DE102013005403A1 - Light source unit for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a light source unit (1) for a vehicle with at least one excitation source (2.1 to 2.3) for generating an excitation radiation (A) with a first wavelength, at least one conversion element (3) for converting the excitation radiation (A) into light radiation (L ) with a second wavelength and at least one enveloping element (11) at least partially surrounding the excitation source (2.1 to 2.3) and the conversion element (3). According to the invention, the enveloping element (11) is non-transmitting for a first radiation (S1) and transmissive for a second radiation (S2).

Description

The invention relates to a light source unit for a vehicle having at least one excitation source for generating an excitation radiation having a first wavelength, at least one conversion element for converting the excitation radiation into a light radiation having a second wavelength and at least one enveloping element at least partially surrounding the excitation source and the conversion element.

From the DE 10 2006 029 203 A1 a light-emitting device is known which converts a radiation source emitting radiation of the first wavelength, a light conductor into which the radiation emitted by the radiation source is coupled, and a converter material which converts the radiation transported by the light guide into light of a second, longer wavelength, known.

The object of the invention is to specify a light source unit that is improved over the prior art.

The object is achieved with a light source unit, which has the features specified in claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The light source unit for a vehicle comprises at least one excitation source for generating an excitation radiation having a first wavelength, at least one conversion element for converting the excitation radiation into a light radiation having a second wavelength and at least one enveloping element at least partially surrounding the excitation source and the conversion element.

According to the invention, the enveloping element is non-transmissive for a first radiation and transmissive for a second radiation. This results in a particularly advantageous manner that of the light source unit exclusively a radiation having a predetermined wavelength or a predetermined wavelength range is emitted. Thus, on the one hand, a color of a light emitted by the light source unit light can be specified. On the other hand, it is also avoided that harmful radiation is emitted for the eyes of an observer.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a control unit for controlling the excitation source is provided, wherein the control unit is at least partially surrounded by the enveloping element. Thus, the control unit is an integral part of the light source unit, so that these and the control unit as a common component, for example in the case of a defect, are interchangeable.

In a further embodiment, the first radiation is the excitation radiation generated by means of the excitation source. Due to the non-transmissive formation of the envelope element for the first radiation, this is absorbed within the envelope element and / or particularly preferably reflected and thus at least almost completely converted by the conversion element into the light radiation.

In order to realize a particularly high luminance of the light source unit, according to an embodiment of the light source unit, the second radiation is the light radiation generated by means of the conversion element. Due to the non-transmissive formation of the envelope element for the first radiation and the consequent almost complete conversion into the light radiation and due to the transmissive formation of the envelope element for the light radiation, the particularly high luminance is achieved. Due to the high luminance small lighting systems with optimized illumination can be generated.

In order to enable easy replacement of the light source unit, for example in the event of a defect, and simple replacement of conventional light sources, for example incandescent lamps in vehicle applications, the light source unit according to a possible embodiment comprises at least one attachment means for nondestructive assembly and disassembly in or on a socket. The fastening means can thereby already comply with existing standards in order to enable easy replacement of conventional light sources according to the prior art by the light source unit. Thus, a simple integration of the light source unit in existing headlamp systems of vehicles is possible. Here, the fastening means are for example designed such that an assembly by rotation and / or clipping takes place.

An embodiment of the light source unit provides that the excitation source is a light-emitting diode, a laser or a laser diode. Such excitation sources are characterized by the fact that they require only a small space, have low energy consumption and a long life. Thus, the light source unit is at the same time reduced space, lower energy consumption and increased life with constant luminance or increase the same generated.

In a further development, the excitation radiation is ultraviolet radiation, blue light or Laser radiation, so that a high electrical efficiency in the generation of light radiation can be realized.

According to one embodiment, the conversion element comprises at least one conversion element comprising phosphorus. Such a phosphor comprehensive conversion element is in a particularly advantageous manner in a simple manner by adapting a composition of a phosphorus compound adaptable so that the light radiation can be produced in different colors. Thus, the light source unit is adaptable to different conditions of use.

In a further embodiment, at least one optical element is provided for guiding the excitation radiation in the direction of the conversion element, wherein the optical element is at least partially surrounded by the enveloping element. Thus, the optical element is an integral part of the light source unit, so that these and the optical element as a common component, for example in the case of a defect, are exchangeable. By means of the optical element, the excitation radiation is defined in the direction of the conversion element feasible and thus effectively converted into the light radiation.

In particular, the at least one optical element comprises at least one optical lens and at least one mirror, wherein by means of the optical lens an exact alignment of the excitation radiation in the direction of the conversion element can be realized.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Showing:

1 FIG. 2 schematically a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a light source unit according to the invention, FIG.

2 FIG. 2 schematically a sectional representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a light source unit according to the invention, FIG.

3 schematically a sectional view of a third embodiment of a light source unit according to the invention, and

4 schematically a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a light source unit according to the invention.

Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a light source unit according to the invention 1 shown. At the light source unit 1 it is in particular a replaceable light source unit 1 for a headlight, not shown, of a vehicle.

Renewable light sources for vehicle applications according to the prior art are generally halogen bulbs, which are characterized by a relatively high energy consumption and in which a color of a generated light radiation L is selectable only in exceptional cases and in a limited way.

The illustrated light source unit according to the invention 1 is characterized by a particularly low energy consumption and the possibility of easy adjustability of the color of a generated light radiation L and can be used as a replacement for conventional halogen incandescent lamps as well as a basis for new light source.

For this purpose, the light source unit comprises 1 according to the first embodiment, three excitation sources 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 for generating an excitation radiation A having a first wavelength. At the excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 these are light-emitting diodes, lasers and / or laser diodes which generate ultraviolet radiation, blue light or laser radiation as excitation radiation A.

Furthermore, the light source unit comprises 1 a conversion element 3 for converting the excitation radiation A into the light radiation L with a second wavelength. To convert the excitation radiation A comprises the conversion element 3 a phosphorus-containing conversion element 3.1 , The conversion element 3.1 is formed depending on the desired color of the generated light radiation L from different mixtures of phosphor materials.

Here is a form of the conversion element 3.1 depending on the intended application designed arbitrarily, for example, round, square or unevenly shaped, and / or expanded in a particular direction. For holding and fixing the conversion element 3 is a holding device 4 intended. The holding device 4 is designed as a metallic carrier, which is formed by a filigree metallic lattice structure. Thus, it is possible that light losses are minimized.

The from the excitation source 2.1 to 2.3 generated excitation radiation A is for conversion to the conversion element 3.1 the conversion element 3 directed. The conversion element 3.1 thus forms the light source of the light source unit 1 , For guiding and steering the excitation radiation A in the direction of the conversion element 3 is for every excitation source 2.1 to 2.3 an optical element 5.1 to 5.3 intended. In particular, an excitation of the conversion element 3.1 with spectrally different excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 ie with excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 possible to emit excitation radiation A of different wavelengths. This makes it possible, by a modulation of the individual powers of the excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 Light radiation L with different colors by means of the conversion element 3.1 to create.

The optical elements 5.1 to 5.3 are in the illustrated embodiment designed such that they each comprise at least one optical lens, which the excitation radiation A to the conversion element 3.1 to steer. Alternatively or additionally, the optical elements comprise 5.1 to 5.3 in a manner not shown in each case at least one mirror, which is provided for a deflection of the excitation radiation A by reflection. In the case of a combination of lenses and mirrors, a particularly accurate alignment of the excitation radiation A by means of the lenses is in the direction of the mirrors and, starting from these, in the direction of the conversion element 3.1 realizable. The mirrors allow in particular a lateral and homogeneous excitation of the conversion element 3.1 , Thus, a high efficiency in the conversion of the excitation radiation A into the light radiation L can be realized. In particular to known from the prior art solutions in which the excitation radiation A by means of optical fibers in the direction of the conversion element 3 is conducted by means of the optical units 5.1 to 5.3 achieves a higher lighting efficiency, especially when adapted to multiple excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 ,

Furthermore, the light source unit comprises 1 a pedestal 6 in which a control unit 7 for controlling the excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 is arranged.

For cooling the light source unit 1 , in particular the control unit 7 and the excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 , is on the pedestal 6 a cooling element 8th arranged. At the cooling element 8th it is, for example, a heat sink made of metal, which may additionally be coupled in a manner not shown with at least one fan. Alternatively, the cooling element 8th designed as a thermoelectric Peltier element or other cooling system.

Furthermore, on the pedestal 6 fastener 9 . 10 for nondestructive assembly and disassembly of the light source unit 1 arranged in or on a socket, not shown. The fasteners 9 . 10 In this case, preferably already existing standards correspond to the simple interchangeability of conventional light sources according to the prior art by the light source unit 1 to enable. Thus, a simple integration of the light source unit 1 in existing headlamp systems of vehicles possible. Here are the fasteners 9 . 10 in particular designed such that an assembly by rotation and / or clipping takes place.

Furthermore, the light source unit comprises 1 an envelope element 11 , also referred to as a piston, which on the base 6 is fixed and thus the excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 , the conversion element 3 , the holding device 4 , the optical elements 5.1 to 5.3 and the control unit 7 at least partially surrounds. The wrapping element 11 is preferably formed of glass or plastic. The resulting light source unit 1 is thus designed so that it forms a replaceable module.

Here is the envelope element 11 such that it is non-transmissive for a first radiation S1 and transmissive for a second radiation S2. The first radiation S1 is the excitation radiation A and the second radiation S2 is the generated light radiation L. In this case, the excitation radiation A is within the enveloping element 11 absorbed and / or particularly preferably reflected and thus at least almost completely from the conversion element 3 converted into the light radiation L. Due to the simultaneous transmissive design of the enveloping element 11 for the light radiation L, a particularly high luminance is achieved, so that using the light source unit 1 Small lighting systems can be realized with optimized illumination.

Furthermore, due to the non-transmission of the excitation radiation A, it is avoided that, for example, during the formation of the excitation sources 2.1 to 2.3 as laser or laser diode short-wave laser light from the light source unit 1 reached out the eyes of a near-positioned viewer.

To realize the transmission and non-transmission properties of the enveloping element 11 this is coated with reflective or absorbing thin films and / or interference filters. In particular, the enveloping element 11 formed from a transparent material and coated for the wavelength range of the excitation radiation A with absorbing and / or reflective thin films, so that the excitation radiation A is reflected and thus at least almost completely from the conversion element 3 is converted into the light radiation L. For those of the conversion element 3 radiated light radiation L, which is perceived for example as white light and in particular a long-wave spectrum has as the excitation radiation A, is the envelope element 11 on the other hand transparent, so that this through the envelope element 11 is radiated to the outside.

In a particular embodiment, the enveloping element 11 made of a transparent and at the same time highly thermally conductive material, such. B. of alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ). This results in the advantage that the enveloping element 11 not only as the excitation radiation A reflective part, but also as a cooling element for the conversion element 3 serves. Thus, the conversion element 3.1 the conversion element 3 be irradiated with higher radiation powers and excited, thereby further increasing the luminance and / or further reduction of the light source unit 1 is feasible.

2 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the light source unit according to the invention 1 , Unlike the in 1 shown first embodiment, the base 6 and the arrangement of the control unit 7 inside the socket 6 formed deviating as shown. Also, the design and arrangement of the cooling element 8th is adjusted accordingly.

In 3 is a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of the light source unit according to the invention 1 illustrated, wherein the light source unit 1 in a reflector 12 a headlamp is arranged. At this time, the light source unit becomes 1 as a conventional incandescent lamp used and for example by rotation by means of the fastening means 9 . 10 fastened in a version, not shown.

Unlike the in 1 The first embodiment shown is the conversion element 3 directly on a surface of the enveloping element 11 arranged. This results due to the unnecessary holding device 4 the advantage that for the realization of the light source unit 1 fewer parts are required. Also, the lighting losses due to the unnecessary holding device 4 reduced in a particularly advantageous manner.

Furthermore, the enveloping element 11 formed such that the optical elements 5.1 to 5.3 can be omitted. For this purpose, the enveloping element 11 a corresponding shape, for example an elliptical or, as shown, a semi-elliptical shape, in whose focal points at least one excitation source 2.1 and the conversion element 3 are arranged. The function of the optical element 5.1 to 5.3 is characterized by the reflective design of the Hüllelementes 11 taken for the excitation radiation A.

Again, the envelope is 11 made of a transparent and at the same time highly thermally conductive material, such. B. of alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ). This results in the advantage that the enveloping element 11 not only as a carrier and as the excitation radiation A reflective part, but also as a cooling element for the conversion element 3 serves. Thus, the conversion element 3.1 the conversion element 3 be irradiated with higher radiation powers and excited, thereby further increasing the luminance and / or further reduction of the light source unit 1 is feasible. At the same time, by means of the enveloping element 11 also the Kohlung the at least one excitation source 2.1 done so that the separate cooling element 8th can be omitted.

4 shows a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the light source unit according to the invention 1 ,

Unlike the in 1 The first embodiment shown is the conversion element 3 directly on a surface of the enveloping element 11 arranged. This results in turn due to the unnecessary holding device 4 the advantage that for the realization of the light source unit 1 fewer parts are required. Also, the lighting losses due to the unnecessary holding device 4 reduced in a particularly advantageous manner.

Furthermore, there are two optical elements 5.1 . 5.2 provided, which are each formed as a mirror and aligned such that a lateral and homogeneous excitation of the conversion element 3.1 can be realized by means of the excitation radiation A. In addition, further optical elements may be provided in a manner not shown, which comprise optical lenses to direct the excitation radiation A in the direction of the mirror.

Furthermore, the conversion element 3.1 along a direction X, wherein the direction X corresponds in particular to an X coordinate in a conventional coordinate system of a vehicle. Thus, the same configuration is achieved as in a conventional light bulb, in particular a so-called H7 bulb or H4 bulb. Thus, the light source unit 1 designed so that can be replaced by this existing in existing reflector or projection systems conventional incandescent lamps. Due to the illustrated design of the light source unit 1 At least the same lighting performance as conventional incandescent lamps can be achieved, but with a significantly lower energy consumption.

Furthermore, in contrast to the in 1 illustrated first embodiment, the cooling element 8th in the pedestal 6 integrated. Alternatively, the cooling element 8th be formed separately.

All illustrated and described embodiments of the light source unit according to the invention 1 offer the advantage of being a very energy efficient interchangeable light source unit 1 represent.

Furthermore, a color of the generated light radiation L can be adjusted with little effort and / or during operation of the light source unit 1 selectable.

Unlike conventional halogen incandescent lamps, which are based on metal, the phosphor materials of the conversion element 3 with only one excitation source 2.1 to 2.3 emit different colors. Also, the production cost is minimized, since only the phosphor material must be adapted to the desired color. An elaborate coloring of the enveloping element 11 and a resulting deteriorated luminance, however, are not required.

Furthermore, the light source unit 1 be integrated into existing headlight systems. In a design of the light source unit 1 with a conversion element 3.1 whose orientation is similar to that of a halogen lamp, ie as in 4 is aligned in the direction X, from a lighting perspective, a neutral light source unit 1 be generated. This allows a source change without affecting the lighting performance of the headlight concerned.

Also, all embodiments have in common that a very high luminance can be generated, whereby the realization of smaller lighting systems is made possible. Also, by increasing the radiation density on the conversion element 3.1 with possible simultaneous reduction of the area of the conversion element 3.1 an increased luminance with simultaneous reduction of the light source unit 1 possible. Thus, smaller headlight systems can be realized or headlamp systems can be produced with higher lighting performance.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Light source unit

2.1

excitation source

2.2

excitation source

2.3

excitation source

3

conversion element

3.1

conversion element

4

holder

5.1

optical element

5.2

optical element

5.3

optical element

6

base

7

control unit

8th

cooling element

9

fastener

10

fastener

11

sheath member

12

reflector

A

excitation radiation

L

light radiation

S1

first radiation

S2

second radiation

X

direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102006029203 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Light source unit ( 1 ) for a vehicle with at least one excitation source ( 2.1 to 2.3 ) for generating an excitation radiation (A) having a first wavelength, at least one conversion element ( 3 ) for converting the excitation radiation (A) into a light radiation ( 1 ) with a second wavelength and at least one, the excitation source ( 2.1 to 2.3 ) and the conversion element ( 3 ) at least partially surrounding shell element ( 11 ), characterized in that the enveloping element ( 11 ) is non-transmissive for a first radiation (S1) and transmissive for a second radiation (S2). Light source unit ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a control unit ( 7 ) for controlling the excitation source ( 2.1 to 2.3 ) is provided, wherein the control unit ( 7 ) at least partially from the enveloping element ( 11 ) is surrounded. Light source unit ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first radiation (S1) by means of the excitation source ( 2.1 to 2.3 ) generated excitation radiation (A). Light source unit ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second radiation (S2) by means of the conversion element ( 3 ) generated light radiation (L) is. Light source unit ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fastening means ( 9 . 10 ) for nondestructive assembly and disassembly of the light source unit ( 1 ) is provided in or on a socket. Light source unit ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the excitation source ( 2.1 to 2.3 ) is a light emitting diode, a laser or a laser diode. Light source unit ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the excitation radiation (A) is ultraviolet radiation, blue light or laser radiation. Light source unit ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conversion element ( 3 ) at least one phosphorus-comprising conversion element ( 3.1 ). Light source unit ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one optical element ( 5.1 to 5.3 ) to a steering of the excitation radiation (A) in the direction of the conversion element ( 3 ), wherein the at least one optical element ( 5.1 to 5.3 ) at least partially from the enveloping element ( 11 ) is surrounded. Light source unit ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one optical element ( 5.1 to 5.3 ) comprises at least one optical lens and at least one mirror.

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