Optical device for a light signal

Abstract

Optical device for a light signaling light The optical device (30) is intended to be placed in a housing (11) to form a light signaling light (10) for a vehicle. It comprises, along the longitudinal direction (X): - an input portion (40) receiving rays emitted by a light source; - a middle portion (50) having two lateral faces spaced from each other along a transverse direction (Y); - an output portion (60) comprising an output face through which the rays which have propagated in the optical device are emitted. The output portion comprises at least one module (63) having lateral faces (66) which, when viewed in the elevation direction (Z), have a bullet shape and which define a front edge (67) extending substantially in a plane parallel to a plane (X,Z). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Optical device for a luminous signal light

[0001] The invention relates to an optical device intended to be placed in a housing to form a luminous signaling light for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a luminous signaling light comprising such an optical device, and to a vehicle, such as a truck or other industrial vehicle comprising such a light.

[0002] Trucks - or other industrial vehicles - are large and powerful vehicles. It is therefore essential, for the safety of property and people, that they are clearly visible, day and night, and that their dimensions are clearly appreciated.

[0003] To do this, this type of vehicle is conventionally equipped with clearance lights, or marker lights. These are mounted in various places on the vehicle to indicate its position, by emitting light rays.

[0004] Such a light typically comprises a base fixed to the vehicle and a transparent cover which is mounted on the base and forms an enclosure. This enclosure contains at least one light source as well as one or more optical devices intended to direct the emitted light rays in the desired or regulatory directions.

[0005] In practice, it can be difficult to reconcile the constraints of mechanical assembly, electrical connection, desired aesthetics, and regulations in terms of distribution and light intensity.

[0006] The invention aims to provide a light having improved optical properties and whose size and mounting constraints remain controlled.

[0007] For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an optical device intended to be placed in a housing to form a luminous signaling light for a vehicle. The optical device is in the form of a block of transparent or translucent material having a longitudinal direction and comprising, along the longitudinal direction:

[0008] - an input portion configured to receive rays emitted by at least one light source;

[0009] - a middle portion having two lateral faces spaced from each other along a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction;

[0010] - an exit portion comprising an exit face through which the rays which are propagated in the optical device are emitted;

[0011] an elevation direction being defined as orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0012] According to a general definition of the invention, the output portion comprises at least one module having lateral faces which, when viewed in the elevation direction, have an ogive shape and which define a frontal edge extending substantially in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and elevation directions.

[0013] Thanks to this specific shape of the output portion, the light beam obtained at the output of the optical device has, in a plane orthogonal to the elevation direction, an angular amplitude greater than what can be obtained with conventional shapes. Indeed, beyond a certain angle of incidence with the lateral face, a light ray propagating in the optical device is not transmitted but on the contrary reflected, thus being returned to the interior of the optical device. The ogive shape makes it possible both to transmit more light rays towards the exterior of the optical device, and to orient these emitted rays according to a cone of greater angle, in a plane orthogonal to the elevation direction. The gain in angle, compared to known devices, can be of the order of 10 to 25%.

[0014] The beam at the output of the optical device is defined as the set of rays making it possible to obtain a light intensity greater than a predefined threshold, typically predefined by the regulations in force. This threshold is for example 1 cd, or 1.3 cd, or 1.5 cd. Other light rays may be emitted by the optical device, outside of this beam.

[0015] The invention provides a particularly advantageous solution in the case where the output portion is located opposite the input portion, along the longitudinal direction, and potentially at a relatively large distance from the input portion. Indeed, such a longitudinally elongated configuration leads to a reduction in the proportion of rays emitted by the light source(s) which, after propagating in the optical device, are emitted by the output face. Thanks to the ogive shape, a greater portion of the extreme rays of the beam propagating in the optical device can be collected and emitted by the output face. By "extreme rays of the beam" is meant the side bands of the beam seen in a plane orthogonal to the elevation direction.

[0016] However, arranging the light sources opposite the output portion in the direction of propagation of the light rays is an interesting implementation insofar as it makes it possible to limit the location of the electronic circuits to the input portion. In addition to the simplification which results from this, this also makes it possible to free up the other portions of the optical device so as not to hinder the transmission of light. Since it offers a technical improvement applicable to this type of advantageous implementation, the invention is of even greater interest.

[0017] The optical device according to the invention makes it possible to produce a luminous signaling light which complies with the regulatory constraints in terms of the angle of the beam emitted at the output, and this with greater freedom on other characteristics of the light, such as the relative arrangement of certain components (such as the position of the light sources in relation to the optical device) or the overall structure (dimensions of the light, general aesthetics, connection systems to the vehicle).

[0018] By "ogive" is meant a shape which, seen in the elevation direction, has edges forming arcs, that is to say non-rectilinear edges, which converge towards each other towards one end, possibly rounded. The lateral faces of the or each module may define a shape similar to that of an ogive window.

[0019] By "module" is meant a unitary element making it possible, by combination with other elements, to constitute an assembly. In the present case, the module(s) constitute an assembly which may be a part of the output portion or form the entire output portion. Depending on the properties of the light beam which it is desired to obtain at the output of the optical device, the modules may be identical, substantially identical, or different. It may also be provided that the output portion comprises - or is made up of - a single module.

[0020] It should be noted that the term "module" is used to facilitate the geometric description of the optical device, but does not imply that this device necessarily comprises several modules, nor that it is formed of separate elements assembled together. Thus, the optical device can advantageously be made from a single piece, for example by molding.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the light including the optical device, in a vehicle-mounted position, the longitudinal and transverse directions may be substantially horizontal, the elevation direction then being substantially vertical. With reference to the vehicle, the input portion of the optical device may be located to the rear of the output portion, the light beam therefore exiting the light towards the front. The module may extend generally in a horizontal plane, or have a substantially horizontal mean plane.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the lateral faces of the module are located in the extension of the lateral faces of the middle portion. In other words, each lateral face of the module is substantially tangent to the corresponding lateral face of the middle portion. There is therefore no lateral offset.

[0023] It can be provided that the lateral faces of the module are substantially orthogonal to a plane parallel to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0024] According to a possible embodiment, the module:

[0025] - has an upper face and / or a lower face extending substantially into a plane orthogonal to the elevation direction;

[0026] - and / or has a mean plane which is substantially orthogonal to the direction of elevation.

[0027] The or each module may have the shape of a thin plate (relative to its longitudinal dimension), having substantially parallel upper and lower faces, the plate extending generally in a plane orthogonal to the elevation direction.

[0028] The output portion of the optical device may comprise a plurality of modules arranged on top of each other in the elevation direction.

[0029] The front edge of each module, which may not be straight but rounded, defines a mean line. According to a possible embodiment, at least two modules have front edges whose mean lines have different inclinations relative to the elevation direction. Such an arrangement makes it possible to direct the rays emitted by the optical device in different directions, in the plane of the front edge.

[0030] It can be provided that, with the exception of the inclination of their front edge, all the modules are identical.

[0031] For example, the optical device comprises at least 3, 5 or 7 superimposed modules.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment, along the elevation direction, the inclination of the mean line of the front edge of the successive modules varies monotonically. Thus, for example, the angle that the mean line of a front edge makes with the elevation direction only decreases when considering the successive modules along the elevation direction, in a given direction. It should be noted that the angle is understood as including its absolute value but also its sign, which represents the direction of inclination relative to the elevation direction. Thus, a reduction in the angle can result in an inversion of the direction of inclination.

[0033] According to a possible embodiment, the output portion comprises at least three modules arranged on top of each other, and in that, with reference to the elevation direction:

[0034] - a module at one end has a front edge inclined opposite the starter portion;

[0035] - a median module has a frontal edge substantially parallel to the direction of elevation;

[0036] - and a module at the other end has a front edge inclined towards the portion entrance.

[0037] It may be provided that the front edges of the modules arranged on top of each other are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction. Preferably, with reference to the elevation direction, from a module at one end to the module at the other end, the front edges are increasingly offset towards the input portion. The output portion of the optical device may thus form a succession of steps.

[0038] In addition to the aesthetic aspect, and in particular the obtaining of a curved profile which can match the shape of a fire hood, such an offset makes it possible to increase the illuminated area of the space located laterally to the optical device. On the other hand, preferably, the front edges of the modules are not offset transversely relative to each other.

[0039] The lateral faces of the middle portion may comprise reliefs arranged in a hollow or protruding manner, allowing the emission of light rays by these lateral faces. Indeed, such reliefs constitute surface irregularities in certain places, which prevent the total reflection of the light rays at these places. As a result, light rays are transmitted locally by the lateral faces of the middle portion.

[0040] The optical device therefore appears laterally lit, which provides an aesthetic effect in addition to the regulatory lighting effect obtained via the output portion. These two functions are obtained with a single optical device but also a single electrical connection system and a single mechanical connection system, which is very advantageous.

[0041] The lateral faces of the middle portion may be substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the transverse direction, that is to say situated in a plane parallel to the longitudinal and elevation directions.

[0042] The input portion may comprise at least one collimator which is intended to be placed opposite a light source, and which is configured to collect the rays emitted by said light source and orient them substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the collimator is integrated, that is to say it is part of the block forming the optical device.

[0043] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a light signaling light for a vehicle, comprising at least one optical device as previously described and a housing receiving said optical device. The housing comprises a base provided with means for mechanical assembly to the vehicle and a transparent or translucent cover mounted on the base and arranged opposite at least the output portion of the optical device. The light further comprises at least one light source placed opposite the input portion of the optical device. Several optical devices can be arranged in the light transversely adjacent.

[0044] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle, such as a truck or other industrial vehicle, comprising a tractor having a roof, and further comprising at least one luminous signaling light as described above. The light is preferably mounted on the roof of the tractor and forms an end marker light.

[0045] Several possible embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures:

[0046] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising several signal lights according to the invention;

[0047] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a traffic light according to a mode of realization of the invention;

[0048] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a traffic light according to another mode of realization of the invention;

[0049] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of the fire of [Fig.3], showing a optical device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0050] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the light of [Fig.3];

[0051] [Fig.6] is a side view of the output portion of the optical device of [Fig.4];

[0052] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a module belonging to the output portion of the optical device;

[0053] [Fig.8] is a top view of the module of [Fig.8];

[0054] [Fig.9] is a view similar to [Fig.8], where the path of the light rays is represented;

[0055] [Fig. 10] is a side view of a module according to one embodiment, showing the path of the light rays;

[0056] [Fig. 11] is a side view of a module according to another embodiment, showing the path of the light rays;

[0057] [Fig. 12] is a side view of a module according to yet another embodiment, showing the path of the light rays;

[0058] [Fig. 13] is a partial side view of the light of [Fig.3], showing the path of the light rays;

[0059] [Fig. 14] is a schematic representation of the luminous zones obtained at the output of the optical device;

[0060] [Fig. 15] is a side view of the output portion of an optical device according to an alternative embodiment;

[0061] [Fig. 16] is a side view of the output portion of an optical device according to another alternative embodiment;

[0062] [Fig. 17] is a side view of the output portion of an optical device according to yet another alternative embodiment.

[0063] [Fig.l] represents a vehicle 1, which is here a truck. The vehicle 1 comprises a tractor 2 having a roof 3 and comprising a section 4 receiving the engine as well as a cabin 5.

[0064] The cabin 5 may comprise a front compartment 5a, typically used when driving, and a rear compartment 5b, which may correspond to a resting place for the driver of the vehicle 1. The roof 3 comprises a front part 3a above the front compartment 5a and a rear part 3b above the rear compartment 5b, which may be higher than the front part 3a.

[0065] In the example shown, the vehicle 1 is an American-type truck, where the cabin 5 is located behind the section 4 receiving the engine.

[0066] The vehicle 1 comprises at least one light signaling light 10 which forms for example a clearance light, also called an end marker light or front identification light. The light 10 is here mounted on the roof 3. More specifically, both the front part 3a and the rear part 3b of the roof 3 may comprise several lights 10, preferably mounted adjacent to the front edge 6 of said part 3a, 3b without extending beyond, towards the front, said front edge 6. According to the non-limiting arrangement illustrated, each of the front 3a and rear 3b parts of the roof 3 comprises a light 10 at each lateral end of the front edge 6 and one or more lights 10 (here three lights 10) in the central part of the front edge 6.

[0067] The light signaling light 10, two embodiments of which are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, comprises a housing 11 defining a closed volume in which at least one optical device 30 is housed. The housing 11 comprises a base 12 which is generally opaque, and a transparent or translucent cover 17 mounted on the base 12, for example by clipping and / or gluing. The cover 17 may be colorless or amber, for example. It may have a front face 19 inclined forwards and towards the base 13.

[0068] The base 12 may comprise a base 13 provided with means for mechanical assembly to the vehicle 1. As illustrated in [Fig.4], these means may comprise threaded sleeves 14 allowing the light 10 to be screwed onto a wall of the vehicle 1. The base 13 may be generally flat. The base 12 may also comprise a peripheral wall 15 assembled to the base 13 and defining an opening bordered by a groove 16 into which a peripheral edge 18 of the cover 17 engages. The peripheral wall 15 may extend not only to the periphery of the base 13, but also over a portion of the light 10 which is opposite the base 13.

[0069] As can be seen in particular in [Fig.4], the optical device 30 is in the form of a block of transparent or translucent material. The optical device 30 may be a single piece. It may be obtained by molding in one piece. The optical device 30 may be made of plastic, for example PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Alternatively, it could be made of PC (polycarbonate) of highly transparent quality.

[0070] The optical device 30 has a longitudinal direction X and comprises, along this longitudinal direction X:

[0071] - an input portion 40 configured to receive rays emitted by at least one light source 20;

[0072] - a middle portion 50 having two lateral faces 51 spaced from one another along a transverse direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X;

[0073] - an exit portion 60 comprising an exit face 75 through which the rays which propagated in the optical device 30 are emitted.

[0074] An elevation direction Z is further defined as the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

[0075] The optical device 30 is mounted in the housing 11 so that the elevation direction Z is substantially orthogonal to the base 13. The housing 11 preferably has a shape corresponding generally to that of the optical device 30, and has the same longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

[0076] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.l], the lights 10 are mounted on the vehicle so that the elevation direction Z is substantially vertical, the longitudinal direction X corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1, and the transverse direction Y corresponds to the transverse direction of the vehicle 1. The directions X and Y are therefore horizontal and orthogonal to each other. The lights 10 are thus designed to provide illumination at least towards the front, through the exit face 75 of the exit portion 60 of the optical device 30.

[0077] This arrangement is not limiting and, in the mounted position, the light 10 could have a different positioning in space.

[0078] However, for the sake of simplification, the description is made with this orientation in space. The terms "length", "front", "rear" are used with respect to the longitudinal direction X, the terms "width", "lateral" are used with respect to the transverse direction Y, and the terms "height", "upper", "lower" are used with respect to the elevation direction Z.

[0079] The cover 17 is arranged opposite at least the output portion 60 of the optical device 30, so that the light rays can be emitted towards the outside of the light 10. The cover 17 is preferably arranged both in front of and laterally to the output portion 60. However, it is not necessarily placed opposite the entirety of the output face 75.

[0080] The cover 17 may be located only opposite the output portion 60 of the optical device 30, as in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2], where the peripheral wall 15 covers a rear part of the light 10. Alternatively, the cover 17 may also be opposite the lateral faces 51 of the middle portion 50 of the optical device 30, as in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3]. According to another variant envisaged, but not shown, the cover 17 could extend over substantially the entire length of the optical device 30 or of the housing 11.

[0081] The light 10 further comprises at least one light source 20, such as an LED, placed opposite the input portion 40 of the optical device 30. For example, two light sources 20 can be provided.

[0082] According to a possible embodiment, the housing 11 comprises a support 21 which may be in the form of a plate secured to the base 13 and arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal direction X. The light sources 20 are mounted on an electronic card 22 itself fixed to the support 21. The light sources 20 may be placed aligned along the elevation direction Z.

[0083] The optical device 30 may have a plane of symmetry PI which extends in a plane (X,Z), i.e. a vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry. In certain variants, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, at least the output portion 60 of the optical device 30 may further have a plane of symmetry P2 which extends in a plane (Y,Z), i.e. a horizontal plane of symmetry.

[0084] The optical device 30 has an upper face 61 and a lower face 62.

[0085] The optical device 30 may generally have the shape of a parallelepiped. narrow (i.e. of small dimension in the transverse direction Y) and elongated in the longitudinal direction X. For example, the ratio of the length L of the optical device 30 to its width 1 can be of the order of 7 to 11. The length L can be of the order of 8 to 12 cm. The width 1 can be of the order of 8 to 10 mm. Furthermore, the height h of the optical device 30 can be of the order of 2 to 5 cm.

[0086] As an example, and as shown in [Fig.5]:

[0087] - the length L40 of the inlet portion 40 can be of the order of 5 to 10% of the length L of the optical device 30;

[0088] - the length L50 of the middle portion 50 can be of the order of 50 to 75% of the length L of the optical device 30; and

[0089] - the length L60 of the outlet portion 60 can be of the order of 20 to 35% of the length L of the optical device 30.

[0090] The optical device 30 can be fixed to the base 13 of the housing 11 by any suitable means, for example by screwing a fixing lug integral with said optical device 30.

[0091] It can be provided that the light 10 comprises several optical devices 30, which can be identical, and which can be arranged in a parallel and adjacent manner, or even superimposed, along the transverse direction Y.

[0092] The input portion 40 of the optical device 30 may comprise a collimator 41 opposite each of the light sources 20, i.e. two collimators in the exemplary embodiment shown. Each collimator 41 is configured to collect the rays emitted by the corresponding light source 20 and orient them substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X, as seen in [Fig. 13]. By "substantially parallel" we mean that these rays form an angle of less than 10°, or even less than 5°, with the longitudinal direction X.

[0093] The light rays then propagate inside the middle portion 50 of the optical device 30.

[0094] Preferably, the lateral faces 51 of the middle portion 50 are substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the transverse direction X. Thus, the majority of the light rays follow a longitudinal trajectory in this middle portion 50.

[0095] However, there are light rays which are not oriented longitudinally, and therefore intersect at least one of the lateral faces 51. It can be provided that these lateral faces 51 comprise reliefs 52 arranged in a hollow or protruding manner, which create local surface irregularities and thus lead to the emission of light rays by these lateral faces 51. It follows that, in operation, the middle portion 50 of the optical device 30 is illuminated, which improves the visibility of the light 10 as well as its aesthetics. In the non-limiting example shown, the reliefs 52 comprise ribs forming concentric circle portions.

[0096] The rays having propagated substantially longitudinally in the middle portion 50 form a beam 62 which enters the exit portion 60.

[0097] The output portion 60 comprises or is formed from one or more modules 63, an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0098] The module 63 comprises a front portion 64 and may further comprise a rear portion 65 situated between this front portion 64 and the middle portion 50 of the optical device 30. The front portion 64 has lateral faces 66 which, when viewed in the elevation direction Z, have an ogive shape.

[0099] In addition, these lateral faces 66 define a frontal edge 67 which extends substantially in a plane parallel to the longitudinal directions X and elevation Z, here in the plane PL. The frontal edge 67 defines a mean line A67, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The frontal edge 67 may have a rounded shape, seen in the transverse direction Y.

[0100] With reference to [Fig.8], and by way of example, the ogive shape of the front portion 64 may have the following geometric characteristics:

[0101] - the ratio of the length L64 to the width 164 can be of the order of 1.4 to 2;

[0102] - the radius of curvature R of a lateral face 66 can be approximately = 20 to 30 mm at vicinity of the front edge 67 and approximately 35 to 55 mm in the middle of the lateral face 66 - in the longitudinal direction X.

[0103] The rear portion 65 (when present) has lateral faces 68 which are substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the transverse direction Y. The lateral faces 68 may comprise reliefs 52.

[0104] The lateral faces of the module 63 are preferably substantially orthogonal to a plane parallel to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions, i.e. here to a horizontal plane.

[0105] Furthermore, the lateral faces of the module 63 are preferably located in the extension of the lateral faces 51 of the middle portion 50 of the optical device 30. According to this arrangement, in concrete terms, when the module 63 comprises a rear portion 65, the lateral faces 68 thereof are located in the same plane as the lateral faces 51 of the middle portion 50 and the lateral faces 66 of the front portion 64 of the module 63 are located in the extension of the lateral faces 68 of the rear portion 65, that is to say tangentially without Y offset, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. When the module 63 comprises only a front portion 64, and no rear portion 65, the lateral faces 66 of the front portion 64 are located in the extension of the lateral faces 51 of the middle portion 50, that is, tangentially without Y offset.

[0106] [Fig.9] illustrates the path of the light rays emitted at the output of the output portion 60 of the optical device 30, seen in a horizontal plane (X, Y). Due to the ogive shape:

[0107] - a light ray propagating longitudinally in the beam 62 at vicinity of the PI plane arrives on the lateral face 66 which it meets with an angle of incidence sufficiently low to be transmitted towards the external environment;

[0108] - the further one moves away from the PI plane, in the transverse direction Y, the greater the angle the incidence of a light ray of the beam 62 increases, up to the limit angle allowing transmission by the exit face 75;

[0109] - beyond this limit, a light ray of the beam 62 first undergoes a total reflection on the lateral face 66 which it encounters then arrives on the opposite lateral face 66 with an angle of incidence which is then sufficiently low so that this ray can be transmitted via the output face to be emitted into the medium external to the optical device 30.

[0110] Thus, a large majority of the light rays of the beam 62 are ultimately emitted into the external environment. It follows that the angle α of the beam 69 emitted at the output of the optical device 30 into the external environment, in a plane (X,Y) is relatively large. This angle α is for example of the order of 90°, that is to say that the rays of the beam 69 make an angle of up to 45° in one direction and in the other with respect to the plane PL. Beyond this cone of angle α, certain rays can still be emitted, but the resulting light intensity is lower.

[0111] The beam 69 at the output of the optical device is defined as the set of rays making it possible to obtain a light intensity greater than a predefined threshold, typically predefined by the regulations in force. This threshold is for example 1 cd, or 1.3 cd, or 1.5 cd. Other light rays may be emitted by the optical device, apart from this beam.

[0112] As seen in [Fig.7], the module 63 may have the shape of a thin plate having upper 71 and lower 72 faces that are substantially parallel and horizontal.

[0113] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the output portion 60 of the optical device 30 comprises a plurality of modules 63 arranged one on top of the other in the elevation direction Z. There is thus an upper module 63a, a lower module 63b, and preferably at least one intermediate module 63c. In the embodiment shown, there are eight modules 63 arranged one on top of the other, this being only an example.

[0114] Preferably, the front edges 67 of the modules 63 are not rectilinear but have a curved profile, for example slightly curved towards the front, so that, for a given module 63, the rays emitted are not parallel to each other.

[0115] The mean line A67 of the front edge 67 of a given module 63 has an angle of inclination [3 relative to the elevation direction Z, in a plane parallel to (X,Z).

[0116] According to one embodiment, not all of the front edges 67 have the same angle [3. Such an arrangement makes it possible to control the angle of the emitted light beam, in a plane (X, Z), module by module, i.e. stage by stage of the optical device 30. It should be noted that the angle [3 is defined by its absolute value and its sign; thus different angles [3 can vary by their absolute value and / or by their sign, i.e. their direction of inclination relative to the elevation direction Z.

[0117] The inclination [3 can vary monotonically from the upper module 63a to the lower module 63b. This makes it possible to obtain a certain homogenization of the visible light intensity at the exit of the light 10.

[0118] In the embodiment of [Fig.6], the mean line A67 of the front edge 67 of the lower module 63b is inclined from bottom to top opposite the inlet portion 40. With this orientation the angle [3 is defined as being positive. For example, the angle [3b for the lower module 63b can be of the order of + 20°.

[0119] Considering the successive modules along the elevation direction Z up to the upper module 63a, the angle [3 only decreases. First of all, the angle [3 decreases until it is substantially zero for one or more intermediate modules 63c located in the middle part - along the elevation direction Z - of the output portion 60. Then, the angle [3 decreases further, becoming negative while its absolute value increases. Thus, the average line A67 of the front edge 67 of the upper module 63a is inclined from bottom to top towards the input portion 40. For example, the angle [3a for the upper module 63a can be of the order of - 30°.

[0120] With this arrangement, in a plane (X,Z):

[0121] - the beam emitted by the upper module 63a is directed downwards ([Fig. 10]);

[0122] - the beam emitted by an intermediate module 63c for which [3=0 is substantially longitudinal axis ([Fig.11]); And

[0123] - the beam emitted by the lower module 63b is directed upwards ([Fig. 12]).

[0124] Overall, the beam emitted by the optical device 30 via the output face 75 of the output portion 60 corresponds to all the beams emitted by each of the modules 63 forming this output portion 60. As can be seen in [Fig. 13], the beam 69 emitted at the output of the optical device 30 into the external environment has, in a plane (X,Z), an angle y of at least 15° in one direction and in the other relative to the longitudinal direction X. Beyond this cone of angle y, certain rays can still be emitted, but the resulting light intensity is lower.

[0125] For reasons of feasibility or aesthetics, as illustrated in [Fig. 13], the cover 17 of the housing 11 is not necessarily placed opposite the entirety of the output face 75 of the optical device 30. Thus, a part of the output face 75 may be opposite the base 12. In the example illustrated, the base 12, more precisely the peripheral wall 15, is opposite, at least in the longitudinal direction X, at least the lower module 63b. It should be noted that the cover 17 is not shown.

[0126] With an opaque base 2, the path of the rays emitted via the exit face 75 is therefore locally hindered. The aforementioned orientation of the mean line A67 of the front edge 67 of the modules 63 makes it possible to overcome this problem. Indeed, since the beam emitted by the lower module 63b is directed upwards, it can pass higher than the opening defined by the peripheral wall 15 and therefore pass through the cover 17. In addition, the beam emitted by the upper module 63a being directed downwards, it makes it possible to compensate for the deficit in light intensity in the lower part of the light 10, due to the presence of an opaque part opposite the lower module 63b.

[0127] [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates the luminous zones obtained at the output of the optical device 30, when looking at the output portion 60 from front to rear. As can be seen, the invention makes it possible to obtain at the output a luminous intensity greater than 1 cd, or even 1, 3 or 1.5 cd, over an area extending:

[0128] - horizontally, over a range of angles a ranging from at least -45° to +45°,

[0129] - and, vertically, over a range of angles therefrom going at least from -15° to +15°.

[0130] Furthermore, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the edges front edges 67 of the modules 63 arranged on top of each other are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction X. More precisely, it can be provided that, from the lower module 63b towards the upper module 63a, the front edges 67 are increasingly offset towards the input portion 40. The output portion 60 of the optical device 30 then has a front end having a profile generally curved and domed, which can advantageously follow the shape of the hood 17 at its inclined front face 19.

[0131] With this configuration, and as seen in [Fig.6], all the front portions 64 of the modules 63 can be identical, while the rear portions 65 of the modules 63 can be increasingly longer from the upper module 63a to the lower module 63b. According to a possible embodiment, the upper module 63a can be devoid of a rear portion 65.

[0132] It is specified that, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the term “module” is used to describe each degree of a stepped structure. It does not mean that the output portion 60 is formed of initially distinct elements stacked on top of each other and assembled to each other.

[0133] We now refer to Figures 15 to 17 which illustrate alternative embodiments of the output portion 60 of the optical device 30. It is specified that, for all these alternative embodiments, the lateral faces of the output portion 60 of the or each module 63 have an ogive shape in view in the elevation direction Z. The alternative embodiments differ in the shape of their overall front edge - that is to say the set of front edges 67 of the modules 63 of the output portion 60 of the optical device 30, this making it possible to obtain different light distributions at the output, in a plane (X,Z).

[0134] The output portion 60 of [Fig. 15] corresponds to that of [Fig. 6] in a configuration where the front edges 67 of the modules 63 arranged on top of each other are not offset from each other along the longitudinal direction X. In other words, one end of a given front edge 67 coincides with one end of the adjacent front edge 67. Thus, unlike in [Fig. 6] where steps are formed, in [Fig. 15] there is no visible delimitation between the modules 63, other than the local changes in the angle of inclination [3. The dotted lines in [Fig. 15] correspond to the limits between two successive modules 63, it being recalled that the use of the term "module" is intended to simplify the description, but that the optical device 30 is preferably made in one piece.

[0135] In the variant illustrated in [Fig. 16], instead of varying by segments as in [Fig. 15], the set of front edges 67 of the successive modules 63 forms a curve and not a broken line. For example, the output portion 60 may have an overall front edge having a forwardly curved shape, of the type of the shape of a converging lens face.

[0136] In the variant illustrated in [Fig. 17], each of the modules 63 has a curved and bulging front edge, of the type of the shape of a converging lens face. In the case shown where all the front edges 67 have the same mean line A67, the modules 63 may be identical. Alternatively, the edges frontals 67 of modules 63 arranged on top of each other could be offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction X, the modules 63 then being more or less long, in a similar manner to what has been described with reference to [Fig.6].

[0137] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples but that it includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Claims

1. Optical device (30) intended to be placed in a housing (11) to form a light signaling light (10) for a vehicle (1), the optical device (30) being in the form of a block of transparent or translucent material having a longitudinal direction (X) and comprising, along the longitudinal direction (X): - an input portion (40) configured to receive rays emitted by at least one light source (20); - a middle portion (50) having two lateral faces (51) spaced from each other along a transverse direction (Y) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X); - an output portion (60) comprising an output face (75) through which the rays which have propagated in the optical device (30) are emitted; an elevation direction (Z) being defined as orthogonal to the longitudinal (X) and transverse (Y) directions;characterized in that the outlet portion (60) comprises at least one module (63) having lateral faces (66): - which, when viewed in the elevation direction (Z), have an ogive shape, i.e. a shape having non-rectilinear edges forming arcs converging towards each other towards one end; - and which define a frontal edge (67) extending substantially in a plane parallel to the longitudinal (X) and elevation (Z) directions.;

2. Optical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral faces (66) of the module (63) are located in the extension of the lateral faces (51) of the middle portion (50).

3. Optical device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lateral faces (66, 68) of the module (63) are substantially orthogonal to a plane parallel to the longitudinal (X) and transverse (Y) directions.

4. Optical device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the module (63): - has an upper face (71) and / or a lower face (72) extending substantially in a plane orthogonal to the elevation direction (Z); - and / or has a mean plane which is substantially orthogonal to the elevation direction (Z).

5. Optical device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the output portion (60) comprises a plurality of modules (63) arranged one on top of the other in the elevation direction (Z), the front edge (67) of each module (63) defining a mean line (A67), in which at least two modules (63) have front edges (67) whose mean lines (A67) have different inclinations (|3) relative to the elevation direction (Z).

6. Optical device according to claim 5, characterized in that, along the elevation direction (Z), the inclination (|3) of the mean line (A67) of the front edge (67) of the successive modules (63) varies monotonically.

7. Optical device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the output portion (60) comprises at least three modules (63) arranged one on top of the other, and in that, with reference to the elevation direction (Z): - a module (63, 63b) at one end has a front edge (67) inclined opposite the input portion (40); - a middle module (63, 63c) has a front edge (67) substantially parallel to the elevation direction (Z); - and a module (63, 63a) at the other end has a front edge (67) inclined towards the input portion (40).

8. Optical device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the front edges (67) of the modules (63) arranged on top of each other are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (X), wherein, preferably, with reference to the elevation direction (Z), from a module (63, 63b) at one end to the module (63, 63a) at the other end, the front edges (67) are increasingly offset towards the input portion (40).

9. Optical device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lateral faces (51) of the middle portion (50) comprise reliefs (52) arranged in a hollow or protruding shape, allowing the emission of light rays by these lateral faces (51).

10. Optical device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lateral faces (51) of the middle portion (50) are substantially parallel to each other and orthogonal to the transverse direction (Y).

11. Optical device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the input portion (40) comprises at least one collimator (41) which is intended to be placed opposite a light source (20), and configured to collect the rays emitted by said light source (20) and orient them substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (X).

12. Light signaling light (10) for a vehicle (1), comprising at least one optical device (30) according to one of the preceding claims and a housing (11) receiving said optical device (30), the housing (11) comprising a base (12) provided with mechanical assembly means (14) to the vehicle (1) and a transparent or translucent cover (17) mounted on the base (12) and arranged opposite at least the output portion (60) of the optical device (30), the light (10) further comprising at least one light source (20) placed opposite the input portion (40) of the optical device (30).

13. Vehicle (1), such as a truck or other industrial vehicle, comprising a tractor (2) having a roof (3), characterized in that it further comprises at least one light signaling light (10) according to the preceding claim, said light (10) preferably being mounted on the roof (3) of the tractor (2) and forming an end marker light.

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