DE202015001890U1 - Optical fiber arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Optical waveguide arrangement (30) for a motor vehicle lamp, comprising a plurality of optical waveguides (10), each optical waveguide (10) having a light coupling section (14) with a light coupling surface (16) for coupling light into the optical waveguide (10) through the light coupling surface (10). 16) through and a Lichtauskoppelabschnitt (22), through which in the optical waveguide (10) guided light can be coupled, characterized in that between the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt (14) and the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt (22) a transfer section (18) is provided, and that the light guides (10) are arranged side by side so that the light input surfaces (16) along a Lichteinkoppellinie (32) are arranged lined up and the light guides (10) from the Lichteinkoppellinie (32) extend away.

Description

The invention relates to a light guide arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such light conductor arrangements find use, for example, in motor vehicle lights, which are used to provide lighting functions such as daytime running lights and / or signal functions such as flashing light.

It is often necessary that light from multiple light sources, eg. B. LEDs, is coupled into the optical fiber assembly. For example, it may be desirable to couple light of different colors into the optical waveguide arrangement so that a yellow flashing light or a white daytime running light can be achieved with the same optical waveguide arrangement. This can make it necessary for a plurality of different light sources (eg of different colors) to be arranged in a spatially limited light input region of the light guide arrangement, which light sources are switched on or off as required. A close spatial arrangement of the light sources can lead to problems if the heat generated by the light sources can not be sufficiently dissipated.

In this respect, the use of light guide arrangements with only one light input surface can be problematic. A known approach is to use optical fibers with different side branches, each having its own light coupling surfaces. The side branches open, for example, in a common Lichtauskoppelabschnitt. This makes it possible to arrange the light coupling surfaces of the side branches spaced from each other and to ensure sufficient heat dissipation. However, such light guides with side branches are expensive to manufacture. Find z. For example, a production by injection molding instead, so ramified structures make an impression of the injection molding tool problematic. In addition, in the region of the junction of a side branch into the light guide, unwanted coupling of light conducted in the light guide and / or the side branch can occur.

In the DE 10 2004 054 732 B4 a side direction indicator with a multi-part light guide assembly having features of the preamble of claim 1 is described. The light guide arrangement comprises a plate-like light guide and a light guide rod extending along a narrow side of the plate-like light guide elongated. This light guide rod is used for coupling the light in the plate-like light guide. In order to decouple the light from the light guide rod and to transfer it into the plate-like light guide, the light guide rod has notches along its extension, which form outcoupling elements for the light. In addition, further light guide rods may be present, which each have an end-side light coupling surface and an end face on the opposite light output surface. These additional light guide rods are designed to forward the light coupled into them essentially to the opposite end face. As a result, a light distribution can be achieved which, in addition to the light distribution coupled out by the plate-like light guide, provides additional side illumination. In this respect, this arrangement of additional light guide rods serves to redirect light into additional angular ranges.

In the case of elongate optical waveguides, there is also the problem that unwanted color changes and / or dispersion effects can occur for the light conducted in the optical waveguides since a long path is traveled in the material of the optical waveguide.

The object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effectively manufacturable light guide assembly, in which the problems addressed are avoided as possible.

This object is achieved by a light guide arrangement according to claim 1, which in particular for use in a motor vehicle light, z. B. daytime running lights and / or flashing light is configured. The light guide arrangement has a plurality of light guides, each light guide having a light coupling-in section with a light coupling surface for coupling light into the light guide through the light coupling surface. In addition, each light guide has a light coupling-out section, through which the light guided in the light guide can be coupled out. Each light guide is delimited by light guide surfaces in such a way that light can be guided from the light coupling-in section to the light coupling-out section with total internal reflection.

Between the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt and the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt extends in particular a transfer section. This is preferably designed in such a way that it conducts the light out of coupling (that is, without coupling out the light from the optical waveguide) to the light coupling-out section.

In the light guide arrangement, a plurality of light guides are arranged side by side in such a way that the light coupling surfaces of the light guides are arranged along a light coupling line of the light guide arrangement, with the light guides extending away from this light coupling line.

Since the optical waveguide arrangement comprises a plurality of optical waveguides, which each have their own light coupling-in sections, an infeed of light can take place a variety of light sources take place. In this case, it is not absolutely necessary to arrange the light sources in the immediate vicinity of each other. The light guides themselves can be designed in a simple manner, in particular, no side branches for coupling several light sources must be provided. Also, the individual light guides can have comparatively short dimensions, so that color errors and dispersion effects can be reduced.

The individual light guides can be manufactured as slim injection-molded parts. This allows fast cooling times and therefore efficient production by injection molding. Unlike known light guides, which allow the coupling of light from multiple light sources, it is not necessary to provide a comparatively thick or bulky end with a correspondingly large light input surface. Such embodiments can in principle lead to a problematic production by injection molding.

The course of the light coupling line, along which the light coupling surfaces of the different light guides are arranged, can be adapted to the space requirements and the design ideas accordingly. For example, the light sources can be placed in a common plane, which reduces the assembly effort for the electrical supply of the light sources. It is conceivable, for example, to arrange the plurality of light sources of a motor vehicle light on a common, for example, planar board and to pass the light coupling line of the light guide arrangement on all light sources.

The plurality of optical fibers may, for. B. as individual parts, in particular without direct material connection with each other, be strung along the Lichteinkoppellinie. It is also conceivable that a plurality of optical fibers are connected to one another in one piece or material-connected to one another.

The optical waveguides are preferably designed as elongated bodies, which extend obliquely from the light coupling-in section or the respective light coupling-in surface along a so-called guideline. In particular, the light guides are rod-like or strip-like. The guideline fundamentally reflects the spatial course of the respective light guide. The guideline can also be regarded as the one space curve along which the light energy is transported in the spatial mean when light is coupled into the light guide through the light coupling surface. In this respect, it is basically also conceivable that the light guides have plate-like or other complex shapes and the guideline is defined in the manner mentioned.

The light guides are preferably lined up along the Lichteinkoppellinie that the guideline in the region of the Lichteinkoppelabschnitts with the Lichteinkoppellinie locally - d. H. where the light guide meets the light coupling line - a non-vanishing angle is included. In particular, a right angle is conceivable, but obtuse angles or acute angles are also conceivable.

An advantageous embodiment results from the fact that the Lichtauskoppelabschnitte respectively adjacent optical fibers (adjacent to their alignment along the Lichteinkoppellinie) along the extension of the light guide are arranged longitudinally offset from each other. In particular, the light extraction sections of adjacent light guides along the respective guideline of one of the adjacent light guides are longitudinally offset from one another. When viewed from the side, d. H. from the direction laterally to the light coupling line and / or laterally to the guidelines of the individual light guides, the longitudinally offset light guides therefore cover an extended area with a length which is greater than the extent of the individual light guides. By superimposing several Lichtauskoppelabschnitte the intensity distribution can be varied or adjusted as desired. In particular, it is possible to achieve a homogeneous radiation behavior, even if the coupling along a single light guide has an intensity variation along its extension.

In their extension along the guideline, the light guide z. B. all be the same length. In particular, it is conceivable that all optical fibers are formed substantially identical. This allows a cost-effective production, since only one type of optical fiber must be made, and therefore z. B. only one injection mold is needed. Even with identical optical fibers is a suitable design of the design or space specifications appropriate configuration by a suitable choice of Lichteinkoppellinie and / or the design of the light guide itself possible. Of course, it is also possible to assemble differently configured light guides to form a light guide arrangement in order to increase the freedom of design.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the optical fibers (in particular all optical fibers) measured along the guideline are of different lengths and arranged such that, as they progress along the light coupling line, the length of the optical fibers increases monotonically or decreases monotonically (depending on the direction of progression). In this respect, on the one hand, on the one hand, a comparatively shorter and, on the other hand, a comparatively longer light guide is arranged for each optical waveguide which has mutually adjacent light guides along the light coupling line. In this respect, the light guides are lined up, for example, like an organ pipe along the light coupling line.

As a further embodiment it can be provided that the decoupling sections are arranged offset in length (see above). In this respect, the light guides between light input surface and Lichtauskoppelabschnitt may have different lengths Überleitabschnitte, in which the light is passed substantially free of coupling.

The guidelines of all light guides preferably run geometrically similar to one another, in particular in parallel. The guidelines of the various light guides are in particular by the geometric operation of a parallel displacement into one another, especially by parallel displacement along the Lichteinkoppellinie. With such a distribution of optical fibers z. B. the optical effect of a illuminated area can be achieved without the need for a plate-like light guide is absolutely necessary.

According to an advantageous embodiment, all optical fibers extend in a plane away from the light coupling line. This allows z. B. a space-saving, flat structure.

The guideline, along which a respective optical waveguide extends, can be curved in a straight line or in an arcuate manner - even with multiple curvatures. Here is considerable freedom of design. In particular, it is conceivable that along the extent of the light guide between the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt and the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt a curved extending Überleitabschnitt is provided. Alternatively or additionally, the light outcoupling section can also run in a curved manner, for example in order to produce a curved luminous contour.

A further embodiment consists in that the light coupling-in sections of all the light guides lie in a common plane and the transition sections of the light guides bulge out of this common plane. This makes it possible to produce a luminous contour that is curved when viewed from the outside on the arrangement, and nevertheless to arrange all the light sources in one plane.

It is also conceivable that then the Lichtauskoppelabschnitte of the optical fibers are also in a common plane. This plane may be parallel or oblique to the plane in which the Lichteinkoppelabschnitte open.

If all of the light coupling surfaces lie in one plane, then the light sources, whose respective light is to be coupled in by the light coupling surfaces, can all be arranged on a planar board. If the Lichtauskoppelabschnitte lie in a plane, it can be arranged along this plane a cover of the lamp.

The Lichteinkoppellinie, along which the Lichteinkoppelflächen the optical fibers are arranged, according to an advantageous embodiment, at least partially straight. In particular, the Lichteinkoppellinie may comprise a plurality of straight line sections, each having a plurality of Lichteinkoppelflächen lined up along such a straight section. Of course, the Lichteinkoppellinie also be a single, continuous line. A straight course greatly simplifies the assembly and electrical connection of the majority of the light sources on a common planar board.

In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the light coupling surfaces are arranged along an arcuate and / or curved (also multi-curved) guideline.

The Lichtauskoppelabschnitt of each light guide is preferably formed such that light can be coupled out with a preferred direction of the light guide. The preferred direction includes a non-vanishing angle with the guideline (local). For example, the preferred direction and the guideline in the outcoupling region are perpendicular to one another. Thus, at least a considerable part of the light is coupled out in a direction deviating from the extension of the light guide. It is also conceivable that, if appropriate, at least a portion of the light is conducted to an end of the light guide opposite the light insertion section and exits there, for example, through an end face. This makes it possible to realize luminaire functions with a direction of illumination deviating from the main emission direction of the motor vehicle lighting, for example a side marker function.

In order to decouple light, the optical waveguide has in its light outcoupling section a plurality of decoupling elements, which are designed to decouple the light detected by them from the optical waveguide. Such decoupling elements may be formed as a deflecting body, which are arranged on a surface limiting the light guide in Lichtauskoppelabschnitt. The deflecting bodies may be designed, for example, in the manner of prismatic or pyramidal elevations on a boundary surface of the light coupling-out section. Also conceivable are notches of the light guide in Lichtauskoppelabschnitt.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS.

Show it:

1 to explain the technical background, a light guide with side branches and Lichtauskoppelabschnitt;

2 Sketch for explaining the representation of optical fibers in the present context;

3 Sketch for illustrating a first optical fiber arrangement according to the invention;

4 Sketch for explaining a further optical fiber arrangement;

5 Sketch of a further further light guide arrangement;

6 Sketch to explain possible embodiments of the individual optical fibers; and

7 another light guide arrangement.

In the following description as well as in the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding features.

To explain the technical background and detail embodiments of the invention, the 1 a light guide 10 which extends oblong along a curved guideline 12 extends. The guideline 12 runs through the entire light guide, but is in the 1 only one end region indicated. The light guide 10 has a terminal Lichteinkoppelabschnitt 14 with a light input surface 16 (here: face of the light guide 10 ) for coupling light on.

To the light coupling section 14 closes a likewise curved extending Überleitabschnitt 18 on, which of light guide surfaces 20 is limited such that light, which through the light coupling surface 16 in the light guide 10 is coupled by total internal reflection at the light guide surfaces 20 in the light guide 10 is directed. To the transfer section 18 closes along the guideline 12 a light extraction section 22 at.

The light extraction section 22 also runs in the example shown bent. To decouple the light from the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt is an area of the Lichtauskoppelabschnitt limiting Lichtleitfläche 20 with a variety of sawtooth decoupling elements 24 Mistake. Light rays inside the light guide 10 be routed and on the decoupling elements 24 meet, are reflected by them so that they through a decoupling 24 opposite boundary surface of the Lichtauskoppelabschnitts 22 from the light guide 10 escape. Spatially, the light rays pass along a preferred direction 26 from the light guide 10 out.

In the 1 are also optional side arms 28 to recognize that in the light guide 10 lead in and allow the coupling of light additional light sources.

In the following description, the exact geometrical configuration of the optical waveguides used is not intended to be restricted in any more detail. In this respect, the light guides are shown only sketchy, as based on the 2 explained. Here, the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt 14 with the light coupling surface 16 as well as the transfer section 18 and the subsequent Lichtauskoppelabschnitt 22 merely stylized. In the simplified illustration, the light guide extends 10 along a straight-line guideline 12 , In principle, however, the light guide can also have more complex or curved shapes, for. B. similar to 1 explained. In particular, the guideline may be 12 bent. In the area of the light extraction section 22 points the light guide 10 again (not included in the simplified representation) coupling elements for coupling out of light. The decoupled light in turn passes along a preferred direction 26 (in 2 stylized) from the light guide 10 out.

The 3 shows a light guide assembly 30 comprising a plurality (here four) optical fibers 10 ( 10a to 10d ) to 2 In the example shown are all optical fibers 10a to 10d identically formed. However, this is not mandatory. There may also be different embodiments of optical fibers 10 in a light guide arrangement 30 be summarized.

The light guide arrangement 30 is formed by the fact that the light guides 10a to 10d comply with an arrangement according to a given geometric pattern. These are the light guides 10a to 10d arranged such that the light coupling surfaces 16 the various light guide all along a dashed line Lichteinkoppellinie 32 lined up. The light guides 10a to 10d (or their respective associated guidelines 12 ) extend from the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 path.

In the example shown, the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 drawn for the sake of simplicity as a straight line. This embodiment is not mandatory. Also the light coupling line 32 may have a curved course. Preferably, the Lichteinkoppellinie runs 32 such that all the light coupling surfaces 16 lie in a common, imaginary plane.

The light guides 10a to 10d extend from the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 away, that in the field of light coupling areas 14 a non-vanishing angle α with the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 is included. The angle α can be used for all optical fibers 10a to 10d be equal. However, it is also conceivable embodiment in which various optical fibers 10 each different angle α with the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 define.

In the example according to 3 are the light guides 10a to 10d such along the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 lined up that along the preferred direction 26 considered (ie along the direction in which the light is coupled out in the spatial mean) the different light guides 10a to 10d each associated Lichtauskoppelbereiche 22 along the light coupling line 32 are longitudinally offset from each other. In this respect, close when viewed along the preferred direction 26 the Lichtauskoppelabschnitte 22 the different light guides 10a to 10d essentially without overlapping each other.

In the 4 is a modified embodiment of the light guide assembly 30 outlined. Here are the light guides 10a to 10d such along the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 lined up that the light extraction sections 22 the different light guides 10a to 10d along the preferred direction 26 considered at least partially overlap the light extraction. This is in 4 exemplified realized that starting from the arrangement according to 3 a smaller angle α between the guidelines 12 and the light coupling line 32 is selected. However, it is conceivable z. As well as the dimensions of the individual optical fibers 10a to 10d or instead of the current guidelines 12 to provide a curved course.

The 5 shows a light guide assembly 30 in which several (in the illustrated example four) different lengths of light guide 10a to 10d along the light coupling line 32 arranged in a row. In this case, the plurality of optical fibers extend 10a to 10d substantially parallel to one another and are arranged such that, as they progress along the light coupling line 32 the length of the light guides 10a to 10d (ie their extension from the light coupling line 32 away) increases monotonically (depending on the direction along the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 ). In this respect, an organ pipe-like arrangement results.

The design freedom in the design of light guide assemblies 30 This can be significantly increased by the fact that the light guides 10 arcuate are formed curved. In particular, extends between Lichteinkoppelabschnitt 14 and light extraction section 22 an arcuate transfer section 18 (see. 6 ). This allows an arrangement in which all Lichteinkoppelabschnitte 14 the multiple optical fiber 10 lie in a common imaginary plane and the respective Überleitabschnitte 18 the light guide bulge out of this plane.

The 7 shows an arrangement of a plurality of optical fibers 10 in which the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 two straight line sections 32a and 32b includes. In this respect, the Lichteinkoppellinie 32 partially straight. The two straight sections 32a and 32b can, as indicated in the example shown offset from each other and / or angled to each other.

Here are the light guides 10 arranged grouped such that the light coupling surfaces 16 each on the straight sections 32a and 32b the light coupling line 32 lie. A first group of light guides 10 is arranged such that the associated Lichteinkoppelflächen 16 on the first straight section 32a the Lichteinkoppellinie lie. A second group of light guides 10 is arranged such that its light coupling surfaces 16 on the second section 32b the light coupling line 32 lie. This allows the light input surfaces 16 the first group (Lichteinkoppellinienabschnitt 32a ) all in a first level 34a lie. The light coupling surfaces 16 the second group are all on a further level 34b leading to the first level 34a can be angled and / or offset.

This embodiment makes it possible, all Lichteinkoppelflächen 16 assign each arranged on flat boards light sources. Even if z. B. with the Lichtleiteranordung 30 a complex spatial course to be illuminated, the electrical supply of the light sources is possible in a simple manner. Along the plains 34a and 34b For this purpose, circuit boards with corresponding light sources (eg LEDs) can be arranged in a simple manner.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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Cited patent literature

• DE 102004054732 B4 [0005]

Claims (13)

Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) for a motor vehicle light, with a plurality of optical fibers ( 10 ), each optical fiber ( 10 ) a Lichteinkoppelabschnitt ( 14 ) with a light input surface ( 16 ) for coupling light into the light guide ( 10 ) through the light input surface ( 16 ) and a Lichtauskoppelabschnitt ( 22 ), through which in the light guide ( 10 ) is coupled out coupled, characterized in that between the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt ( 14 ) and the light extraction section ( 22 ) a transfer section ( 18 ), and that the light guides ( 10 ) are arranged side by side so that the light coupling surfaces ( 16 ) along a Lichteinkoppellinie ( 32 ) and the optical fibers ( 10 ) from the light coupling line ( 32 ) away. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that each optical fiber ( 10 ) starting from the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt ( 14 ) extending longitudinally along a respective guideline ( 12 ) is formed running. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the guideline ( 12 ) in the region of the Lichteinkoppelabschnittes ( 14 ) with the Lichteinkoppellinie ( 32 ) includes a non-vanishing angle (α). Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Lichtauskoppelabschnitte ( 22 ) in each case adjacent light guides ( 10 ) along the extension of the optical fibers ( 10 ), in particular along the respective guideline ( 12 ) one of the respectively adjacent light guides ( 10 ), are arranged longitudinally offset from each other. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all optical fibers ( 10 ) are formed substantially identical. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guides ( 10 ) are of different lengths and are arranged in such a way that, when advancing along the light coupling line (FIG. 12 ) the length of the light guides ( 10 ) increases monotonically or decreases monotonically. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to at least claim 2, characterized in that the guidelines ( 12 ) of all optical fibers ( 10 ) geometrically by parallel displacement, in particular by parallel displacement along the Lichteinkoppellinie ( 32 ), are convertible into each other. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to at least claim 2, characterized in that the light guides ( 10 ) of the Lichteinkoppellinie ( 32 ) that the guidelines ( 12 ) the light guide ( 10 ) run in a common plane. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer section ( 18 ) along the extension of the light guide ( 10 ) between the Lichteinkoppelabschnitt ( 14 ) and the light extraction section ( 22 ) is curved. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the Lichteinkoppelabschnitte ( 14 ) of all optical fibers ( 10 ) in a common plane ( 34a . 34b ) and the transfer sections ( 18 ) the light guide bulge out of this plane. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Lichteinkoppellinie ( 32 ) is at least in sections, preferably in total, a straight line. Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to at least claim 2, characterized in that the light extraction section ( 22 ) is designed such that light with a preferred direction ( 26 ) which can be coupled with the guideline ( 12 ) includes a non-vanishing angle, in particular substantially perpendicular to the guideline ( 12 ). Light guide arrangement ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide ( 10 ) in its Lichtauskoppelabschnitt ( 22 ) a plurality of decoupling elements ( 24 ), which are formed such that the light detected by you from the light guide ( 10 ) is decoupled.

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