EP1170545B1 - Rod-shaped light guide - Google Patents
Rod-shaped light guide Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1170545B1 EP1170545B1 EP01116157A EP01116157A EP1170545B1 EP 1170545 B1 EP1170545 B1 EP 1170545B1 EP 01116157 A EP01116157 A EP 01116157A EP 01116157 A EP01116157 A EP 01116157A EP 1170545 B1 EP1170545 B1 EP 1170545B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- light
- rod
- face
- longitudinal axis
- light guide
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/249—Light guides with two or more light sources being coupled into the light guide
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
- F21S43/237—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide rod-shaped
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/242—Light guides characterised by the emission area
- F21S43/245—Light guides characterised by the emission area emitting light from one or more of its major surfaces
Definitions
- the invention relates to a rod-shaped light guide according to the preamble of Claim 1.
- Rod-shaped light guides are used in motor vehicles, for. B. as a signal lamp or used to illuminate display devices.
- DE 41 29 094 A1 and DE 198 03 518 A1 are rod-shaped Light guides which have a light exit surface radiating transversely to their longitudinal direction exhibit.
- the light exit surfaces are opposite each other reflective surfaces arranged.
- the reflective surfaces have a Large number of prisms on the transverse axis of the rod-shaped light guide are arranged.
- the two Side faces lie on a common diameter, so the cross section the rod-shaped light guide essentially, d. H. with the exception of reflective surface, is circular.
- a disadvantage of the known light guides with essentially circular Cross-section is that due to their point-symmetrical structure only a part of the light coupled into the light guide a point or little diffuse emitting light source via the prisms and the light exit surface becomes. If the reflective surface is opposite in the horizontal direction The surface and light exit surface is the optical one, particularly in the vertical direction Efficiency undesirably low.
- a rod-shaped light guide of the generic type is known from US Pat. No. 4,924,357 A, which has two opposite side surfaces, one Connect the light exit surface and a reflective surface. This Side surfaces form arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod body Cross-section two light-concentrating points, so that parallel to the longitudinal axis non-centric focal lines are formed.
- the well-known rod-shaped light guide enables in particular the coupling out of a parallel light beam.
- the object of the present invention is the known rod-shaped light guide to improve so that the ratio of coupled to uncoupled Light improves and an increase in efficiency while at the same time more vertical Concentration of light distribution is reached.
- the focal lines formed are the optical efficiency of the rod-shaped Optical fiber significantly improved.
- the vertical light distribution concentrated around one axis compared to the known light guides. Via the non-centric focal lines created in the rod-shaped light guide the coupled light is scattered and distributed more favorably for decoupling. This allows the otherwise unusable light to be extracted and increases so the optical efficiency.
- With the present invention it is possible to reduce the vertical scatter and thus concentrate the light distribution. This enables higher light intensities to be achieved
- the light-concentrating points or Focal points within the rod body are two non-centric focal lines, which scatter the centrally coupled light and onto the reflecting surface to steer.
- the cross section is of the rod body is essentially elliptical.
- At in horizontal Direction of opposing reflecting surface and light exit surface is a first light-concentrating point in the vertical direction above a center located on the longitudinal axis and a second light-concentrating one Point located below the center.
- the inventive cross-sectional profile forms of the inventive cross-sectional profile the center in connection with of the reflecting surface a third light-concentrating point, so that an additional centric focal line is created.
- the Cross section of the rod body seen three light-concentrating points or three light centers, through which the multiple reflected light on the reflective Area is steered.
- the Rod body formed as an ellipsoid, the one arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis Eccentricity is adjusted to the length of the rod body in order to coupling out a lot of light.
- the eccentricity can also - at least within limits - determine the required vertical spread.
- a short length of Rod body means a higher eccentricity and vice versa.
- the light coupling surface is an approximately punctiform light source.
- the light source is a light emitting diode (LED) or less diffuse emitting light source in the form of an incandescent lamp with an ellipsoid reflector.
- the light-deflecting means of the reflective surface as a variety of transverse to Prisms arranged in the longitudinal axis are formed.
- a rod-shaped light guide essentially consists of a rod body 1 with a first face 2, a second face 3, a reflective Surface 4, a light exit surface 5, a first side surface 6 and one second side surface 7.
- the rod body 1 has at a first end 9 transverse to its longitudinal axis 8 the first end face 2 and at its second end facing away from the first end 9 End 10, the second end face 3.
- the rod-shaped Light guide or the rod body 1 from the reflecting surface 4 and on its front side 12 opposite the rear side 11 becomes the rod body 1 limited by the light exit surface 5.
- the reflective surface 4 is over the side surfaces 6, 7 connected to the light exit surface 5.
- a point-shaped light source 13 is in front of each of the end faces 2, 3.
- the light source 13 is e.g. B. formed as a photodiode (LED).
- the end faces 2, 3 are designed as light coupling surfaces.
- the reflective surface 4 has light-deflecting means which, for. B. are formed as a plurality of arranged across the longitudinal axis 8 prisms 14.
- the side surfaces 6, 7 are shaped convexly towards the outside and form an essentially elliptical cross section of the rod body 1. From the first side surface 6 lying above in the example, a first light-concentrating point (F 1 ) 15 becomes above the center point 16 lying on the longitudinal axis 8 educated.
- a second light-concentrating point 17 is formed by the second side surface 7 below the center point 16.
- the center point 16 acts as a third light-concentrating point 18.
- the rod body 1 is thus designed as an ellipsoid, the first light-concentrating points 15 of which form a first focal line 19 and the second light-concentrating points 17 form a second focal line 20.
- the focal lines 19, 20 run at a distance parallel to a third focal line 21 formed by the center points 16, which coincides with the longitudinal axis 8.
- the eccentricity of the ellipsoid or the rod body 1, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis 8 is arranged, is adapted to the length of the rod body 1, if possible coupling out a lot of light.
- the eccentricity is also within certain limits adapted to the required vertical spread.
- the light emitted by the light sources 13 is transmitted via the end faces 2, 3, which are designed as light coupling surfaces, are coupled into the rod body 1 and passed on through total reflection.
- the prisms 14 of the reflective Surface 4 light is reflected and occurs on the prisms 14th opposite light exit surface 5. Not covered by prisms 14 Light rays are reflected on the side surfaces 6, 7 and to the Focal lines 19, 20, 21 concentrated.
- FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, the course of some light rays until they strike the prisms 14 are shown in a cross-sectional projection. Points 15, 16, 17 form three "focal points of light" over which the frequently reflected light is directed onto the prisms 14.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft einen stabförmigen Lichtleiter nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a rod-shaped light guide according to the preamble of Claim 1.
Stabförmige Lichtleiter werden bei Kraftfahrzeugen z. B. als Signalleuchte oder zur Beleuchtung von Anzeigeeinrichtungen verwendet.Rod-shaped light guides are used in motor vehicles, for. B. as a signal lamp or used to illuminate display devices.
Aus der DE 41 29 094 A1 und aus der DE 198 03 518 A1 sind stabförmige Lichtleiter bekannt, die eine quer zu ihrer Längsrichtung abstrahlende Lichtaustrittsfläche aufweisen. Den Lichtaustrittsflächen gegenüberliegend sind jeweils reflektierende Flächen angeordnet. Die reflektierenden Flächen weisen eine Vielzahl von Prismen auf, die quer zur Längsachse der Stabförmigen Lichtleiter angeordnet sind. Zwei einander gegenüberliegende Seitenflächen verbinden die Lichteintrittsfläche und die reflektierende Fläche miteinander. Die beiden Seitenflächen liegen auf einem gemeinsamen Durchmesser, so dass der Querschnitt des stabförmigen Lichtleiters im Wesentlichen, d. h. mit Ausnahme der reflektierenden Fläche, kreisrund ausgebildet ist.DE 41 29 094 A1 and DE 198 03 518 A1 are rod-shaped Light guides are known which have a light exit surface radiating transversely to their longitudinal direction exhibit. The light exit surfaces are opposite each other reflective surfaces arranged. The reflective surfaces have a Large number of prisms on the transverse axis of the rod-shaped light guide are arranged. Connect two opposite side surfaces the light entry surface and the reflecting surface with each other. The two Side faces lie on a common diameter, so the cross section the rod-shaped light guide essentially, d. H. with the exception of reflective surface, is circular.
Nachteilig bei den bekannten Lichtleitern mit im Wesentlichen kreisrunden Querschnitt ist, dass aufgrund ihres punktsymmetrischen Aufbaues nur ein Anteil des in die Lichtleiter eingekoppelten Lichtes einer punkt- oder wenig diffus abstrahlenden Lichtquelle über die Prismen und die Lichtaustrittsfläche ausgekoppelt wird. Bei in horizontaler Richtung gegenüberliegender reflektierender Fläche und Lichtaustrittsfläche ist insbesondere in vertikaler Richtung der optische Wirkungsgrad unerwünscht niedrig.A disadvantage of the known light guides with essentially circular Cross-section is that due to their point-symmetrical structure only a part of the light coupled into the light guide a point or little diffuse emitting light source via the prisms and the light exit surface becomes. If the reflective surface is opposite in the horizontal direction The surface and light exit surface is the optical one, particularly in the vertical direction Efficiency undesirably low.
Aus der US 4 924 357 A ist ein gattungsgemäße stabförmiger Lichtleiter bekannt, der zwei einander gegenüberliegende Seitenflächen aufweist, die eine Lichtaustrittsfläche und eine reflektierende Fläche miteinander verbinden. Diese Seitenflächen bilden im quer zur Längsachse des Stabkörpers angeordneten Querschnitt zwei lichtkonzentrierende Punkte, so dass parallel zur Längsachse nichtzentrische Brennlinien gebildet sind. Der bekannte stabförmige Lichtleiter ermöglicht insbesondere die Auskopplung eines parallelen Lichtbündels.A rod-shaped light guide of the generic type is known from US Pat. No. 4,924,357 A, which has two opposite side surfaces, one Connect the light exit surface and a reflective surface. This Side surfaces form arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rod body Cross-section two light-concentrating points, so that parallel to the longitudinal axis non-centric focal lines are formed. The well-known rod-shaped light guide enables in particular the coupling out of a parallel light beam.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, die bekannten stabförmigen Lichtleiter so zu verbessern, dass das Verhältnis von eingekoppelten zu ausgekoppeltem Licht verbessert und eine Wirkungsgradsteigerung unter gleichzeitiger vertikaler Konzentration der Lichtverteilung erreicht wird.The object of the present invention is the known rod-shaped light guide to improve so that the ratio of coupled to uncoupled Light improves and an increase in efficiency while at the same time more vertical Concentration of light distribution is reached.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruches 1 gelöst.This object is solved by the features of claim 1.
Durch die lichtkonzentrierenden Punkte bzw. durch die von den konzentrierenden Punkten gebildeten Brennlinien wird der optische Wirkungsgrad des stabförmigen Lichtleiters erheblich verbessert. Dabei wird die vertikale Lichtverteilung gegenüber den bekannten Lichtleitern etwa in einer Achse konzentriert. Über die im stabförmigen Lichtleiter entstehenden nichtzentrische Brennlinien wird das eingekoppelte Licht zerstreut und für eine Auskopplung günstiger verteilt. Dies erlaubt eine Auskopplung des sonst nicht nutzbaren Lichtes und steigert so den optischen Wirkungsgrad. Mit der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es möglich, die vertikale Streuung zu verringern und damit die Lichtverteilung zu konzentrieren. Dadurch können höhere Lichtstärken erzielt werdenThrough the light-concentrating points or through those of the concentrating ones The focal lines formed are the optical efficiency of the rod-shaped Optical fiber significantly improved. The vertical light distribution concentrated around one axis compared to the known light guides. Via the non-centric focal lines created in the rod-shaped light guide the coupled light is scattered and distributed more favorably for decoupling. This allows the otherwise unusable light to be extracted and increases so the optical efficiency. With the present invention it is possible to reduce the vertical scatter and thus concentrate the light distribution. This enables higher light intensities to be achieved
Nach der Erfindung entstehen durch die lichtkonzentrierenden Punkte bzw. Brennpunkte innerhalb des Stabkörpers zwei nichtzentrische Brennlinien, welche das zentrisch eingekoppelte Licht zerstreuen und auf die reflektierende Fläche lenken.According to the invention, the light-concentrating points or Focal points within the rod body are two non-centric focal lines, which scatter the centrally coupled light and onto the reflecting surface to steer.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Querschnitt des Stabkörpers im Wesentlichen elliptisch ausgebildet. Bei in horizontaler Richtung gegenüberliegend angeordneter reflektierender Fläche und Lichtaustrittsfläche ist ein erster lichtkonzentrierender Punkt in vertikaler Richtung oberhalb eines auf der Längsachse liegenden Mittelpunktes und ein zweiter lichtkonzentrierender Punkt unterhalb des Mittelpunktes angeordnet. Nach einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung bildet aufgrund des erfinderischen Querschnittprofils der Mittelpunkt in Verbindung mit der reflektierenden Fläche einen dritten lichtkonzentrierenden Punkt, so dass eine zusätzliche zentrische Brennlinie entsteht. Damit entstehen über den Querschnitt des Stabkörpers gesehen drei lichtkonzentrierende Punkte bzw. drei Lichtschwerpunkte, über die das Vielfach reflektierte Licht auf die reflektierende Fläche gelenkt wird.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross section is of the rod body is essentially elliptical. At in horizontal Direction of opposing reflecting surface and light exit surface is a first light-concentrating point in the vertical direction above a center located on the longitudinal axis and a second light-concentrating one Point located below the center. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention forms of the inventive cross-sectional profile the center in connection with of the reflecting surface a third light-concentrating point, so that an additional centric focal line is created. Thus arise over the Cross section of the rod body seen three light-concentrating points or three light centers, through which the multiple reflected light on the reflective Area is steered.
Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Stabkörper als ein Ellipsoid ausgebildet, dessen quer zur Längsachse angeordnete Exzentrizität an die Länge des Stabkörpers angepasst ist, um möglichst viel Licht auszukoppeln. Die Exzentrizität kann aber auch - zumindest in Grenzen - die benötigte vertikale Streubreite bestimmen. Eine geringe Länge des Stabkörpers bedeutet dabei eine höhere Exzentrizität und umgekehrt.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the Rod body formed as an ellipsoid, the one arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis Eccentricity is adjusted to the length of the rod body in order to coupling out a lot of light. The eccentricity can also - at least within limits - determine the required vertical spread. A short length of Rod body means a higher eccentricity and vice versa.
Nach einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Lichteinkopplungsfläche eine etwa punktförmig abstrahlende Lichtquelle vorgelagert. Die Lichtquelle ist dabei als eine Leuchtdiode (LED) oder auch als wenig diffus abstrahlende Lichtquelle in Form einer Glühlampe mit Ellipsoidreflektor ausgebildet.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the light coupling surface is an approximately punctiform light source. The light source is a light emitting diode (LED) or less diffuse emitting light source in the form of an incandescent lamp with an ellipsoid reflector.
Insbesondere bei Verwendung von punktförmigen oder wenig diffus abstrahlenden Lichtquellen wird durch die erfindungsgemäße Ausbildung des stabförmigen Lichtleiters eine lichttechnische Wirkungsgradsteigerung erzielt. Especially when using punctiform or little diffuse radiation Light sources is due to the inventive design of the rod-shaped Light guide achieved an increase in lighting efficiency.
Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die lichtablenkenden Mittel der reflektierenden Fläche als eine Vielzahl von quer zur Längsachse angeordnete Prismen ausgebildet.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the light-deflecting means of the reflective surface as a variety of transverse to Prisms arranged in the longitudinal axis are formed.
Durch eine entsprechende Ausbildung der quer zu Längsachse angeordneten Prismen lässt sich ebenfalls eine Steigerung des lichttechnischen Wirkungsgrades des stabförmigen Lichtleiters erzielen.By a corresponding design of the transverse to the longitudinal axis Prisms can also increase the lighting efficiency of the rod-shaped light guide.
Weitere Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden ausführlichen Beschreibung und den beigefügten Zeichnungen, in denen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung beispielsweise veranschaulicht sind.Further details of the invention emerge from the following detailed Description and accompanying drawings, in which preferred Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated.
In den Zeichnungen zeigen:
- Figur 1:
- Eine Draufsicht eines stabförmigen Lichtleiters in schematischer Darstellung,
- Figur 2:
- einen Querschnitt durch den stabförmigen Lichtleiter von Figur 1 entlang der Linie II-II geschnitten in vergrößerter Darstellung und
- Figur 3:
- den Querschnitt von
Figur 2, der beispielhaft den Verlauf einiger Lichtstrahlen bis zum Auftreffen auf die Prismen zeigt.
- Figure 1:
- A plan view of a rod-shaped light guide in a schematic representation,
- Figure 2:
- a cross section through the rod-shaped light guide of Figure 1 along the line II-II in an enlarged view and
- Figure 3:
- the cross section of Figure 2, which shows an example of the course of some light rays until they hit the prisms.
Ein stabförmiger Lichtleiter besteht im Wesentlichen aus einem Stabkörper 1
mit einer ersten Stirnfläche 2, einer zweiten Stirnfläche 3, einer reflektierenden
Fläche 4, einer Lichtaustrittsfläche 5, einer ersten Seitenfläche 6 und einer
zweiten Seitenfläche 7.A rod-shaped light guide essentially consists of a rod body 1
with a
Quer zu seiner Längsachse 8 weist der Stabkörper 1 an einem ersten Ende 9
die erste Stirnfläche 2 und an seinem dem ersten Ende 9 abgewandten zweiten
Ende 10 die zweite Stirnfläche 3 auf. An seiner Rückseite 11 wird der stabförmige
Lichtleiter bzw. der Stabkörper 1 von der reflektierenden Fläche 4 und an
seiner der Rückseite 11 gegenüberliegenden Vorderseite 12 wird der Stabkörper
1 durch die Lichtaustrittsfläche 5 begrenzt. Seitlich bzw. nach oben und unten
wird der Stabkörper 1 durch die beiden einander gegenüberliegenden Seitenflächen
6, 7 begrenzt. Die reflektierende Fläche 4 ist über die Seitenflächen
6, 7 mit der Lichtaustrittsfläche 5 verbunden.The rod body 1 has at a
Den Stirnflächen 2, 3 ist jeweils eine punktförmige Lichtquelle 13 vorgelagert.
Die Lichtquelle 13 ist z. B. als eine Fotodiode (LED) ausgebildet. Die Stirnflächen
2, 3 sind als Lichteinkoppelflächen ausgebildet. Die reflektierende Fläche
4 weist lichtablenkende Mittel auf, die z. B. als eine Vielzahl von quer zur
Längsachse 8 angeordnete Prismen 14 ausgebildet sind. Die Seitenflächen 6, 7
sind konvex nach außen hin ausgeformt und bilden einen im Wesentlichen elliptischen
Querschnitt des Stabkörpers 1. Von der im Beispiel oben liegenden ersten
Seitenfläche 6 wird ein erster lichtkonzentrierender Punkt (F1) 15 oberhalb
des auf der Längsachse 8 liegenden Mittelpunktes 16 gebildet. Unterhalb des
Mittelpunktes 16 wird von der zweiten Seitenfläche 7 ein zweiter lichtkonzentrierender
Punkt 17 gebildet. In Verbindung mit der reflektierenden Fläche 4 wirkt
der Mittelpunkt 16 als dritter lichtkonzentrierender Punkt 18. Damit ist der Stabkörper
1 als ein Ellipsoid ausgebildet, dessen erste lichtkonzentrierenden Punkte
15 eine erste Brennlinie 19 und dessen zweite lichtkonzentrierenden Punkte
17 eine zweite Brennlinie 20 bilden. Die Brennlinien 19, 20 verlaufen in einem
Abstand parallel zu einer von den Mittelpunkten 16 gebildeten dritten Brennlinien
21, die mit der Längsachse 8 zusammenfällt.A point-
Die Exzentrizität des Ellipsoids bzw. des Stabkörpers 1, die quer zur Längsachse 8 angeordnet ist, ist an die Länge des Stabkörpers 1 angepasst, um möglichst viel Licht auszukoppeln. Die Exzentrizität ist aber auch in gewissen Grenzen an die benötigte vertikale Streubreite angepasst.The eccentricity of the ellipsoid or the rod body 1, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis 8 is arranged, is adapted to the length of the rod body 1, if possible coupling out a lot of light. The eccentricity is also within certain limits adapted to the required vertical spread.
Das von den Lichtquellen 13 ausgestrahlte Licht wird über die Stirnflächen 2, 3,
die als Lichteinkoppelflächen ausgebildet sind, in den Stabkörper 1 eingekoppelt
und durch Totalreflexion weitergeleitet. Auf die Prismen 14 der reflektierenden
Fläche 4 auftreffendes Licht wird reflektiert und tritt auf der den Prismen 14
gegenüberliegenden Lichtaustrittsfläche 5 aus. Nicht von den Prismen 14 erfasste
Lichtstrahlen werden an den Seitenflächen 6, 7 reflektiert und zu den
Brennlinien 19, 20, 21 hin konzentriert.The light emitted by the
In Figur 3 ist beispielhaft der Verlauf einiger Lichtstrahlen bis zum Auftreffen auf
die Prismen 14 in einer Querschnittsprojektion dargestellt. Die Punkte 15, 16,
17 bilden dabei drei "Lichtschwerpunkte" über die das vielfach reflektierte Licht
auf die Prismen 14 gelenkt wird.FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, the course of some light rays until they strike
the
Claims (9)
- Rod-shaped light guide, in particular for an indicator light for motor vehicles, consisting of a rod body (1) with at least one light-launching face (2, 3) and a light-emitting face (5) disposed in the direction of a longitudinal axis (8) and emitting at right angles to the longitudinal axis, [with] a reflecting face (4) opposite the light-emitting face (5) with light-reflecting means emitting through the light-emitting face (5) the light launched through the light-launching face (2, 3), and with two opposite lateral faces (6, 7) joining the light-emitting face (5) and the reflecting face (4) to each other, wherein the lateral faces (6, 7) form at least two light-concentrating points (15, 17) in the cross-section of the rod body (1) disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis (8), so that non-central line-foci (19, 20) on which the light-concentrating points (15, 17) of the associated lateral faces (6, 7) are located are formed parallel with the longitudinal axis (8), characterized in that with the reflecting face (4) and light-emitting face (5) horizontally opposed, a first light-concentrating point (15) is located vertically above a midpoint (16) on the longitudinal axis (8), and a second light-concentrating point (17) is located below the midpoint (16).
- Rod-shaped light guide according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cross-section of the rod body (1) is essentially elliptical.
- Rod-shaped light guide according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the midpoint (16) forms, in conjunction with the reflecting face (4), a third light-concentrating point (18).
- Rod-shaped light guide according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rod body (1) is configured as an ellipsoid whose eccentricity at right angles to the longitudinal axis (8) is adapted to the length of the rod body (1) to couple out the maximum possible amount of light.
- Rod-shaped light guide according to Claim 4, characterized in that the eccentricity is matched to the vertical range of scatter required.
- Rod-shaped light guide according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a point light source (13) is mounted in front of the end faces (2, 3).
- Rod-shaped light guide according to Claim 6, characterized in that the light source (13) is configured as an incandescent lamp with an ellipsoidal reflector and the light-reflecting means of the reflecting face (4) are configured as a large number of prisms (14) disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis.
- Rod-shaped light guide according to Claim 6, characterized in that the light source (13) is configured as a light-emitting diode.
- Rod-shaped light guide according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the light-reflecting means of the reflecting face (4) are configured as a large number of prisms (14) disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis (8).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE10033133A DE10033133A1 (en) | 2000-07-07 | 2000-07-07 | Rod-shaped light guide |
| DE10033133 | 2000-07-07 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1170545A2 EP1170545A2 (en) | 2002-01-09 |
| EP1170545A3 EP1170545A3 (en) | 2003-03-05 |
| EP1170545B1 true EP1170545B1 (en) | 2004-10-06 |
Family
ID=7648181
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP01116157A Expired - Lifetime EP1170545B1 (en) | 2000-07-07 | 2001-07-04 | Rod-shaped light guide |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1170545B1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE10033133A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2228703T3 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102005047793A1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-04-12 | Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. | Motor vehicle lamp has light guide with rear light deflecting section having parabolic faces |
| US7639918B2 (en) | 2008-05-05 | 2009-12-29 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Manifold-type lightguide with reduced thickness |
| US7695179B2 (en) | 2007-03-16 | 2010-04-13 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Illuminating device |
| US10838137B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-11-17 | Varroc Lighting Systems, s.r.o. | Lighting device with high efficiency and uniformity |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102007023076B4 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2012-02-16 | Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh | Lighting device for motor vehicles |
| US8333493B2 (en) | 2009-04-03 | 2012-12-18 | North American Lighting, Inc. | Dual-direction light pipe for automotive lighting |
| GB2543246B (en) * | 2015-07-29 | 2021-01-13 | Karbon Kinetics Ltd | Handlebar mountable light pipe apparatus for a bicycle |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0638626B2 (en) * | 1985-12-17 | 1994-05-18 | 工業技術院長 | Light source unit |
| DE4117278A1 (en) * | 1991-05-27 | 1992-12-03 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co | INTERIOR LIGHT FOR MOTOR VEHICLES |
| DE4129094B4 (en) * | 1991-09-02 | 2005-08-25 | Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. | Signal light with LEDs as a light source for motor vehicles and their use for different signal light functions |
| US5339382A (en) * | 1993-02-23 | 1994-08-16 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Prism light guide luminaire with efficient directional output |
| WO1997026573A1 (en) * | 1996-01-19 | 1997-07-24 | Lumenyte International Corporation | Side lighting optical conduit |
| JPH09325221A (en) * | 1996-04-04 | 1997-12-16 | Hitachi Cable Ltd | Lighting device |
| DE19740265A1 (en) * | 1997-09-12 | 1999-03-18 | Willing Gmbh Dr Ing | Laterally radiating light conductor, e.g. for back lighting of strips for color coding, identifying elements, graphics and images |
| DE19803518A1 (en) * | 1998-01-30 | 1999-08-05 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co | Rod-shaped light guide |
| DE19857561A1 (en) * | 1998-12-14 | 2000-06-21 | Valeo Beleuchtung Deutschland | Vehicle light includes light guide rod, luminous diodes, and light inlet surface and opposite end surface formed as light deflecting region |
-
2000
- 2000-07-07 DE DE10033133A patent/DE10033133A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2001
- 2001-07-04 DE DE50103947T patent/DE50103947D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-07-04 EP EP01116157A patent/EP1170545B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-07-04 ES ES01116157T patent/ES2228703T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102005047793A1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-04-12 | Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. | Motor vehicle lamp has light guide with rear light deflecting section having parabolic faces |
| US7695179B2 (en) | 2007-03-16 | 2010-04-13 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Illuminating device |
| US7639918B2 (en) | 2008-05-05 | 2009-12-29 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Manifold-type lightguide with reduced thickness |
| US10838137B2 (en) | 2017-08-29 | 2020-11-17 | Varroc Lighting Systems, s.r.o. | Lighting device with high efficiency and uniformity |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1170545A3 (en) | 2003-03-05 |
| DE50103947D1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
| EP1170545A2 (en) | 2002-01-09 |
| DE10033133A1 (en) | 2002-01-17 |
| ES2228703T3 (en) | 2005-04-16 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP0933587B1 (en) | Rod-shaped light guide | |
| DE19908961A1 (en) | Lights, in particular for motor vehicles | |
| DE10311072A1 (en) | Vehicle light with LED light sources | |
| EP1491815B1 (en) | Vehicle lighting device | |
| EP1055867B1 (en) | Rod-shaped light guide | |
| EP0933588A2 (en) | Vehicle light | |
| EP1225385A2 (en) | Lamp, in particular vehicle signal lamp | |
| DE10356483B4 (en) | Vehicle outside mirror light of a motor vehicle | |
| DE102005035063A1 (en) | Lighting unit for motor vehicles with a surface light conductor has light coupling surface with light source on narrow side with rear reflector and front distribution optics | |
| EP3531012A1 (en) | Lighting device for motor vehicles with a rod-like light guide | |
| EP1154198B1 (en) | Rod-shaped light guide | |
| DE102006008199B4 (en) | Luminaire unit for vehicles | |
| EP3158260B1 (en) | Motor vehicle lighting device | |
| EP1610157A1 (en) | Lighting assembly for a vehicle comrpising a linear light guide | |
| DE19857561A1 (en) | Vehicle light includes light guide rod, luminous diodes, and light inlet surface and opposite end surface formed as light deflecting region | |
| EP1170545B1 (en) | Rod-shaped light guide | |
| DE102005047793A1 (en) | Motor vehicle lamp has light guide with rear light deflecting section having parabolic faces | |
| EP1832902A1 (en) | Flat lamp device | |
| DE19806526A1 (en) | Lighting device for motor vehicles | |
| DE19904644A1 (en) | Lamp for vehicles, especially for cars, has light-conducting element with light propagation direction vertical to light exit face, and arranged to be inclined relative to optical axis | |
| EP2269901A1 (en) | Bar-shaped rear light for a bicycle | |
| DE10332977A1 (en) | Motor vehicle light, has additional filament which is arranged relative to light entrance surface | |
| DE10314256A1 (en) | Vehicle light has optical conductor with rear surface shaped to direct light in departure direction by total internal reflection | |
| DE102012112125A1 (en) | Lighting device for vehicles, has curvature of elongated light guide that is limited in extension direction, where radius of curvature of light guide is greater than double transverse extension of light guide | |
| DE10317062A1 (en) | Linear lighting unit for vehicle, includes end-lit optical conductor rod with light exit surfaces along it, located at focal point of light deflector |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
| AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI |
|
| PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A3 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
| AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI |
|
| RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: 7F 21W 101:14 Z Ipc: 7F 21W 101:12 Z Ipc: 7F 21V 8/00 B Ipc: 7F 21S 8/10 A |
|
| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20030902 |
|
| AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): DE ES FR IT |
|
| 17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20031210 |
|
| GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
| GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
| GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): DE ES FR IT |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: GERMAN |
|
| REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 50103947 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20041111 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
| RAP2 | Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred) |
Owner name: HELLA KGAA HUECK & CO. |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2228703 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FD4D |
|
| PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
| ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
| 26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20050707 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20080821 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20080711 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20080730 Year of fee payment: 8 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20080718 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20100331 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090731 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100202 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FD2A Effective date: 20090706 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090706 |
|
| PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090704 |