Optical device for a signaling light device

Abstract

Title: Optical Device for a Signaling Light Device Optical device (3) for a signaling light device (1), the optical device (3) comprising collimation means and beam straightening means, the optical device (3) comprising a series of rigid optical modules (4, 10), distinct from one another and positioned side by side, each optical module being intended to collimate a light beam (F) from an associated light source, at least two adjacent optical modules being articulated for rotation relative to each other by means of a flexible element (7) connecting them. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Optical device for a luminous signaling device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of luminous signaling devices for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to an optical device for such luminous devices, the optical device being capable of collimating and straightening a light beam. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such an optical device. State of the prior art

[0002] Motor vehicles carry light signaling devices, such as signal lights, in order to be clearly visible to other motorists. The light devices are harmoniously integrated into the silhouette of the vehicle and contribute to its light signature. The light signature of a vehicle can be defined as a particular arrangement of the light 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.

[0003] Furthermore, the 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 may incorporate optical devices capable of collimating and straightening a light beam. Collimating a light beam consists of modifying the light beam so that its light rays are parallel to each other. Straightening a light beam consists of globally reorienting the light rays which pass through it. These optical devices are arranged according to the curved lines imposed by the silhouette of the vehicle. As a result, the optical devices are complex to manufacture and must be completely recreated for each new vehicle silhouette.Such complexity generates very significant design, validation and industrialization efforts. Presentation of the invention.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an optical device for a luminous signaling device and a method of manufacturing such an optical device overcoming the above drawbacks and improving the optical devices and manufacturing methods. known from the prior art.

[0005] More specifically, a first object of the invention is an optical device which can be easily adapted to different vehicle silhouettes.

[0006] A second object of the invention is an optical device that is simple to manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to an optical device for a light signaling device, the optical device comprising collimation means and means for straightening light beams, the optical device comprising a series of rigid optical modules, distinct from one another, and positioned next to one another, each optical module being intended to collimate a light beam coming from a light source associated with it, at least two adjacent optical modules being articulated in rotation relative to one another by means of a flexible element connecting them.

[0008] All optical modules may comprise an identical shape. Each optical module may be rotatably articulated with its adjacent optical modules by means of one or more flexible elements connecting them.

[0009] The flexible element may be made of silicone or polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The optical modules may be made of a transparent polymer, in particular polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0010] The flexible element and / or the optical modules may comprise a stepped surface, in particular the steps being formed by prisms.

[0011] The at least two adjacent optical modules can be 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 series of optical modules can comprise a first optical module and a last optical module, the first optical module being articulated in rotation relative to the last optical module 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°.

[0012] The flexible element may extend into a space formed between the two adjacent optical modules that it connects.

[0013] The flexible element may comprise a transparent film, and all optical modules may be attached to said film.

[0014] The film can be arranged downstream of the optical modules according to the direction of propagation of the light beams from the light sources associated with each optical module.

[0015] Said film can be configured to modify the orientation of the light rays which pass through it.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an optical device as defined above, the manufacturing method comprising:

[0017] - fixing the optical modules on the film, the film extending along a plane, then

[0018] - shaping the optical device so that the optical modules are po located next to each other along a curved line.

[0019] The invention also relates to a light signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a series of light sources capable of producing a light beam and an optical device as defined previously, the optical modules being positioned next to each other along a curved line extending substantially transversely to the light beam, each optical module being configured to collimate and straighten a light beam produced by the light source associated with it. Presentation of figures

[0020] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0021] [Fig. 1] is a schematic side view of a light device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Fig. 2] is a schematic side view of a light device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0023] [Fig. 3] is a schematic side view of a light device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0024] [Fig.4] 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.

[0025] [Fig.5] is a second perspective view of the optical module of [Fig.4].

[0026] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of the optical module of [Fig.4] according to a first median plane PL

[0027] [Fig.7] is a sectional view of the optical module of [Fig.4] along a second median plane P2. Detailed description

[0028] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle. The lighting 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 form a light signature of the vehicle. The lighting device thus has an outer surface, visible from the exterior of 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.

[0029] 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 may, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode, an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp. Preferably, each light source may 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 straight arrows. The optical device 3 is positioned on the path of the light beams F emitted by all the light sources 2 and is intended to be traversed by these light beams.

[0030] 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 bundles of parallel rays. Such a transformation of the light beam then makes it possible to straighten the light beams, that is to say to reorient 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. The straightening of the light beam makes it possible to make the vehicle clearly visible to other road users and in particular at angles imposed by motor vehicle legislation.

[0031] In addition to the optical device 3, the light device 1 may also comprise a rectifying and / or diffusing optical filter (not shown). The optical filter is positioned downstream of the optical device 3 in the direction of propagation of the light rays. The light beam rectifying function performed by the optical filter may be provided in addition to the rectifying function provided by the optical device 3. The light device 1 may also comprise a protective glass (not shown), possibly without any particular optical property, primarily intended to protect the light device.

[0032] The optical device 3 comprises a series of discretized, unitary optical modules 4. The optical modules are thus distinct from one another and in particular without direct contact between them. The optical modules 4 are positioned next to one another along a curved line C. This curved line C may have the shape of an arc of 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 associated with it. The same light ray cannot pass through two different optical modules.

[0033] 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 adjacent optical module. The representation along 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 for the modules positioned at the edges of the surface which only have three neighboring or adjacent optical modules, and except for the modules positioned at the corners of the surface which only have two neighboring or adjacent optical modules.

[0034] For each optical module 4, an optical axis X0 can be defined 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.

[0035] Each optical module 4 is capable of collimating the light beam that it receives. Consequently, each optical module 4 can be described 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 size of the optical module. The prisms 6 may comprise 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 passing through them. The different prisms 6 that make up the optical surface may have variable dimensions depending on their distance from the optical axis XO.

[0036] As illustrated in the figures, the optical modules 4 have a generally rectangular shape. The 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 may 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.

[0037] The optical modules 4 are rigid. They are not intended to deform during the assembly of the lighting device 1 or during its use. The optical modules may 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 lighting device because the optical models can be carried out at the scale of an optical module and then easily generalized to the scale of the optical device. This also facilitates the manufacture of the optical device by means of a repetitive process for manufacturing and assembling the optical modules. In particular, it is possible to 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, i.e. 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 in series. The optical modules are advantageously manufactured by a plastic injection process in an injection mold, which makes it possible to manufacture them in large quantities and with excellent reproducibility.

[0038] 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 a 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.

[0039] According to one embodiment, all the optical modules are assembled in series in a single dimension. According to another embodiment mentioned above, the optical modules are assembled in series and in parallel, i.e. in a grid pattern, and thus form a flexible surface or sheet.

[0040] 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 may remain less than or equal to 5°. The first optical module 4A may be articulated in rotation relative to the last optical module 4B by means of 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 Al 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 the curved line C at the level of 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. The flexible elements are in particular considerably less rigid than the optical modules. The flexible elements 7 may, for example, be made of silicone, or alternatively, of polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. The flexible elements may, for example, comprise an elongation of between 100% and 150% measured according to the ASTM D882 standard, and / or a tension of between 5 and 15 Kpsi measured according to the ASTM D882 standard.

[0041] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the flexible elements 7 extend into a space formed between the two adjacent optical modules 4 that 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.

[0042] As a remark, the spacing between the 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 greatest possible distance to both facilitate the assembly process and avoid contact between the adjacent optical modules when the optical device 3 is curved. The greater the distance between the 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 curved and / or chamfered shape in order to avoid contact between adjacent optical modules and thus increase the rotation amplitude without increasing the size of the gap between these optical modules.

[0043] [Fig. 2] 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 the 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 an alternative would lead to an increased spacing between the optical modules once the optical device is curved along the curved line C.

[0044] 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 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 straightening function could also be performed by the optical modules 4.

[0045] The film 8 may have a substantially constant thickness, for example between 0.1 millimeters and 1 millimeter. The optical modules 4 may be bonded by means of an optical glue on the first face 8A of the film.

[0046] To manufacture such an optical device, the procedure can be as follows. First, the film 8 and a set of light modules 4 are provided separately. The film 8 may be in the form of a roll. The film is then unrolled onto a flat support so as to extend along a plane, preferably horizontal. Next, optical glue is applied locally to the unrolled film 8, and then an optical module 4 is placed on the optical glue. Since the optical film is positioned flat, the operation of fixing the optical module is particularly simple to carry out. A robotic arm can grip 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 onto the flat support, for example by unrolling it further, and the application of the glue and the fixing of a second optical module next to the first optical module. By repeating these operations, an optical device 3 comprising any number of optical modules 4 can be produced. If the supplied film is larger than necessary to manufacture an optical device, the manufacturing method may optionally include an operation of cutting the optical film between two adjacent optical modules. Alternatively, a roll can also be formed 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 when integrating the optical device into the lighting device 1.For this purpose, the light device may advantageously comprise means for supporting the optical module configured to hold the optical device along a given curved line. The optical device may, for example, be held in shape by screwing, by clipping or by holding the optical device between two support layers extending parallel to each other.

[0047] According to a third embodiment variant illustrated in [Fig. 3], the optical device comprises a single transparent flexible element 7 overmolded on all of the optical modules 4. As for the second embodiment, this single optical element comprises a first face on which all of 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.

[0048] 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 regardless of 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 the optical device illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

[0049] The optical module 10 is a single-piece or otherwise monolithic part, that is to say that it is made in one piece, preferably by an injection process in a mold. The optical module is further manufactured from transparent material. As seen previously, the optical module is preferably made of a transparent polymer, in particular a polycarbonate or a polymethyl methacrylate. Similarly, the optical module 10 is configured to collimate a light beam coming from a light source 2 along an optical axis XO.

[0050] The optical module 10 comprises a first part 11 in the form of a portion of a cylinder, in particular a half-cylinder shape, a second part 12 in the form of 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 DI 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 the direction DI.

[0051] 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 light beam produced by the light source 2.

[0052] 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 comprises a cylindrical shape with a circular base. It can be connected by fillets 16 to the optical surfaces 14 and 15. It is therefore understood that the optical surfaces 14 and 15 face each other.

[0053] 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 cylinder portion shape of the first part 11. The first part 11 thus forms a tunnel in the center of which the light source 2 is located.

[0054] 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 a variant of the invention ... lisation this support 19 could form with the optical module 10 a single and same part. The optical module 10 is therefore supported on the printed circuit board by means of its first part 11. The second part 12 of the optical module is held to the first part 11 by means of the optical guide 13 which thus performs not only a light ray guide function but also a holding function.

[0055] The first optical surface 14 comprises a first set of prisms 21 extending parallel to a first axis XL. The first axis XI is perpendicular to the optical axis XO. Similarly, 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 XL. 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 DI while maintaining a limited size of the optical module. The prisms 21 and 22 may 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.

[0056] As a remark, the light rays passing through the first part 11 of the optical module and arriving at 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 since 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 deflection of these rays is therefore not required.

[0057] In addition, the optical module 10 also comprises 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 in the direction of propagation of the light rays.

[0058] The third optical surface 23 extends parallel to the first optical surface 14. In particular, the third optical surface 23 extends on an inner face of the cylinder portion of the first part 11 of the optical module 10 while the first optical surface 14 extends on an outer face of the cylinder portion. The third optical surface 23 is therefore turned towards the light source 2.

[0059] 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 DI. For this purpose, the third optical surface comprises a third set of reliefs 24 extending along a portion of cylinder, perpendicular to the prisms 21 and 22. The third optical surface 23 is formed by a set of arcuate lines centered on the same axis parallel to the axis XL. These different arcuate lines 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 step surface. Alternatively, the optical module could not include this third optical surface. Thus, the inner face of the cylinder portion of the first part 11 of the optical module 10 could be smooth.

[0060] Furthermore, the optical module 10 may also comprise a fourth optical surface 25 configured to straighten and / or diffuse light rays coming from the second optical surface 15. The straightening of the light rays consists of globally reorienting a light beam. The diffusion of the 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. The fourth optical surface 25 may for example comprise a wavy and profiled shape parallel to the second axis X2. Alternatively, the optical module could not comprise 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 terms 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.

[0061] Preferably, the optical modules 10 of the same optical device are connected to each other by means of a flexible element in the form of the film 8. In particular, the optical modules are fixed to the film by means of the external face of the second part 12. According to an alternative embodiment, the optical modules could be connected to each other by means of flexible elements arranged between the lateral edges of the first part 11 and / or of the second part 12.

[0062] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the path of the light rays respectively along a first plane PI perpendicular to the first axis XI and along a second plane P2 perpendicular to the second axis X2. The planes PI and P2 are notably identified in [Fig.5]. 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 reach 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 and 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 the 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 does not produce any 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.

[0063] Finally, thanks to the invention, an optical device is provided that is capable of conforming to different geometries. The same optical device can thus be more easily integrated into different vehicle models. The optical modules that make up the optical device constitute elementary bricks that 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

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing an optical device (3) for a luminous signaling device (1), the optical device (3) comprising collimation means and light beam straightening means, the optical device (3) comprising a series of rigid optical modules (4, 10), distinct from each other, and positioned next to each other, each optical module being intended to collimate a light beam (F) coming from a light source associated therewith, at least two adjacent optical modules being articulated in rotation relative to each other by means of a flexible element (7) connecting them, the flexible element (7) comprises a transparent film (8), and in that all the optical modules (4, 10) are fixed to said film, characterized in that it comprises: - fixing the optical modules (4, 10) on the film (8), the film extending along a plane, then - shaping the optical device (3) so that the optical modules (4,10) are positioned next to each other along a curved line (C),

2. Method of manufacturing an optical device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that all the optical modules (4, 10) comprise an identical shape and / or in that each optical module (4, 10) is articulated in rotation with its adjacent optical modules by means of one or more flexible elements (7) connecting them.

3. Method for manufacturing an optical device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the flexible element (7) is made of silicone or polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate, and / or in that - the optical modules (4, 10) are made of a transparent polymer, in particular polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate.

4. Method for manufacturing an optical device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible element (7) and / or the optical modules (4, 10) comprise a stepped surface, in particular the steps being formed by prisms.

5. Method of manufacturing an optical device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the at least two adjacent optical modules (4, 10) are articulated in rotation relative to each other with an amplitude greater than or equal to at 1°, in particular greater than or equal to 2°, and / or in that - the series of optical modules (4, 10) comprises a first optical module (4A) and a last optical module (4B), the first optical module being articulated in rotation relative to the last optical module 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°.

6. Method of manufacturing an optical device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible element (7) extends in a space formed between the two adjacent optical modules (4, 10) which it connects.

7. . Method of manufacturing an optical device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (8) is arranged downstream of the optical modules according to the direction of propagation of the light beams coming from the light sources associated with each optical module.

8. Method of manufacturing an optical device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said film (8) is configured to modify the orientation of the light rays which pass through it.

9. Light signaling device (1) for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a series of light sources (2) capable of producing a light beam (F) and an optical device (3) obtained by the manufacturing method according to one of the preceding claims, the optical modules (4, 10) being positioned next to each other along a curved line extending substantially transversely to the light beam, each optical module being configured to collimate and straighten a light beam produced by the light source associated with it.

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