EP0669493B1 - Flashing lamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The trafficator signal lamp is positioned at the corner of the vehicle and has a rear reflector divided into 2 sections (R1, R2) with the light bulb socket (F) located between them. The lamp glass (S) fitted to the front of the reflector is curved to extend around to the side of the vehicle. The reflector is formed in one piece with a continuous transition between the 2 reflector sections, both sections providing a uniform light distribution with a given dispersion characteristic in both horizontal and vertical directions, the beam direction varying continuously in dependence on the position of the reflection point along the reflector surface.

Description

The invention relates to a turn signal lamp for vehicles, which is arranged in the corner region of the vehicle, with a reflector which has an outer first reflector section and an inner second reflector section, with a light source, the holder of which is arranged between the reflector sections and with a light outside final lens, which extends far back into the side area of the vehicle, the free end of the outer first reflector section being delimited by the lens.

A flashing light for motor vehicles is known from German published patent application DE 32 08 741 A1, which is suitable as a front flashing light for installation in the corner area of the vehicle. This has a lens that is retracted far into the side area of the vehicle. This lens closes the housing of the turn signal lamp from the outside. The flashing light also has a reflector with an outer first reflector section and an inner second reflector section. In addition, the flashing light has a light source, the socket of which is arranged between the reflector sections. The free end of the outer first reflector section is limited by the lens.

The same features are known from German published patent application DE 22 14 161. This flashing light also has a reflector optics arranged on the side. In both previously known embodiments, it proves disadvantageous that the two reflector sections are each designed as parabolas, as a result of which an essentially parallel bundle of light rays is generated when the light rays are reflected from the light source and the lens thus generates the required ones Light distribution must have light-scattering optical elements. In addition, it proves to be disadvantageous that, in the previously known embodiments, the two reflector sections do not or only partially generate the same light distribution, as a result of which the available light is not used optimally. Another disadvantage is that the two reflector sections are not formed in one piece and the surfaces of the reflector sections do not merge continuously, which on the one hand reduces the light yield and on the other hand the production of the turn signal lamp is cost-intensive. In addition, it turns out to be disadvantageous in the known embodiments that the lens has light-scattering optical means, as a result of which an optically inconsistent appearance is produced, in particular when the turn signal lamp is arranged directly next to a headlight.

The invention has for its object to provide a flashing light which has two reflector sections, the light intensities generated by the reflector sections complementing each other in the best possible way for maximum luminous efficiency.

The object is achieved in that the reflector sections are formed in one piece and the surfaces of the reflector sections merge continuously, that when the reflector sections are projected in the direction of travel, the inner second reflector section has at least the size of the first reflector section in that the surfaces of the two reflector sections are designed in this way that the radiation direction changes continuously with the geometric location on the surface and that both reflector sections produce the same light distribution, both reflector sections having a light-scattering radiation characteristic in both the horizontal and vertical sections with respect to the light distribution to be achieved.

It is advantageous that the reflector sections are formed in one piece and the surfaces of the reflector sections merge continuously into one another because, in addition to simple and inexpensive manufacture of the turn signal lamp, in particular the best possible utilization of the available luminous flux is made possible. A particular advantage results when the lens has no light-deflecting optical means and the reflector is visible from the outside, since a division of the reflector in two or a step between the reflector sections would disturb the optical appearance.

It is advantageous that when the reflector sections are projected in the direction of travel, the inner second reflector section has at least the size of the outer first reflector section and that the surfaces of the two reflector sections are designed such that the radiation direction changes continuously with the geometric location on the surface because thus the flashing light can be produced simply and inexpensively, light-scattering optical means in the lens can be dispensed with and optimal use of the light emitted by the light source is possible.

In this context, it proves to be particularly advantageous that both reflector sections produce the same light distribution, with both reflector sections having a light-scattering radiation characteristic, both in the horizontal and in the vertical section, with respect to the light distribution to be achieved, because thus the best possible installation position of the lamp Utilization of the available light is achieved, a particularly advantageous division of the reflector sections is made possible and the required light distribution is achieved in the best possible way by the complementary illuminance levels from the two reflector sections, without optical light-scattering elements being arranged in the lens.

Further advantageous embodiments result from the subclaims.

Figur 1

den schematischen Aufbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Blinkleuchte;

Figur 2

die Projektion der Reflektorabschnitte in Fahrtrichtung einer beispielhaften Reflektorausführung;

Figur 3

einen horizontalen Schnitt A-A entsprechend Figur 2 durch den Reflektor mit eingezeichnetem Strahlengang;

Figur 4

einen vertikalen Schnitt B-B entsprechend Figur 2 durch den Reflektor mit eingezeichnetem Strahlengang;

Figur 5

einen horizontalen Schnitt durch eine weitere Reflektorausführung mit eingezeichnetem Strahlengang für den inneren zweiten Reflektorabschnitt;

Figur 6

einen horizontalen Schnitt durch einen Reflektor gemäß Figur 5 mit eingezeichnetem Strahlengang für den äußeren ersten Reflektorabschnitt;

Figur 7

einen vertikalen Schnitt durch einen Reflektor gemäß Figur 5 und Figur 6 mit eingezeichnetem Strahlengang;

Figur 8

das Diagramm einer gemittelten Lichtverteilung einer Blinkleuchte.

Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Identical or identically acting features are provided with the same reference symbols in all drawings. Show it

Figure 1

the schematic structure of a flashing light according to the invention;

Figure 2

the projection of the reflector sections in the direction of travel of an exemplary reflector design;

Figure 3

a horizontal section AA corresponding to Figure 2 through the reflector with the beam path shown;

Figure 4

a vertical section BB corresponding to Figure 2 through the reflector with the beam path shown;

Figure 5

a horizontal section through a further reflector design with the beam path shown for the inner second reflector section;

Figure 6

5 shows a horizontal section through a reflector according to FIG. 5 with the beam path shown for the outer first reflector section;

Figure 7

a vertical section through a reflector according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 with the beam path shown;

Figure 8

the diagram of an average light distribution of a flashing light.

Figure 1 shows schematically the structure of a flashing light according to the invention. The turn signal is shown in horizontal section. The flashing light has a housing (G) which is closed by a lens (S). The flashing light is suitable for installation in the corner area of a vehicle. The installation can take place in the front area as well as in the rear area of the vehicle. When the turn signal lamp is installed, the lens (S) extends far back into the side area of the vehicle. The flashing light has a light source (L), the incandescent filament position of which is indicated only schematically in FIG. 1. The light source (L) is held in the housing (G) via a holder (F), the holder (F) being arranged between a first outer reflector section (R1) and an inner second reflector section (R2) of a reflector. The free end of the outer first reflector section (R1) is limited by the lens (S). The two reflector sections (R1, R2) can be formed as part of the housing, which enables the flashing light to be manufactured cost-effectively. The two reflector sections (R1, R2) are formed in one piece and the surfaces of the reflector sections (R1, R2) merge continuously into one another.

The surfaces of the two reflector sections (R1, R2) are designed in such a way that the direction of radiation of the light rays emanating from the light source (L) changes continuously with the geometric location on the surface of the reflector sections (R1, R2). Both reflector sections (R1, R2) generate the same light distribution with complementary light intensities for optimal light yield, both reflector sections (R1, R2) having a light-scattering radiation characteristic in both horizontal and vertical sections with respect to the light distribution to be achieved.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the lens (S) has no light-deflecting optical means between its edge regions (B1, B2). Depending on the legally required light distribution and the special mounting position of the turn signal lamp in the corner area of the vehicle, light-deflecting optical means can also be dispensed with in the peripheral areas (B1, B2). Depending on the legally required light distribution, vertically extending, horizontally light-scattering optical elements (E) can be arranged in the front edge region (B1), which deflect the light incident on them towards the vehicle center axis. This front edge area (B1) has a small width and is limited to a few light-scattering optical elements (E). In Figure 1, four optical elements (E) are shown as an example. In other exemplary embodiments, two to ten optical elements (E) can be arranged on the inside of the lens.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the lens (S) has a retroreflective lens (RS) in its rear edge region (B2). This reflector optics (RS) can be integrated in the lens (S), but it can also, as shown in FIG. 1, be arranged as an additional lens inside the flashing light behind the lens (S). The arrangement can also be chosen so that the reflector (RS) extends into the area next to the light source (L) and in this case has light passages for the lateral light emission. The light source (LL) can be equipped with two filaments, the second filament generating a position light via the reflector sections (R1, R2).

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the lens (S) is made crystal-clear and, at least between its edge regions (B1, B2), has no light-scattering optical elements, so that an observer can view the two reflector sections (R1, R2) and the light source (L) from the outside can see freely. To the legally required To achieve signal coloring when starting the flashing light, in this version a filter means is arranged between the lens (S) and the filament of the light source (L), which can be designed as an incandescent lamp bulb colored in the signal color, or as a lens disc colored in the signal color that envelops the light source (L).

In another embodiment, the lens (S) can also be made in the signal color of the flashing light. The lens (S) can be made of glass or plastic.

The flashing light shown in Figure 1 can also be formed as part of a multi-chamber rear light for motor vehicles or as a front turn signal for vehicles, the housing of which is made in one piece with the housing of an adjacent headlight. The flashing light can be covered by a single separate lens (S) or can be made in one piece with the lens covering the other light functions of the headlight or the rear lamp, which results in a particularly uniform external appearance.

FIG. 2 shows the projection of the reflector sections (R1, R2) in the direction of travel according to a flashing light as described in FIG. 1, but with a different size distribution. With this projection of the reflector sections (R1, R2) it can be seen that the inner second reflector section (R2) is larger than the outer first reflector section (R1). The socket (F) is arranged between the reflector sections (R1, R2). The dividing line between the reflector sections (R1, R2) can run strictly vertically. But it can also be inclined or curvilinear depending on the installation situation of the direction indicator.

FIG. 3 shows a horizontal section AA according to FIG. 2 through a reflector according to the invention, with two Reflector sections (R1, R2). The surfaces of both reflector sections (R1, R2) are designed in such a way that the direction of radiation changes continuously with the geometric location on the surface. In this horizontal section, the outer first reflector section (R1) has a parabolic-like defocused radiation characteristic, so that a diverging light beam is generated. In contrast to a parabolic-like defocused radiation characteristic, the light rays emanating from the filament of the light source (L) are not all deflected outwards when they are reflected on the surface of the outer first reflector section (R1), but the light beam generated has a light scattering that corresponds to the horizontal light distribution to be achieved. The inner second reflector section (R2) also has a parabolic-like defocused radiation characteristic in this horizontal section, so that a diverging light beam is also generated, as already described for the outer first reflector section (R1). The diverging light beam produces the same horizontal light distribution as the light beam of the outer first reflector section (R1). In contrast to a parabolic-like defocused radiation characteristic, the two reflector sections do not generate individual light beams that act separately, but both light beams have the same light distribution and complement each other in terms of their light intensity, which produces maximum light output and optimal light distribution.

Figure 4 shows a vertical section BB through a reflector corresponding to Figure 2, both reflector sections (R1, R2) in this vertical section having an ellipse-like radiation characteristic, so that a converging light beam is generated by each of the reflector sections (R1, R2). In this example, too, the radiation direction changes from that of Light source emitted light beams continuously with the geometric location on the surface of the reflector sections (R1, R2). In Figure 4, only the inner second reflector section (R2) and the holder (F) are shown. Because the light-scattering radiation characteristic is generated in relation to the light distribution to be achieved in vertical section by light beams crossing in front of the light source (L), it is possible to arrange the reflector far in the rear area of the turn signal lamp without the reflected light beams being on the upper and lower boundary walls of the flashing light are reflected, so that no unwanted stray light occurs and these wall areas of the flashing light can be designed freely.

FIG. 5 shows a horizontal section through the reflector sections (R1, R2) of a flashing light, the inner second reflector section (R2) differing from the radiation characteristic of the reflector embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, the inner second reflector section (R2) is extended far into the front area of the lens (S), not shown here, of the turn signal lamp. For the light rays emerging from the light source (L), in this exemplary embodiment the inner second reflector section (R2) has an elliptical-like radiation characteristic in horizontal section, similar to that described in FIG. 4, so that a converging light beam is generated. Since the required horizontal light deflection is greater than the required vertical light deflection, the intersecting light beams have a greater spread than shown by way of example in FIG. 4. With increasing distance, the intersection curve of two adjacent reflected light beams lies on the surface of the second reflector section (R2) from the mount (F) at a greater distance from the mount (F). This also enables, as in the embodiment in FIG. 4, the reflector sections (R1, R2) in the To move the turn signal lamp far back without the light rays reflected by the inner second reflector section (R2) being accidentally scattered by a wall of the housing of the turn signal lamp. There is also the advantage of the best possible light output.

For the light emission characteristic of the inner second reflector section (R2) shown in FIG. 5, an emission characteristic of the outer first reflector section (R1) is shown in FIG. 6 in the same horizontal section as an example. This radiation characteristic, which is defocused in a parabola-like manner in the horizontal section and thus generates a diverging light beam, corresponds to the radiation characteristic described in FIG. 3 for the outer first reflector section (R1). The light source (L), the holder (F) and the inner second reflector section (R2) are only shown schematically in FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a vertical section through a vertical reflector arrangement with reflector sections (R1, R2), only the inner second reflector section (R2) being recognizable in this illustration. Both reflector sections (R1, R2) can have the same radiation pattern, but the radiation pattern can also differ. In contrast to the radiation characteristic shown and described in FIG. 4, the radiation characteristic shown in FIG. 7 has a parabolic-like defocused radiation characteristic, so that a diverging light beam is generated. This light beam is generated as described in FIG. 3 for the horizontal section. In FIG. 7, as in FIGS. 3 to 6, the exemplary light beam paths emanating from the light source and reflected by the reflector sections (R1, R2) are shown. In addition, the holder (F) and the light source (L) are shown as examples in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an average light distribution to be achieved. The light distribution must be achieved on a projection screen at a predetermined distance in front of the turn signal lamp. Depending on the legal national regulations, the light distribution to be achieved varies. As already mentioned, the light distribution shown here in FIG. 8 is an averaged light distribution in which the numerical values are given in percent. The horizontal angle varies between minus 30 degrees and plus 30 degrees. The listed light values in the horizontal range are between minus 20 degrees and plus 20 degrees. The vertical angle of the light distribution varies between minus 15 degrees and plus 15 degrees, with the light values given varying between minus 10 and plus 10 degrees. As can be seen, an essentially rectangular light distribution is generated, the horizontal extent of which is greater than the vertical extent. The light distribution is also very center-oriented. The highest light values are 0 degrees each and decrease towards the outside from the O-degree axis in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

From the embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 7, each reflector section (R1, R2) generates the light distribution shown here by way of example, the light intensities being complementary. Depending on the size ratio of the individual reflector sections (R1, R2), the light intensities of the individual reflector sections (R1, R2) can differ. Characterized in that the same light distribution is generated by both reflector sections (R1, R2), the light intensities complementing each other, the light distribution to be achieved is achieved as best as possible and a maximum light yield is made possible.

Reference list Flashing light

R1

outer first reflector section

R2

inner second reflector section

L

Light source

S

Lens

F

Frame

B1

front edge area

B2

rear edge area

G

casing

E

optical elements

RS

Reflector optics

Claims (12)

1. Flashlight for vehicles, arranged in the corner area of the vehicle, comprising a reflector having an outer first reflector section (R1) and an inner second reflector section (R2), with a light source (L), the socket (F) of which is arranged between the reflector sections (R1, R2), and with a light cover (S), which seals the light towards the outside and which reaches far back into the side area of the vehicle, and the free end of the outer first reflector section (R1) is defined by the light cover (S), characterised in that the reflector sections (R1, R2) are made in one piece and the surfaces of the reflector sections (R1, R2) continuously merge into each other, and at projection of the reflector sections (R1, R2) in the travel direction the inner second reflector section (R2) has at least the size of the outer first reflector section (R1), the surfaces of both reflector sections (R1, R2) are designed in such a manner that the radiation direction changes continuously with the geometrical location on the surface, and both reflector sections (R1, R2) offer the same light distribution, and both reflector sections (R1, R2) have, both in the horizontal and vertical cross-section relative to an aimed at light distribution, a light-dispersing radiation characteristic.
2. Flashlight according to Claim 1, characterised in that the outer first reflector section (R1) has in a horizontal cross-section a parabolic defocused radiation characteristic, and a diverging beam of light is generated.
3. Flashlight according to Claim 2, characterised in that both reflector sections (R1, R2) have in a vertical cross-section a parabolic defocused radiation characteristic, and a diverging beam of light is generated.
4. Flashlight according to Claim 2, characterised in that both reflector sections (R1, R2) have in a vertical cross-section an elliptical radiation characteristic, and a converging beam of light is generated.
5. Flashlight according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterised in that the inner second reflector sections (R2) has in a horizontal cross-section a parabolic defocused radiation characteristic, and a diverging beam of light is generated.
6. Flashlight according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterised in that the inner second reflector section (R2) has in a horizontal cross-section an elliptical radiation characteristic, and a converging beam of light is generated.
7. Flashlight according to Claim 6, characterised in that the point of intersection of two adjacent reflected beams of light lies with increasing distance on the surface of the second reflector section (R2) from the socket (F) at a greater distance from the socket (F).
8. Flashlight according to at least one of the above claims, characterised in that the light cover (S) has no light-diverting optical means between its edge areas (B1, B2).
9. Flashlight according to Claim 8, characterised in that the light cover (S) has in its front edge area (B1) vertically extending horizontally light dispersing optical elements (E).
10. Flashlight according to Claim 8, characterised in that the light cover (S) has in its rear edge area (B2) a reflector optic (RS).
11. Flashlight according to Claim 10, characterised in that the reflector optic (RS) is designed as a supplementary light cover.
12. Flashlight according to at least one of the above claims, characterised in that the light cover is like clear glass, and between the light filament of the light source (L) and the light cover (S) is arranged a filtering means.

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