DE102019211799A1 - Device for generating a light distribution for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for generating a light distribution for a vehicle comprises a light source (1) for generating light emission and a light guide element (10) with a coupling-in section (4) and a decoupling section (5). The light emission can be coupled into the coupling-in section (4), the coupling-out section (5) having a longitudinal extension and being set up to guide the coupled-in light emission along its longitudinal extension. The coupling-out section (5) has coupling-out elements (7, 8) which are designed to decouple the coupled-in light emission perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section (5). A deflecting element (9) is arranged in a transition area from the coupling-in section (4) to the coupling-out section (5) of the light guide element (10) so that a first and a second part of the coupled-in light emission in different directions along the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section (5 ).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for generating a light distribution for a vehicle. The device comprises a light source for generating a light emission and a light guide element, with a coupling-in section and a coupling-out section. In this case, the light emission can be coupled into the coupling-in section, the coupling-out section having a longitudinal extent and being designed to guide the coupled-in light emission along its longitudinal extent. In this case, the coupling-out section has coupling-out elements which are set up to decouple the coupled-in light emission perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section.

Modern lighting devices, for example for illuminating a vehicle interior or for outputting light signals of a vehicle, can be designed very discreetly due to the progressive development of ever more efficient and smaller light sources. They therefore allow great design freedom that could hardly be achieved with classic lights.

In the US 6,450,662 B1 describes a lighting device in which an array of light-emitting diodes emits light which is then guided onto a diffuser by means of light guides. Alternatively, lenses can be used that ensure homogeneous illumination of a diffuser surface.

From the US 7,001,054 B2 a vehicle light is known in which light from a light-emitting diode is guided through a light guide into a mushroom-shaped screen area. There part of the light is coupled out forwards and the other part is directed in a rearward direction onto a reflector.

The present invention is based on the object of providing a device for generating a light distribution which can be implemented with a particularly simple structure and which requires as little installation space as possible.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements and developments result from the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that a deflecting element is arranged in a transition area from the coupling-in section to the coupling-out section of the light guide element so that a first and a second part of the coupled-in light emission are guided in different directions along the longitudinal extent of the coupling-out section.

In the invention, the device can therefore advantageously be designed to be particularly space-saving. The deflection of the coupled light enables a particularly flat design. The light emission provided by the light source can also be used particularly efficiently.

The light source is formed in a manner known per se. In particular, it comprises an LED, but can in principle be designed in any way. The light emission is formed in particular in a single color, wherein the light source can be controlled in such a way that the light emission can be generated with different intensities and / or colors. The light emission can also be generated so that it changes over time, for example with a dynamic change in the light intensity, for example in the case of a flashing light or in the case of a light intensity adapted to an ambient brightness, for example a higher intensity with a higher ambient brightness.

The light emission is at least partially coupled into the light guide element, the light emission being able to be influenced in a manner known per se, in particular by means of optical elements such as reflectors or lenses. The coupling itself also takes place in a manner known per se.

The light emission is coupled into the coupling section of the light guide element in such a way that the coupled light is guided in the light guide element in a manner known per se, in particular by being reflected when it hits an interface of the light guide element with a surrounding medium such as air. This takes place in particular by means of total reflection, that is to say that the coupled-in light strikes an interface with an optically thinner medium at an angle that meets the conditions for total reflection. To decouple the light, the angle of the direction of propagation of the light relative to the surface is changed so that the conditions for total reflection are no longer met and at least part of the light emerges from the light guide element.

The direction of propagation of the light in the light guide element therefore changes with each reflection on the surface. In the context of the invention, however, it is assumed that the direction of light propagation is defined along a longitudinal axis of the light guide element or the first or second section. That is, even if the actual direction of a light beam changes again and again during the conduction in the light guide element due to reflection, the Direction of propagation determined by the geometry of the light guide element.

In particular, the coupling-in section has a further longitudinal extension which runs obliquely to the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section, that is, the longitudinal extensions of the coupling-in and coupling-out sections are not parallel to one another. That is to say that the light emission coupled into the coupling-in section is guided in a direction which runs obliquely to the direction of propagation of the light in the coupling-out section. In particular, the light propagates in the coupling-in section at an angle or perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section. In particular, therefore, the propagation of the coupled-in light emission in the coupling-in section also runs obliquely, in particular perpendicular, to the direction of longitudinal extent of the coupling-out section.

After striking the deflecting element, the first part of the light emission is directed in a first direction and the second part of the light emission is directed in a second direction, in particular in opposite directions along the lengthwise extension.

In the case of the device, the coupled-in light is guided along the longitudinal extension of the coupling-in section or the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out cutout. In particular, two opposite directions are defined along a longitudinal extent. The device for generating a light distribution can for example be arranged in a vehicle in such a way that the directions of propagation coincide with axes in a vehicle coordinate system. For example, the longitudinal extent of the coupling section can run parallel to a z-axis of the vehicle, that is to say a vertical axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal extent of the coupling-out section can run parallel to a y-axis of the vehicle, that is to say to a horizontal transverse axis of the vehicle. In such a case, a horizontal longitudinal axis of the vehicle would be defined as the x-axis.

The longitudinal extensions run obliquely to one another, that is, they do not run parallel to one another. They can stand perpendicular to one another or be arranged at a different angle to one another.

In the device, in particular the first part of the coupled-in light emissions is guided in a first direction and the second part in a second direction along the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section. The first direction is in particular opposite to the second direction, so that the first and second parts are directed away from one another along the longitudinal extent or in directions directed towards one another. The longitudinal extension can furthermore be defined such that it has an angle, for example a course with a kink, so that the first and second directions differ from one another by this angle.

In one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the coupling-in section and the coupling-out section of the light guide element are formed in one piece. In particular, the entire light guide element is formed in one piece. This advantageously avoids transitions between different optical media and the device can be mounted particularly easily.

The deflecting element can also be designed in one piece with the light guide element. In further configurations, the light guide element can be configured in several pieces, with the first and second sections, for example, being configured as separate parts and being connected to one another in an optically transparent manner.

In one embodiment, the deflecting element is designed as a recess formed in the light guide element with flat surfaces. The device is thereby advantageously constructed in a particularly simple manner and the light distribution can be easily distributed in the second section.

In particular, a region of the light guide element is designed as a deflection element. For example, the light guide element in the deflecting element has a recess in such a way that flat surfaces or surfaces of a different geometry are formed at a boundary surface with the surrounding optically thinner medium, in particular air. In particular, total reflection occurs at these surfaces, so that coupled-in light incident at a suitable angle does not pass through the surfaces into the optically thinner medium, but is reflected. The deflecting element is arranged such that the reflected light in the coupling-out section of the light guide element is guided in different directions, or in a first and second direction along the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section. The deflecting element is designed in particular with at least two surfaces arranged at a certain angle to one another and thus allows the incident light to be deflected in two different directions, that is, the first and second directions along the coupling-out section.

The flat surfaces, or possibly differently shaped surfaces, of the deflecting element can for example be arranged at right angles to one another, with the reflected light being guided in opposite directions can be. The surfaces can also be at a different angle to one another, so that the first and second parts are deflected in different directions that are not exactly opposite to one another.

The deflecting element can furthermore be designed in such a way that instead of flat surfaces, bends are provided which in particular have a small radius which is designed in such a way that light is guided by total reflection in this area.

In further exemplary embodiments, the deflecting element can be designed in a different manner. For example, it can comprise an arrangement of reflective or reflective surfaces. It can also be designed as a separate component.

In a further embodiment, a scattering element is formed in the area of the deflecting element in an extension of the coupling section. As a result, an area of increased light intensity can advantageously be avoided and a homogeneous light distribution is achieved. In particular, the scattering element is formed in an extension of the direction of propagation of the light emission coupled and guided in the coupling section.

This in particular avoids a portion of the light emission that is emitted in an extension of the coupling section and is not deflected by the deflecting element in the first or second direction from exiting the light guide element. This can occur, for example, if the coupling of the light emission is not entirely successful or if scattering effects lead to the undesired coupling-out of light from the coupling-in section or at the deflecting element.

The scattering element is designed in particular such that incident scattered light is deflected as uniformly as possible in different directions or along the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section in the first and second directions. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a cylindrical, spherical or ellipsoidal surface with a reflective coating.

In a further development, the scattering element is designed in a housing, the housing being designed to accommodate the light guide element. The scattering element is thereby advantageously designed in a particularly simple manner.

The housing can be designed in a manner known per se and can be used to hold the light guide element and possibly other elements of the device. In addition, optical shielding can be used to prevent undesired light emission and to shape the light distribution generated, for example by means of a cover. In this case, surfaces of the housing which are directed towards the light guide element can be coated white or reflectively in some other way in order to avoid loss of light.

A scattering element embodied in the housing can be embodied, for example, as a convex area or as a thickening in an area in which the deflecting element of the light guide element is arranged. It can also have a spherical or cylindrical surface. For example, the housing can be formed by injection molding, the diffusion element already being provided in the shape of the housing.

In one embodiment, a collimator is arranged between the light source and the coupling-in section of the light guide element in such a way that the coupled-in light emission in the coupling-in section of the light-guide element runs parallel to a longitudinal extension of the coupling-in section. The light emission can thereby advantageously propagate in such a way that it can be checked particularly easily in the first section of the device.

A parallel light bundle can therefore initially be generated on the basis of the light emission and guided into the coupling-in section of the light guide element. In particular, the bundling of the light takes place during the coupling, for example in that a coupling surface is formed in such a way that a light emission from an essentially point-shaped light source is formed into a parallel light bundle at a certain distance.

In particular, the parallel light bundle runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling section of the light guide element. The light is then guided essentially without total reflection and the light hits the deflecting element directly. Alternatively or additionally, a coupled-in light emission can be conducted by means of total reflection in the coupling-in section. The light emission can be changed by means of a lens before coupling, for example in order to achieve bundling, wherein a light bundle can in particular have a parallel course, a fanned-out course or a course bundled onto a focal point. The light emission can also be coupled into a flat or curved surface.

In a further embodiment, the device has a shielding element surrounding the coupling section. In this way, the emergence of light, for example through scattering, from the first section can advantageously be avoided. Through this it can also be avoided that a higher intensity of light is coupled out at the position of the deflecting element due to scattered light.

The shielding element can for example be designed as a collar which at least partially surrounds the coupling section. It is formed in particular from an opaque material, the light being in particular reflected or absorbed by the shielding element.

In a further development, the coupling-out elements are arranged essentially in a plane spanned by the coupling-in section and the coupling-out section. As a result, the light distribution is advantageously coupled out perpendicular to the plane of the device.

The decoupling elements are designed, for example, at an interface between the light guide element and an optically thinner medium, so that coupled-in light is reflected in their area in such a way that it is coupled out at a further interface into the surrounding optically thinner medium. The coupling-out elements can, for example, have a prismatic or notch structure.

If the coupling-out elements are arranged in a common plane, in particular in the plane that is spanned by the longitudinal extensions of the coupling-in section and the coupling-out section or that runs parallel to them, the light is coupled out in particular along a third direction that runs perpendicular to this plane. A particularly flat design can thereby be achieved, for example by reducing the depth of the required installation space in the direction of the third direction. The light is guided along the longitudinal extent of the coupling-in and coupling-out section in order to then couple it out along the third direction.

In further configurations, the coupling-out elements can be arranged in a different way, in particular in different planes. The light can be coupled out in different directions.

In one embodiment, the coupling-out elements are set up to couple the light distribution into an exterior space of the vehicle. The device can advantageously be used to output a light signal. Alternatively, the interior of the vehicle can also be illuminated.

For example, the coupling-out section of the light guide element is designed so that it runs along a line of light, and the coupling-out elements are designed such that light guided through the coupling-out section of the light guide element in the different directions is coupled out to form the light line. As an alternative or in addition to a line, other structures and light distributions can be formed.

In the case of a vehicle, for example, the device can be arranged in a rear area in such a way that a light line that is visible to following vehicles is generated for a tail light, a brake light or a rear fog light.

In a further embodiment, the light distribution can be coupled out through a diffuser. As a result, the structures for coupling out the light distribution can advantageously be covered.

The diffusing screen can be designed in a manner known per se and, for example, have a structured surface or a volume-scattering material on which incident light is scattered or refracted in different directions in order to cover underlying structures.

In a further development, the device comprises at least one further coupling-in section through which a light emission from a second light source can be coupled in, and a further deflecting element which is arranged in a transition area from the further coupling-in section to the coupling-out section of the light guide element so that a first and a second part the coupled-in light emission of the second light source can be guided in different directions along the longitudinal extent of the coupling-out section.

For example, several coupling-in sections through which the light emissions from several light sources can be coupled into the light guide element are arranged such that the coupled-in light reaches a common second section. In particular, the plurality of coupling-in sections each have a longitudinal extent that spans a common plane in which the coupling-out section is also arranged. Furthermore, a control can be provided in such a way that a running light can be generated in which light sources are activated one after the other, the light emissions of which are coupled into coupling-in sections arranged next to one another. Furthermore, the light emissions can be controlled separately or in a coordinated manner.

The further coupling-in sections can be constructed analogously to the coupling-in section in accordance with the preceding description. The other deflection elements can also be formed analogously to the deflection element described above, for example as a recess in the light guide element. That is to say, in this case, in particular, a plurality of coupling-in sections are arranged on the coupling-out section and are in particular formed in one piece with it. The coupling-in sections can, for example, be arranged equidistant from one another along the longitudinal extent of the coupling-out element.

In particular, the coupling-in sections are arranged in a common plane with the coupling-out section.

A vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one device according to the present description.

• 1 und 2 zeigen ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
• 3 und 4 zeigen ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ohne und mit einem Abschirmungselement,
• 5 zeigt ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einem Gehäuse und
• 6 zeigt ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

The invention will now be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

• 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the device according to the invention,
• 3 and 4th show a second embodiment of the device according to the invention without and with a shielding element,
• 5 shows a third embodiment of the device according to the invention in a housing and
• 6th shows a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention.

With reference to the 1 and 2 a first embodiment of the device according to the invention is explained. 1 shows a front view of the device while 2 represents a side view of the device.

The first embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises a light source 1 whose light through a coupling optics 4a in a coupling section 4th a light guide element 10 is coupled. The coupling optics 4a is designed in the embodiment so that the incident light from the light source 1 is formed into a parallel bundle of light, which is parallel to the longitudinal extension of the first section 4th runs. The course of the light beam is through two light rays 2 , 3 indicated, which are only hinted at for two parts of the light emission of the light source 1 should stand.

The light guide element 10 further comprises a coupling-out section 5 , which is integral with the coupling section 4th is formed and has a longitudinal extension perpendicular to this. The decoupling section 5 has a right 5a and left section 5b that run along a continuous straight line. At the position at which the coupling section 4th on the coupling-out section 5 meets is a deflection element 9 arranged. In the exemplary embodiment, this is a recess in the material of the light guide element 10 educated. The deflection element 9 comprises, in the manner of a prism, two flat surfaces which are arranged at an angle to one another and which, in the exemplary embodiment, are at right angles to one another. The one on the deflector 9 incident light rays 2 , 3 hit different surfaces and are accordingly deflected in different directions, which is due to the further course of the drawn light rays 2 , 3 is indicated. A first ray of light 2 , that is, a first part of the coupled-in light, is to the left in the left section 5b of the light guide element 10 guided while a second beam of light 3 , that is, a second part of the coupled-in light, to the right 5a in the coupling-out section 5 of the light guide element 10 is directed.

In the coupling-out section 5 of the light guide element 10 are decoupling elements 7th , 8th educated. In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling-out elements comprise 7th , 8th Notches or prism-shaped recesses in the light guide element 10 . The decoupling elements 7th , 8th are essentially arranged in a plane that is defined by the longitudinal axes of the coupling 4th and decoupling section 5 of the light guide element 10 is stretched. This is especially important in 2 clearly, the schematic arrangement of the decoupling elements in a side view 7th on a common side within the light guide element 10 shows. The arrangement of the decoupling elements 7th , 8th leads to the fact that the outcoupled light is essentially in a common direction, in 2 to the right, is decoupled. The direction of the outcoupling and in particular the fanning out of the outcoupled light distribution can be done in a manner known per se through a suitable design of the outcoupling elements 7th , 8th can be specified.

The decoupled light 3 occurs, as in 2 shown through a diffuser 14th , which is designed in a manner known per se in such a way that structures behind are essentially not visible or that a decoupled light distribution is homogenized.

In the exemplary embodiment, the coupling of the light from the light source can be based on a “chimney concept” 1 and the line in the light guide element 10 be spoken. Instead of positioning the light source 1 at one end of the coupling-out section 5 and a straight line along the longitudinal extension of the coupling-out section 5 In the embodiment of the invention, the light is in a central area coupled and through the deflection element 9 in different areas of the coupling-out section 5 distributed.

With reference to the 3 and 4th a second embodiment of the device according to the invention is explained without and with a shielding element. The expansion is largely similar to the above with reference to the 1 and 2 explained first embodiment; analogous elements are identified by the same reference symbols.

Unlike the in 1 and 2 The first embodiment shown is a continuous arrangement of the coupling-out elements in the second embodiment 7th , 8th over the length of the coupling-out section 5 shown.

In this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a coupling section 4th surrounding collar as a shielding element 13 can be used. This is made of opaque material and, in the exemplary embodiment, is also colored white, so that, for example, light escaping through scattering effects does not enter the surroundings of the light guide element 10 but can be absorbed or re-coupled.

At the in 4th arrangement shown with the shielding element 13 this prevents additional light from leaving a bright spot in the area of the deflecting element 9 is formed.

In reference to 5 a third embodiment of the device according to the invention is explained in a housing. The expansion is largely similar to the exemplary embodiments explained above; analogous elements are identified by the same reference symbols.

In addition to the above with reference to the 1 to 4th explained elements is a housing in the embodiment shown here 12 with a diffuser 11 shown. The scattering element 11 is in the area of the deflection element 9 arranged. That is, light from the light source 1 along the length of the coupling section 4th of the light guide element 10 coupled and from the deflecting element 9 not to the right or left in the coupling-out section 5 is directed, meets the scattering element 11 . Such an exit of light can occur, for example, as a result of scattering effects which are undesirable if they lead to an increased light intensity in the area of the deflecting element 9 to lead.

The scattering element 11 is provided with a reflective coating, on which the incident light is scattered. This means that a scattered light emission is deflected to the sides so that there is no increased intensity of the coupled-out light distribution in this area.

The case 12 is formed in a manner known per se from plastic, in particular by injection molding, and the scattering element 11 is in one piece in the material of the housing 12 educated. The case 12 has a white color in the exemplary embodiment, at least in those areas which the light guide element 10 are facing.

In reference to 6th a fourth embodiment of the device according to the invention is explained. The expansion is largely similar to the exemplary embodiments explained above, but the structure is repeated along the coupling-out section 5 .

In this embodiment, they are at a common coupling-out section 5 , which is formed analogously to the exemplary embodiments explained above, a plurality of coupling sections 24 formed in each of the light emissions from light sources 23 can be coupled. Coupling optics are also provided here, but are not shown for the sake of clarity. The coupled light is through the coupling section 24 guided and meets an assigned deflecting element 29 , the prism-shaped recess and formed in the extension of a coupling section 24 are arranged. The light is in each case partially in opposite directions along the longitudinal extent of the coupling-out element 5 guided and decoupled at there provided decoupling elements.

This exemplary embodiment allows in particular a homogeneous illumination of a long line of light or a similar structure emanating from the coupling-out section 5 is formed and illuminated by means of decoupled light. The decoupling section 5 runs straight in the exemplary embodiment, but it can assume virtually any shape in which light guidance can be made possible.

The device shown in this exemplary embodiment can also be arranged in a housing.

List of reference symbols

1

Light source; LED

2

Beam of light

3

Beam of light

4th

Coupling section

4a

Coupling optics

5

Decoupling section

5a

Decoupling section (right section)

5b

Outcoupling section (left section)

7th

Outcoupling structure, outcoupling elements

8th

Outcoupling structure, outcoupling elements

9

Deflection element; Deflection prism

10

Light guide element

11

Scattering element

12

casing

13

Shielding element

14th

Diffuser

23

More light source

24

Another coupling section

29

Deflection element

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• US 6450662 B1 [0003]
• US 7001054 B2 [0004]

Claims (10)

Device for generating a light distribution for a vehicle; comprising a light source (1) for generating a light emission; and a light guide element (10) with a coupling-in section (4) and a coupling-out section (5); wherein the light emission can be coupled into the coupling section (4); wherein the coupling-out section (5) has a longitudinal extension and is set up to guide the coupled-in light emission along its longitudinal extension; wherein the decoupling section (5) has decoupling elements (7, 8) which are set up to decouple the coupled light emission perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the decoupling section (5); characterized in that a deflection element (9) is arranged in a transition region from the coupling-in section (4) to the coupling-out section (5) of the light guide element (10) so that a first and a second part of the coupled-in light emission in different directions along the longitudinal extent of the Auskopplungsabschnitts (5) are passed. Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling-in section (4) and the coupling-out section (5) of the light guide element (10) are formed in one piece. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflecting element (9) is designed as a recess formed in the light guide element (10) with flat surfaces. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a scattering element (11) is formed in the region of the deflecting element (9) in an extension of the coupling section (4). Device according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the scattering element (11) is formed in a housing (12); wherein the housing (12) is designed to accommodate the light guide element (10). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a collimator is arranged between the light source (1) and the coupling section (4) of the light guide element (10) so that the coupled light emission in the coupling section (4) of the light guide element (10) is parallel to a longitudinal extension of the coupling section (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a shielding element (13) surrounding the coupling section (4). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling-out elements (7, 8) are arranged essentially in a plane spanned by the coupling-in section (4) and the coupling-out section (5). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling-out elements (7, 8) are set up to couple the light distribution into an outer space of the vehicle. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further coupling section (24) through which a light emission from a second light source (23) can be coupled; and a further deflecting element (29) which is arranged in a transition region from the further coupling-in section (24) to the coupling-out section (5) of the light guide element (10) so that a first and a second part of the coupled-in light emission of the second light source (23) be guided in different directions along the longitudinal extent of the coupling-out section (5).

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