DE102015205979A1 - Optical signaling device for a vehicle headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical signaling device for a vehicle headlamp, comprising a plurality of light sources (1), a reflective channel (2) for the light emitted by the plurality of light sources (1), and a light filter (3) arranged in such a manner that the light emitted by the light source After a reflection in the reflecting channel (2), the light emitted by a plurality of light sources (1) passes through the light filter (3), characterized in that the reflecting channel (2) comprises a surface of a substantially white color. Thus, the optical signaling device provides uniform and homogeneous illumination in a surface while also increasing simplicity relative to the solutions known in the art.

Description

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The present patent application relates to an optical signaling device for a vehicle headlight according to claim 1, which includes notable innovations and advantages.

GENERAL PRIOR ART

• – Beim Stand der Technik gibt es eine erste Generation, bei der eine pointilistische Gestaltung angestrebt wird. Es wird danach getrachtet die LED als diskrete Lichtpunkte zu zeigen.
• – Es gibt beim Stand der Technik ebenfalls eine zweite Generation mit Lösungen, welche die Lichtpunkte nicht unmittelbar zeigen. Zum Beispiel wurde diese Wirkung mit Lichtleitern oder lichtdurchlässigen Fenstern (Filtern) mit einer möglichst gleichförmigen Lichtverteilung erreicht. Im Fall der lichtdurchlässigen Fenster schließt die Gestaltung eine reflektierende Oberfläche mit mehreren Flächen zum Ausrichten der Reflexion des Lichtstrahls in einer vorbestimmten Richtung ein. Es ist für jeden einzelnen der LED-Lichtstrahler eine reflektierende Oberfläche mit mehreren Flächen erforderlich. Jede einzelne dieser Flächen ist ein Mikroreflektor und eine Anordnung von Mikroreflektoren ist als facettierte reflektierende Oberfläche bekannt. Außerdem hat diese facettierte reflektierende Oberfläche eine metallisierte Oberflächenbehandlung, um die Reflexionseigenschaften zu steigern. Um zu erreichen, dass die Gestaltung dieser facettierten Oberflächen eine Gleichförmigkeit bei der Verteilung des Lichts erreicht, ist eine komplexe Entwicklung von Versuch und Irrtum notwendig, sowohl bei der Mathematik der Reflektoren als auch bei der Gestaltung und den Materialien der Filter, abgesehen von zusätzlichen Metallisierungsverfahren mit erhöhten Kosten.

The optical signaling devices for a vehicle headlamp, in which previously LED functions for signaling functions (position light, parking light, daytime running light) have been implemented, followed the following development:

• - In the prior art, there is a first generation, in which a pointillistic design is sought. It is strived to show the LED as discrete points of light.
• There is also a second generation in the prior art with solutions which do not directly show the spots of light. For example, this effect has been achieved with light guides or translucent windows (filters) with the most uniform possible light distribution. In the case of the translucent windows, the design includes a reflective surface having a plurality of surfaces for aligning the reflection of the light beam in a predetermined direction. Every single one of the LED light emitters requires a reflective surface with multiple surfaces. Each of these surfaces is a microreflector and an array of microreflectors is known as a faceted reflective surface. In addition, this faceted reflective surface has a metallized surface treatment to enhance the reflective properties. Achieving that the design of these faceted surfaces achieves uniformity in the distribution of light requires a complex evolution of trial and error, both in the mathematics of the reflectors and in the design and materials of the filters, apart from additional metallization processes with increased costs.

In designing automotive lighting fixtures, individual faceted reflectors for each LED and interleaved translucent filters are used to hide the "pointillist" appearance of the first LED optical devices. In the state of the art presented, despite the technical complexity that represents its design, no complete uniformity of the light distribution is achieved.

It is from the state of the art, as reflected in the document EP2589479 also discloses a method of manufacturing a single piece of metal having a base body and a housing of the reflector. A suitable material, in particular the plastic material, is applied to form a surface of the reflector in the optically active region of the housing of the reflector. The housing of the reflector is covered with the material. The material is atomized over the housing of the reflector. A dome and fasteners are co-formed during the application of the material.

On the other hand, in the document CN201724119 a signaling lamp of an automobile described. The signaling lamp of the motor vehicle consists of a support of the lamp, a light source and a translucent lampshade. The translucent lampshade is arranged on the support of the lamp. At least one reflector is disposed on the support of the lamp and two adjacent reflectors have a common connection edge. The light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode, which is arranged in a reflector, and in turn is arranged on the translucent screen of the lamp. The light emitted by several light-emitting diodes is uniform and is reflected in all reflectors. The uniform light is relayed passing through the translucent screen of the lamp, and therefore, the reflected light has a smooth and homogeneous appearance, thereby providing a better warning effect.

On the other hand, in the document US2003169600 describes a lamp of a vehicle which radiates the light emitted by the LED light sources through the indirect illumination and which has a uniform luminance. The light emitted from the LED light sources is directed upwards by Fresnel lenses and formed into parallel beams, and the parallel beams are reflected by a reflector in a direction aligned forwardly in the lamp. The reflector is divided into subreflectors, which differ in height and angle of inclination forward, in accordance with the surfaces on which the parallel light rays impinge. The distance between each of the LED light sources and the corresponding one of the Fresnel lenses increases in inverse proportion to the height of that corresponding to one of the subreflectors. The intensity of the luminous flux impinging on each of the Fresnel lenses decreases in proportion to the decrease in the height of that corresponding to one of the subreflectors. Therefore, the intensity of the luminous flux impinging on the reflecting surface of each of the subreflectors decreases in proportion to the forward projected surface of the lamp, and therefore all the subreflectors have a uniform luminance, and the entire reflective one Surface of the reflector appears uniformly illuminated.

On the other hand, in the document DE 20 2010 008 219 describes a lamp of a vehicle, comprising: a lamp body, which is connected to a diffuser mounted on a circuit board, together with a reflector, a printed circuit board, light-emitting diodes and a reflector corresponding to the light emitting diodes, which comprises a plurality of concave portions, the light reflect. In the middle, each has an opening for the light emitting diode, wherein in each case before the openings of the second reflection parts, a first reflective part is arranged.

Consequently, there is still a need to have an optical signaling device for a vehicle headlight that has uniform and homogeneous illumination in a surface, thereby simplifying the technique of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by means of an optical signaling device for a vehicle headlight according to independent claim 1. Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in addition to the features included in the dependent claims, mentioned in the description which will be discussed below.

For the signaling functions of an automobile, for example the function of the parking light, it is important to have a homogeneous distribution of the light. For these signaling functions, the intensity of the light is not an essential aspect, as it is for lighting functions of a vehicle. The concept of the present invention is to replace the group of microreflectors forming the faceted optics of the reflecting surfaces, with the aim of producing diffuse reflection on the surface of the reflecting channel instead of specular reflection.

Specifically, the vehicle headlamp optical signaling device comprises a plurality of light sources, a reflective channel for the light emitted by the plurality of light sources, and a light filter arranged in such a manner that the light emitted by the plurality of light sources after reflection in the reflective light Channel passes through the light filter, wherein the reflective channel comprises a surface having a substantially white color. In this way, the proposed construction provides greater homogeneity of the projected light and is much simpler than current solutions providing faceted optical reflectors and metallized surfaces.

The solution of juxtaposing individual faceted reflectors present in the prior art structural designs is replaced by a continuous channel without faceted optics. In addition, instead of metallizing the surface, the channel is constructed with a white material without the use of a subsequent process.

Advantageously, the surface treatment of the surface of the reflective channel is slightly rough. This roughness is generated by means of a fine non-uniform engraving. The depth of the engraving depends on the material used in the reflective channel as well as the distance between the multiple light sources and the reflective channel. The depth of the engraving is on the order of microns.

In addition, the surface of the reflective channel has a substantially matte finish. The irregularity of the reflective channel enhances the scattering of the light rays and therefore improves the resulting homogeneity. By means of the rough surface treatment, an effect of diffuse reflection is achieved, which causes a scattering of the light in all directions, whereby a uniform illumination in the filter is achieved.

In particular, the surface of the reflective channel has a substantially matte finish. This achieves an additional effect of diffuse reflection.

The light originating from the LED and reflected in this white reflecting channel exits through an interposed light filter. At the surface of the filter, the distribution of the intensity of the light is substantially homogeneous, which proves to be interesting for functions such as parking, brake, daytime running lights ....

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reflective channel is a single one of the multiple light sources. The only one is to understand that the reflective channel is common to all of the multiple light sources arranged in parallel to the multiple light sources. In this way, a considerable saving is made, with respect to the variants known in the prior art in which there is a single reflector for each light source. On the other hand, the surface of the reflective channel is continuous, which presents additional technical simplicity with respect to the prior art solutions having a plurality of optics on the reflection surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the reflective channel consists of at least two sectors such that each of the sectors has its origin in opposite ends of the filter. Specifically, the two sectors dividing the reflective channel form a substantially concave reflective channel. This substantially concave geometry makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the reflecting channel in the reflection, since it reflects and guides the light beams to the light filter and in this way to the exit of the signaling device.

In particular, the at least one of the two sectors of the reflective channel has a substantially parabolic shape, and the at least one other of the two sectors of the reflective channel has a substantially planar shape, without this geometry proving to be limiting. The parabolic shape, with a certain inclination, faces the direction of emission of the plurality of light sources, so that the light rays originating from each light source (the emitted light) are reflected mainly at the parabolic surface. The geometry of the parabolic surface is calculated to reflect the light rays toward the light filter and thus to the exterior of the optical signaling device.

The rough and irregular treatment of the surface causes reflection in all directions. The parabolic sector of the reflective channel reflects the light rays mainly toward the light filter. Due to the diffuse reflection, a scattering of the light rays is inevitable. With the parabolic shape of the at least one sector, the spread is minimized and, with the aid of the substantially concave geometry of the reflective channel, losses are avoided and the light rays are directed outwards.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of light sources are LEDs. In this way, the light source has a higher efficiency in consumption and a longer service life.

Advantageously, the at least one of the sectors having a substantially planar shape comprises a plurality of openings for passing the light emitted by the plurality of light sources to the interior of the cavity of the reflective channel. Thus, with the aid of the presence of the plurality of openings, continuity with the remainder of the surface of the reflective channel is maintained, which improves the reflective properties and ease of construction of this component.

In addition, each aperture allows the light emitted by each light source to pass to the interior of the cavity of the reflective channel. In this way, the light beams reach the reflective surface, being reflected back to the filter and to the exterior of the optical signaling device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reflective channel is made of plastic material. Thus, his production turns out to be simple, this part can be obtained by spraying in a mold.

Advantageously, the light filter is translucent, so that it passes through the light without resistance, and preferably in color. The light transmission of the filter enhances the homogeneity of the light emitted by the optical signaling device and conceals the internal components that are visible from the outside.

Specifically, the light filter is substantially flat, and does not generate any distortion or change in the transmission direction of the light beams.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle headlamp comprising an optical signaling device according to claim 1.

In the appended drawings, by way of non-limiting example, an optical signaling device for a vehicle headlamp constructed in accordance with the invention is shown. Other features and advantages of the optical signaling device for a vehicle headlamp which is the subject of the invention will become apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 Fig. 11 is a front view of the rear part of a vehicle having the optical signaling device for a headlamp according to the present invention;

2A Fig. 3 is a general view of the exterior of the headlamp with the optical signaling device according to the present invention;

2 B Fig. 4 is a general view of the interior of the headlamp with the optical signaling device according to the present invention,

3A Fig. 3 is a perspective detail view of the interior of the headlamp with the optical signaling device according to the present invention,

3B , FIG. 12 is a perspective detail view of the interior of the headlamp with the optical signaling device according to the present invention; FIG.

4A Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a plane reflective surface with specular reflection,

4B , Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a rough reflecting surface of the reflection channel of the headlamp optical signaling device according to the present invention;

5 Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the optical signaling device for a vehicle headlamp according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With regard to the mentioned figures and according to the numbering chosen, a preferred embodiment of the invention is to be seen therein, which comprises the parts and elements which are given and described in detail below.

So includes, as in the 2 B . 3A . 3B and 5 can be seen, the optical signaling device for a vehicle headlight multiple light sources 1 , a reflective channel 2 for that through the multiple light sources 1 emitted light and a light filter 3 which are arranged in such a way that through the multiple light sources 1 emitted light after reflection in the reflective channel 2 the light filter 3 traverses, characterized in that the reflective channel 2 a surface 21 comprising a substantially white color.

In detail, as in 4B it can be seen, the surface treatment of the surface 21 of the reflective channel 2 slightly rough. This roughness is generated by means of a fine non-uniform engraving. The depth of the engraving depends on the material used in the reflective channel as well as the distance between the multiple light sources and the reflective channel. In the present case, and as a non-limiting example, the reflective channel is made of polycarbonate and an engraving pattern K31. It is also the advantage of realizing an irregularity in the depth of engraving of the surface to make the light diffuse reflect.

As in 4A can be seen, the reflection of the light rays on a smooth surface is mirror-like, that is, the parallel light rays are also reflected in parallel. In the 4B Rough irregular surface treatment shown shows a diffuse reflection like that in the reflective channel 2 is produced. In this way, the reflected rays exit in all directions, which ensures a high homogeneity of the light.

According to another aspect of the invention, as in 4B it can be seen, the treatment of the surface 21 irregular.

According to yet another aspect of the invention has, as in the 3A and 3B to recognize the surface 21 of the reflective channel 2 a substantially matte treatment.

On the other hand, as it is in the 2 B . 3A and 3B it can be seen, the reflective channel 2 a single one for the multiple light sources 1 ,

So that 's how it is in the 2 B . 3A and 3B it can be seen, the reflective channel 2 a single one for the multiple light sources 1 , which considerably simplifies the design of the signaling device.

According to another aspect of the invention is as it is in 5 is shown, the reflective channel 2 from at least two sectors 201 . 202 so that each of the sectors originates in opposite ends of the filter 3 Has. More specifically, in a cross section of the assembly, each of the sectors has 201 . 202 its origin in an upper and the other in a lower end of the filter 3 so that these are due to the longitudinal distance of the filter 3 are separated from each other. The at least two sectors 201 . 202 form a substantially concave reflecting channel 2 what the efficiency in the reflection of the reflective channel 2 increases, whereby losses of light rays are eliminated. In particular, the reflective channel 2 deeper than the known in the prior art solutions.

In detail has as well as in 5 you can see at least one of the two sectors 201 of the reflective channel 2 a substantially parabolic shape. In addition, it has at least one other of the two sectors 202 of the reflective channel 2 a substantially flat shape.

In particular, in 5 shown that the at least one sector 201 with substantially parabolic shape, the principal directions of the light rays of the multiple light sources 1 opposite. The geometry of the parabolic sector 201 reflects the light rays mainly to the filter 3 out. Due to the rough treatment of the surface 21 of the reflective channel 2 the reflection is not regular, which is why the essentially concave shape of the reflective channel 2 Loss of light is eliminated by passing it to the filter 3 leads.

According to another aspect of the invention are as described in the 3A and 3B is shown, the multiple light sources 1 LEDs to increase the energy efficiency of the optical signaling device.

According to another aspect of the invention, as it is in 5 is shown, the at least one other sector 202 of the reflective channel 2 several openings 23 to the through the multiple light sources 1 emitted light to the interior of the cavity of the reflective channel 2 to let pass. The essentially flat sector 202 For its part, it is essentially parallel to the printed circuit board 11 which the electronics of the multiple light sources 1 so as to facilitate its attachment and occupy a minimal space.

In particular, lets as it does in 5 is shown, every opening 23 that by every light source 1 emitted light to the interior of the cavity of the reflective channel 2 pass.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is the reflective channel 2 made of plastic material to simplify its manufacturing process, this part can be obtained by spraying in a mold.

Advantageously, the light filter is translucent, so that it passes through the light without resistance, and preferably in color. The light transmission of the filter enhances the homogeneity of the light emitted by the optical signaling device and conceals the internal components that are visible from the outside. In particular, as it is in 5 it can be seen, the light filter 3 essentially just.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle headlamp comprising an optical signaling device according to claim 1, as shown in FIG 1 can be seen.

The details, shapes, dimensions and other additional elements, as well as the components used in the implementation of the optical signaling device for a vehicle headlight can be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent and do not depart from the essence of the invention, even from the frame, which is defined by the claims included following the list below.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

light source

11

printed circuit board

2

reflective channel

21

surface

201

essentially parabolic sector

202

essentially planar sector

23

opening

3

filter

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

• EP 2589479 [0004]
• CN 201724119 [0005]
• US 2003169600 [0006]
• DE 202010008219 [0007]

Claims (17)

Optical signaling device for a vehicle headlight, comprising a plurality of light sources ( 1 ), a reflective channel ( 2 ) by the multiple light sources ( 1 ) radiated light and a light filter ( 3 ) arranged in such a way that the light emitted by the plurality of light sources ( 1 ) emitted light after reflection in the reflective channel ( 2 ) the light filter ( 3 ), characterized in that the reflective channel ( 2 ) a surface ( 21 ) having a substantially white color. Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface treatment of the surface ( 21 ) of the reflective channel ( 2 ) is slightly rough. Optical signaling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface ( 21 ) has an irregular treatment. Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface ( 21 ) of the reflective channel ( 2 ) has a substantially matte treatment. Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflective channel ( 2 ) a single one for the multiple light sources ( 1 ). Optical signaling device according to claim 5, characterized in that the reflective channel ( 2 ) of at least two sectors ( 201 . 202 ), so that each of the sectors has its origin in opposite ends of the filter ( 3 ) Has. Optical signaling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least two sectors ( 201 . 202 ) has a substantially concave reflecting channel ( 2 ) form. Optical signaling device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one of the two sectors ( 201 ) of the reflective channel ( 2 ) has a substantially parabolic shape. Optical signaling device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the at least one other of the two sectors ( 201 ) of the reflective channel ( 2 ) has a substantially planar shape ( 202 ) Has. Optical signaling device according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one sector ( 201 ) of substantially parabolic shape to the principal directions of the light rays of the plurality of light sources ( 1 ) is opposite. Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of light sources ( 1 ) LEDs are. Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one other sector ( 202 ) of the reflective channel ( 2 ) several openings ( 23 ) by the multiple light sources ( 1 ) radiated light to the interior of the cavity of the reflective channel ( 2 ) to let pass. Optical signaling device according to claim 12, characterized in that each opening ( 23 ) that through each light source ( 1 ) radiated light to the interior of the cavity of the reflective channel ( 2 ). Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflective channel ( 2 ) consists of plastic material. Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light filter ( 3 ) is translucent and preferably colored. Optical signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light filter ( 3 ) is substantially flat. A vehicle headlamp comprising an optical signaling device according to claim 1.

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