry face (12), and wherein for a portion of the optical element (10) comprising an associated Fresnel lens portion (20, 20B) and diffusing portion (22), the Fresnel lens portion (20, 20B) and the diffusing portion (22) form reliefs on the light entry face (12) of the optical element (10), apexes of the reliefs being arranged in a plane intersecting with respect to a plane in which the support (2) mainly extends.

12. Signaling device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which a thickness of the optical element (10), measured between its light entry face (12) and its light exit face (14) and excluding the reliefs, is variable.

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