EP3112742B1 - Lighting device for a motor vehicle with luminescent elements - Google Patents

Lighting device for a motor vehicle with luminescent elements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3112742B1
EP3112742B1 EP16172402.6A EP16172402A EP3112742B1 EP 3112742 B1 EP3112742 B1 EP 3112742B1 EP 16172402 A EP16172402 A EP 16172402A EP 3112742 B1 EP3112742 B1 EP 3112742B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
lighting device
pigments
light guide
motor vehicle
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.)
Active
Application number
EP16172402.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3112742A1 (en
Inventor
Friedrich Bauer
Gerhard HONAUER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ZKW Group GmbH
Original Assignee
ZKW Group GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP3112742A1 publication Critical patent/EP3112742A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3112742B1 publication Critical patent/EP3112742B1/en
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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V9/00Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters
    • F21V9/30Elements containing photoluminescent material distinct from or spaced from the light source
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/37Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/176Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/285Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S41/24 - F21S41/2805
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/322Optical layout thereof the reflector using total internal reflection
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13Signalling 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
    • F21S43/14Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13Signalling 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
    • F21S43/16Light sources where the light is generated by photoluminescent material spaced from a primary light generating element
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20Signalling 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
    • F21S43/235Light guides
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20Signalling 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
    • F21S43/235Light guides
    • F21S43/242Light guides characterised by the emission area
    • F21S43/245Light guides characterised by the emission area emitting light from one or more of its major surfaces
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20Signalling 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
    • F21S43/235Light guides
    • F21S43/249Light guides with two or more light sources being coupled into the light guide
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/30Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
    • F21S43/31Optical layout thereof
    • F21S43/315Optical layout thereof using total internal reflection
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/30Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
    • F21S43/33Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/40Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the combination of reflectors and refractors
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V19/00Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/04Refractors for light sources of lens shape
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/22Reflectors for light sources characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings, e.g. dichroic reflectors
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/12Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of emitted light
    • F21S41/13Ultraviolet light; Infrared light
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/151Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V2200/00Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems
    • F21V2200/30Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems of light guides doped with fluorescent agents
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21WINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2107/00Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles
    • F21W2107/10Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles for land vehicles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • luminescent materials in motor vehicles and headlights (e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent light panels, license plate lighting, designer panel lighting, etc.) to achieve specific lighting and design effects is known per se.
  • headlights e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent light panels, license plate lighting, designer panel lighting, etc.
  • the DE 102012018292 A1 discloses a motor vehicle in which one or more component surfaces visible from outside the motor vehicle are designed as fluorescent and / or phosphorescent luminous surfaces.
  • the phosphorescent or fluorescent substances are either applied to the component surfaces or embedded in the component.
  • the DE 10338826 A1 discloses lights for a motor vehicle headlight with components as a carrier for luminescent pigments, the components not contributing to the lighting implementation of a lighting function, but only serving decorative purposes.
  • the DE 102004045221 A1 discloses an illumination device for a license plate, in which the number plate is illuminated with the aid of fluorescent light generated by fluorescent substances.
  • the EP 1577609 B1 discloses a vehicle headlight with a signaling device with a fluorescent coating, the surfaces of a light guide plate being provided with a fluorescent paint.
  • the DE 2361569 A1 discloses very generally the use of fluorescent, phosphorescent and reflective substances as an admixture to an injection-moldable plastic material in order to produce signaling and warning means as marking or identification of vehicles.
  • the DE 10 2013 007 856 A1 discloses a light guide body in the material of which by means of infrared or ultraviolet light materials that can be excited to fluorescence and / or phosphorescence can be present, and a lighting device with this light guide body.
  • the luminescent element i.e. the light source or the additional optical unit
  • the luminescent element is a part inside the lighting device that is separated from the outside by the optically effective component and is therefore not directly visible from the outside.
  • the visual appearance continues to be the same after the light function has been deactivated.
  • the appearance of the afterglow follows that of the actual light function of the lighting device, e.g. signal light (daytime running light or parking light) or low beam.
  • the emitted (luminescence) light is further shaped or dispersed via the optically effective component or via the additional optical unit, which is why an additional homogenization of the exiting (luminescence) light is achieved.
  • the appearance in the activated and deactivated state of the light function is different or not homogeneous because the luminescent material is not part of an optical element (light source such as a light guide or an LED; additional optical unit such as a reflector) and / or is directly visible to an outside observer.
  • an optical element light source such as a light guide or an LED; additional optical unit such as a reflector
  • a specified light signature is to be illuminated homogeneously and provided with a distinctive styling effect.
  • optically effective component that homogenizes the light output refers to a component that homogenizes the light output in such a way that when the light source is activated or when light is emitted by the luminescent pigments, after the light source has been deactivated, an area of the component is located behind the component Lighting device is not directly visible, ie a direct view of the area behind the component is denied.
  • the “optically effective component” can, as described in more detail below, be, for example, an imaging lens, an intermediate lens or thick-wall optics; However, it can also be composed of several components (e.g. a lens system made up of several lenses) which, together, fulfill the light-homogenizing function.
  • the optically effective component also has a light-shaping effect in order to correctly represent the required light function and to ensure the spatial visibility of light functions.
  • the light source is now at least partially provided with pigments made of at least one luminescent material.
  • the luminescent material is expediently selected from a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material.
  • the fluorescence and the phosphorescence are special forms of the luminescence, whereby the fluorescence decays quickly, whereas the phosphorescence glows for a longer time.
  • Representative examples of luminescent / phosphorescent materials are pigments 50101 (green, for high luminance), 50105 (green, low luminance but very small pigment size) and 50034 (blue) from Honeywell.
  • the pigments made of the at least one luminescent material have a signaling effect means that the luminescence or the appearance of the afterglow follows that of the light function (eg signal light, low beam) after deactivation of the light function of the lighting device, ie that the appearance of the lighting device when the light function is activated and deactivated is preferably essentially the same for an outside observer. This depends on the choice of pigments and on their amount, a person skilled in the art being able to select appropriate pigments or luminescent materials and measure their amount on the basis of his specialist knowledge, his ability and with the help of simple routine experiments.
  • the light distribution of lighting devices (for example a signal light such as a parking light or a daytime running light, low beam) is usually subject to legal requirements that are well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the color of the luminescence can furthermore be adapted in accordance with the position on the motor vehicle, and different color impressions can thereby be generated.
  • the color range depends on the light function and is subject to legal requirements, e.g. the currently applicable ECE or SAE regulations.
  • Direction indicators fulfill a signal light function and must be in the yellow area according to the currently applicable requirements, regardless of whether they are attached to the front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle or as a side marker light, e.g. on the exterior mirror.
  • Tail lights, brake lights, rear fog lights and rear parking lights are in the red area, while daytime running lights, front position or clearance lights and front parking lights are in the white area according to the currently applicable regulations.
  • the blue area is intended for emergency vehicles.
  • the pigments can comprise two or more different luminescent materials.
  • the respective materials can have a different excitation spectrum.
  • a material can be excited by light in the visible wavelength range and another material by light in the non-visible wavelength range to emit luminescence (fluorescence, phosphorescence).
  • a blue-light-emitting LED or a blue-light-emitting laser can target a reddish phosphor and a UV-LED a bluish phosphor.
  • the light source is designed as a light guide and the additional optical unit is designed as a reflector with a light-reflecting surface, the light guide at least partially comprising pigments made of at least one luminescent material.
  • the pigments made from the at least one luminescent material advantageously have a signaling effect.
  • the optically effective component is an intermediate lens or thick-walled optics.
  • the construction, the configuration and the arrangement of an intermediate lens or a thick-wall optic are carried out according to principles well known to the relevant person skilled in the art.
  • the fulfillment of the lighting function is achieved by means of a light guide.
  • the light guide is typically rod-shaped with a light coupling surface on one end face and a light exit surface radiating transversely to the longitudinal axis.
  • the light exit is achieved by a large number of deflecting prisms which are arranged opposite the light exit area on the outer surface of the light guide and which follow the direction of the longitudinal axis.
  • a reflector is arranged behind the light guide, which captures the light which emerges from the light guide to the rear by means of its light-reflecting surface and guides it usefully forwards (i.e. in the optical beam direction).
  • the pigments made of the at least one luminescent material are embedded in the light guide at least in some areas.
  • the light guide can be doped with the pigments during manufacture; for example, the light guide can be made from a pigment-doped light-conducting plastic material such as PMMA or polycarbonate.
  • the excitation / activation of the pigments for the emission of luminescence can take place in a further development by the light coupled into the light guide by a first light source and emitted by the light guide, ie the light is excited when the light function of the lighting device is activated.
  • the lighting device therefore has at least one further light component which excites the pigments to emit luminescence.
  • the light source can be, for example, an LED, but also a laser.
  • the light component comprises at least one light source for visible light and at least one light source for invisible light, in particular UV light.
  • the at least one light component is positioned on at least one end face of the light guide. Since the afterglow effect with luminescent substances decreases over time, it can be useful in a specific example to keep the afterglow effect longer than naturally given and in a time-controlled manner through active lighting by the additional light source with invisible light.
  • the invention can also be used for special lighting effects when switched on.
  • the light source for the invisible light can first be activated, which excites the luminescent layer of the lighting device to emit luminescence and in this way leads to a glow; A little later the lighting equipment (e.g. daytime running lights, parking lights) with the actual light function (e.g. light stick, reflector) is dimmed up.
  • the lighting equipment e.g. daytime running lights, parking lights
  • the actual light function e.g. light stick, reflector
  • the reflector preferably has light-homogenizing structures on its light-reflecting surface, preferably groove-shaped structures, in order to conceal the inhomogeneity of the light guide or the LED.
  • an optically effective component is connected downstream of the light guide / LED in the optical beam direction, as described above.
  • the embedded pigments made of the at least one luminescent material have a signaling effect.
  • the light emitted by the lighting device according to the invention expediently forms the light distribution of a signal light, in particular a daytime running light or a marker light or a direction indicator, or a dipped beam and / or high beam, the light distribution of the respective lights, as mentioned above, being subject to legal requirements that are known to the person skilled in the art .
  • Another subject matter of the invention is a motor vehicle headlight which comprises at least one lighting device according to the invention as disclosed herein.
  • Modern motor vehicle headlights often have several light modules that can take over individual light functions individually or in cooperation. These light modules are often arranged in close proximity to one another in a headlight housing.
  • the motor vehicle headlight is expediently constructed according to headlight construction principles known per se and comprises a housing with a light exit opening which is covered with a cover lens, the at least one lighting device (and possibly the other provided light modules) being arranged in the housing.
  • the lighting device according to the invention is a signal lamp, it can for example be designed or arranged in such a way that it follows the lens aperture of a light module or certain design lines.
  • the motor vehicle headlight can, for example, have the shape of a headlight.
  • the structure of a headlight is known to the person skilled in the art.
  • Front headlights often include several light modules, e.g. a daytime running light unit, a low beam unit, a high beam unit, a direction indicator unit, etc.
  • a headlight according to the invention therefore also comprises at least one lighting device according to the invention in addition to the light modules known per se.
  • the motor vehicle headlight can be a rear light.
  • the structure of a rear light is known to the person skilled in the art.
  • Tail lights often include several light modules, for example a tail light unit, a brake light unit, a turn signal unit, etc.
  • a rear light according to the invention therefore also comprises at least one lighting device according to the invention in addition to the light modules known per se.
  • Fig. 1 shows a section through a lighting device, here a signal light 1 for a motor vehicle.
  • the signal light 1 comprises an essentially rod-shaped light guide 20 and a reflector 10 arranged behind the light guide 20.
  • the light-reflecting surface of the reflector 10 is covered with a luminescent layer 12.
  • the luminescent layer 12 is composed of pigments from a luminescent material (or also several luminescent materials). In the example shown, the pigments are made from a phosphorescent material.
  • the layer 12 can, however, also be composed of fluorescent pigments or of a mixture of several different luminescent (fluorescent and / or phosphorescent) materials / pigments.
  • the signal light 1 furthermore has an intermediate light disk 30 connected downstream of the light guide 20 in the optical beam direction.
  • the intermediate lens 30 is designed according to principles known per se and has a light-shaping effect, ensures the spatial visibility of signal light functions, homogenizes the luminance and prevents a direct view from the outside of the components behind it (light guide 20, reflector 10).
  • the intermediate lens 30 can be clear or "milky”.
  • the light exit from the light guide 20 is achieved by a large number of deflecting prisms 21 which are arranged opposite the light exit surface on the lateral surface of the light guide 20 and follow the direction of the longitudinal axis (see also Fig. 3 ).
  • the reflector 10 guides the light which emerges from the light guide 20 to the rear, usefully forwards by means of its light-reflecting surface.
  • the light emission cone 25 directed forwards in the beam direction from the light guide 20 and the light emission cone 24 from the light guide 20 backwards in the direction of the reflector 10 are shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown schematically.
  • the light 24 from the light guide 20, represented by the light emission cone 24, excites the luminescent pigment layer 12 to emit luminescent light 15 (shown schematically by arrows 15).
  • the signal light 1 is arranged in a motor vehicle headlight which is constructed according to headlight construction principles known per se and comprises a housing with a light exit opening which is covered by a cover plate. In Fig. 1 only the cover plate 50 is shown schematically.
  • the motor vehicle headlight also has one or more light modules.
  • Fig. 2 shows a section through a further lighting device, here a signal light 2.
  • the structure of the signal light 2 corresponds to the structure of the signal light from FIG Fig. 1 , with the only difference that, instead of an intermediate lens 30, it has thick-wall optics 40 connected downstream in the optical beam direction.
  • the light 25 emitted by the light guide 20 is shaped and homogenized by the thick-walled optics 40.
  • the thick-wall optics 40 is also designed according to principles known per se and has a light-shaping effect, ensures the spatial visibility of signal light functions, homogenizes the luminance and prevents the components behind it (light guide 20, reflector 10) from being viewed directly from the outside. In relation to everyone else Components of the signal light 2 (ie light guide 20, reflector 10, luminescent layer 12 etc.) is referred to the above description of the signal light 1 ( Fig. 1 ) referenced.
  • Fig. 3 the light impression of the signal light 1 is off Fig. 1 Shown in front view and without intermediate lens 30.
  • the color emission of the light source 22 is matched to the corresponding signal light function.
  • the light source 22 is designed as a laser diode, then, in order to make the laser light usable for a motor vehicle lighting device, the laser light is used to irradiate a luminous element, a so-called phosphor converter, which is thereby stimulated to emit visible light; the phosphor converter is matched to the desired color of the signal light function.
  • a luminous element a so-called phosphor converter, which is thereby stimulated to emit visible light
  • the phosphor converter is matched to the desired color of the signal light function.
  • InGaN LEDs are available in blue, yellow, red or UV, for example.
  • the light exit from the light guide 20 is achieved by a large number of deflecting prisms 21 ', which are arranged opposite the light exit surface on the outer surface of the light guide 20 and follow the direction of the longitudinal axis (the lines 21' symbolize the translucent edges of the deflecting prisms 21 that are visible from the front ).
  • the light 24 emerging from the light guide 20 and striking the reflector 10 towards the rear strikes the luminescent layer 12 of phosphorescent pigments as described above, as a result of which the pigments are stimulated to emit luminescence 15 (phosphorescence).
  • the reflector 10 also has light-homogenizing, groove-shaped structures 13 on its light-reflecting surface, which hide the inhomogeneity of the light guide 20.
  • Fig. 4 shows an embodiment according to the invention in which the luminescent pigments 11 are not applied as a luminescent layer on the reflector, as shown in the other figures, but are embedded in the light guide 20, which, as described, has a plurality of deflecting prisms 21.
  • the light guide 20 is already doped with the luminescent pigments 11 during manufacture;
  • the light guide 20 can be made from a pigment-doped light-conducting plastic material such as PMMA or polycarbonate.
  • the light guide 20 is, as in Fig. 2 shown, a thick-wall optics 40 connected downstream in the optical beam direction of the light emerging from the signal lamp. Are on or in the immediate vicinity of an end face of the light guide 20
  • Light sources 22 and 23 arranged.
  • the light source 22 as the primary light source is, for example, a 450 nm laser diode or indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs, the color emission of which is matched to the corresponding signal light function.
  • the light sources 23 can be, for example, UV LEDs or 405 nm laser diodes (visible light in the blue wavelength range). If the light source 22 or the light sources 23 are designed as laser diodes, then in order to make the laser light usable for a motor vehicle lighting device, a light element, a so-called phosphor converter, is irradiated with the laser light Light is stimulated; the phosphor converter is matched to the desired color of the signal function. Various materials are known or are in use for this purpose.
  • InGaN LEDs are available in blue, yellow, red or UV, for example.
  • the excitation / activation of the luminescent pigments 11, alternatively or in addition to the light source 22, is carried out by the light sources 23.
  • the additional light sources with invisible UV light for example, the afterglow effect can be sustained longer than natural and time-controlled become.
  • this variant can also be used for special lighting effects.
  • the embedded pigments 11 can comprise two or more different luminescent materials.
  • the respective materials can have a different excitation spectrum.
  • a first material can be stimulated to emit luminescence (fluorescence, phosphorescence) by the light source 22, which emits light in the visible wavelength range, and a further material by the light sources 23, which can emit light in the non-visible wavelength range (e.g. UV) become.
  • luminescence fluorescence, phosphorescence
  • the light sources 23 which can emit light in the non-visible wavelength range (e.g. UV) become.
  • Figure 5a shows a section through Fig. 3 along the line AA with a detailed view of the excitation of the luminescent layer 12, which is arranged on the reflector 10, by the light 24 emitted from the light guide 20 to the rear in the direction of the reflector 10 (see also description relating to FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 ).
  • the emitted Luminescence 15 is directed by means of reflector 10 in the beam direction of light 25 emerging from signal lamp 1.
  • Figure 5b shows a section through Fig. 3 along the line AA with a detailed view of the luminescence 15 which is emitted by the luminescent layer 12 after the actual signal light function brought about by the light guide 20 has been deactivated.
  • the luminescent layer 12 is composed of pigments from a phosphorescent material, as mentioned above.
  • Figure 5b therefore illustrates the “afterglow” visible to an outside observer due to the phosphorescence 15 emitted by the layer 12.
  • FIG. 6a shows a section through an example not according to the invention for an illumination device 3 with collimator optics, with a detailed view of the excitation of the luminescence by the collimator optics.
  • the lighting device 3 comprises, as primary optics, collimator optics with a light source 22a in the form of an LED for visible light and a collimator 60.
  • the collimator 60 is constructed according to principles known per se and has a feed area 61 for the light emitted by the light source 22a, a light exit surface 63 as well as deflecting flank areas 62 at which the light is directed forward in the direction of the light exit surface 63.
  • the primary emission after the light emerges from the primary optics (collimator optics) is identified by the reference symbol 66.
  • a luminescent layer 12 of pigments made of a luminescent material is applied to the deflecting flank regions 62 of the collimator 60.
  • the pigments can also be embedded locally in the deflecting flank regions 62 (not shown).
  • the pigments are made from a phosphorescent material.
  • the layer 12 can, however, also be composed of fluorescent pigments or of a mixture of several different luminescent (fluorescent and / or phosphorescent) materials / pigments.
  • the lighting device 3 also has an imaging lens 65 (secondary optics) connected downstream of the collimator optics (primary optics) in the optical beam direction.
  • the imaging lens 65 prevents a direct view from the outside of the area behind and homogenizes the luminance or the light exit.
  • the imaging lens can be provided in a manner known per se with additional means which further intensify the homogenization of the light exit, for example with microstructures.
  • the Light distribution of the lighting device 3 is identified with the reference symbol 66 '.
  • a lens system (not shown) which fulfills the function of homogenizing the light exit can of course also be used as secondary optics.
  • the excitation of the luminescent layer 12 to emit luminescence 15 is carried out by the light emitted by the light source 22a and deflected at the deflecting flank regions 62.
  • the emitted luminescence 15 passes through the collimator 60 and the imaging lens 65 to the outside.
  • Figure 6b shows the cut Figure 6a with a detailed view with regard to the luminescence 15 which is emitted by the luminescent layer 12 after the deactivation of the light function brought about by the collimator optics (light source 22a, collimator 60).
  • the luminescent layer 12 is composed of pigments from a phosphorescent material, as mentioned above.
  • Figure 6b therefore illustrates the “afterglow” visible to an outside observer due to the phosphorescence 15 emitted by the layer 12.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

Der Einsatz lumineszierender Materialien bei Kraftfahrzeugen und Scheinwerfern (z.B. fluoreszierende oder phosphoreszierende Leuchtplatten, Kennzeichenbeleuchtung, Designblendenbeleuchtung etc.) zum Erzielen spezifischer Beleuchtungs- und Designeffekte ist an sich bekannt.The use of luminescent materials in motor vehicles and headlights (e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent light panels, license plate lighting, designer panel lighting, etc.) to achieve specific lighting and design effects is known per se.

Die DE 102012018292 A1 offenbart ein Kraftfahrzeug, bei welchem eine oder mehrere von außerhalb des Kraftfahrzeugs sichtbare Bauteilflächen als fluoreszierende und/oder phosphoreszierende Leuchtflächen ausgebildet sind. Die phosphoreszierenden bzw. fluoreszierenden Substanzen sind entweder auf den Bauteilflächen aufgebracht oder in das Bauteil eingebettet.the DE 102012018292 A1 discloses a motor vehicle in which one or more component surfaces visible from outside the motor vehicle are designed as fluorescent and / or phosphorescent luminous surfaces. The phosphorescent or fluorescent substances are either applied to the component surfaces or embedded in the component.

Die DE 10338826 A1 offenbart Leuchten für einen Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer mit Bauteilen als Träger für lumineszierende Pigmente, wobei die Bauteile nicht zur lichttechnischen Umsetzung einer Lichtfunktion beitragen, sondern nur dekorativen Zwecken dienen.the DE 10338826 A1 discloses lights for a motor vehicle headlight with components as a carrier for luminescent pigments, the components not contributing to the lighting implementation of a lighting function, but only serving decorative purposes.

Die DE 102004045221 A1 offenbart eine Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für ein Nummernschild, bei welcher die Ausleuchtung des Kennzeichens mit Hilfe von durch Fluoreszenzsubstanzen erzeugtem Fluoreszenzlicht erfolgt.the DE 102004045221 A1 discloses an illumination device for a license plate, in which the number plate is illuminated with the aid of fluorescent light generated by fluorescent substances.

Die EP 1577609 B1 offenbart einen Fahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einer Signaleinrichtung mit einer Leuchtstoffbeschichtung, wobei die Oberflächen einer Lichtleitplatte mit einem fluoreszierenden Lack versehen sind.the EP 1577609 B1 discloses a vehicle headlight with a signaling device with a fluorescent coating, the surfaces of a light guide plate being provided with a fluorescent paint.

Die DE 2361569 A1 offenbart sehr allgemein die Verwendung von fluoreszierenden, phosphoreszierenden und reflektierenden Substanzen als Beimischung zu einem spritzgießbaren Kunststoffmaterial, um damit Signal- und Warnmittel als Markierung oder Kennzeichnung von Fahrzeugen zu erzeugen.the DE 2361569 A1 discloses very generally the use of fluorescent, phosphorescent and reflective substances as an admixture to an injection-moldable plastic material in order to produce signaling and warning means as marking or identification of vehicles.

Die DE 10 2013 007 856 A1 offenbart einen Lichtleitkörper, in dessen Material mittels Infrarot- oder ultraviolettem Licht zu Fluoreszenz und/oder Phosphoreszenz anregbare Materialien vorhanden sein können, und eine Leuchtvorrichtung mit diesem Lichtleitkörper.the DE 10 2013 007 856 A1 discloses a light guide body in the material of which by means of infrared or ultraviolet light materials that can be excited to fluorescence and / or phosphorescence can be present, and a lighting device with this light guide body.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit speziellen Beleuchtungseffekten zur Verfügung zu stellen; insbesondere ist es eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung bereitzustellen, bei der das visuelle Erscheinungsbild nach dem Deaktivieren der eigentlichen Lichtfunktion weiterhin gleichbleibend ist (Stylingeffekt, Nachglimmen) und mit der eine zusätzliche Homogenisierung des Lichtaustritts erreicht wird.It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting device with special lighting effects; In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a lighting device in which the visual appearance remains constant after the actual light function has been deactivated (styling effect, afterglow) and with which an additional homogenization of the light exit is achieved.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung wie eingangs genannt gelöst, welche erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale aus dem Kennzeichen des Anspruchs 1 gekennzeichnet ist.This object is achieved by a lighting device as mentioned at the beginning, which according to the invention is characterized by the features from the characterizing part of claim 1.

Im Gegensatz zum genannten Stand der Technik ist bei der Erfindung das lumineszierende Element, d.h. die Lichtquelle oder die Zusatz-Optikeinheit, ein Teil im Inneren der Beleuchtungseinrichtung, das nach außen hin durch das optisch wirkende Bauteil abgetrennt und daher von außen nicht direkt sichtbar ist. Aufgrund dessen ist das visuelle Erscheinungsbild dank der Erfindung nach dem Deaktivieren der Lichtfunktion weiterhin gleichbleibend. In anderen Worten ausgedrückt, folgt das Erscheinungsbild des Nachglimmens dem der eigentlichen Lichtfunktion der Beleuchtungseinrichtung, z.B. Signallicht (Tagfahrlicht oder Begrenzungslicht) oder Abblendlicht. Das emittierte (Lumineszenz)Licht wird über das optisch wirksame Bauteil bzw. über die Zusatz-Optikeinheit noch weiter geformt bzw. zerstreut, weshalb außerdem eine zusätzliche Homogenisierung des austretenden (Lumineszenz)Lichts erreicht wird.In contrast to the prior art mentioned, in the invention the luminescent element, i.e. the light source or the additional optical unit, is a part inside the lighting device that is separated from the outside by the optically effective component and is therefore not directly visible from the outside. Because of this, thanks to the invention, the visual appearance continues to be the same after the light function has been deactivated. In other words, the appearance of the afterglow follows that of the actual light function of the lighting device, e.g. signal light (daytime running light or parking light) or low beam. The emitted (luminescence) light is further shaped or dispersed via the optically effective component or via the additional optical unit, which is why an additional homogenization of the exiting (luminescence) light is achieved.

Im oben genannten Stand der Technik hingegen ist das Erscheinungsbild im aktivierten und deaktivierten Zustand der Lichtfunktion unterschiedlich bzw. nicht homogen, weil das lumineszierende Material nicht Bestandteil eines optischen Elements (Lichtquelle wie z.B. ein Lichtleiter oder eine LED; Zusatzoptikeinheit wie z.B. ein Reflektor) ist und/oder für einen außenstehenden Betrachter direkt sichtbar ist.In the prior art mentioned above, however, the appearance in the activated and deactivated state of the light function is different or not homogeneous because the luminescent material is not part of an optical element (light source such as a light guide or an LED; additional optical unit such as a reflector) and / or is directly visible to an outside observer.

Gemäß der Erfindung soll eine vorgegebene Lichtsignatur homogen ausgeleuchtet und mit einem markanten Stylingeffekt versehen werden.According to the invention, a specified light signature is to be illuminated homogeneously and provided with a distinctive styling effect.

Der Begriff "optisch wirksames Bauteil, das den Lichtaustritt homogenisiert" bezieht sich auf ein Bauteil, das den Lichtaustritt derart homogenisiert, dass bei aktivierter Lichtquelle bzw. bei Emission von Licht durch die lumineszierenden Pigmente nach dem Deaktivieren der Lichtquelle ein hinter dem Bauteil liegender Bereich der Beleuchtungseinrichtung nicht direkt sichtbar ist, d.h. der direkte Blick auf den hinter dem Bauteil liegenden Bereich wird verwehrt. Das "optisch wirksames Bauteil" kann, wie unten näher beschrieben, zum Beispiel eine Abbildungslinse, eine Zwischenlichtscheibe oder eine Dickwandoptik sein; es kann jedoch auch aus mehreren Komponenten zusammengesetzt sein (z.B. ein Linsensystem aus mehreren Linsen), die zusammenwirkend die lichthomogenisierende Funktion erfüllen. Das optisch wirksame Bauteil wirkt zudem lichtformend, um die geforderte Lichtfunktion korrekt darzustellen und die räumliche Sichtbarkeit von Lichtfunktionen sicherzustellen.The term "optically effective component that homogenizes the light output" refers to a component that homogenizes the light output in such a way that when the light source is activated or when light is emitted by the luminescent pigments, after the light source has been deactivated, an area of the component is located behind the component Lighting device is not directly visible, ie a direct view of the area behind the component is denied. The “optically effective component” can, as described in more detail below, be, for example, an imaging lens, an intermediate lens or thick-wall optics; However, it can also be composed of several components (e.g. a lens system made up of several lenses) which, together, fulfill the light-homogenizing function. The optically effective component also has a light-shaping effect in order to correctly represent the required light function and to ensure the spatial visibility of light functions.

Um den Nachglimmeffekt anhand der Lichtfunktion der Beleuchtungseinrichtung (z.B. eine Signallichtfunktion) darzustellen, wird nun erfindungsgemäß die Lichtquelle zumindest teilweise mit Pigmenten aus zumindest einem lumineszierenden Material versehen. Das lumineszierende Material ist zweckmäßigerweise aus einem fluoreszierenden Material oder einem phosphoreszierenden Material ausgewählt. Die Begriffe "Lumineszenz/ lumineszierend", "Phosphoreszenz/ phosphoreszierend" und "Fluoreszenz/fluoreszierend" sowie deren Funktionsprinzip, nämlich die Emission von optischer Strahlung beim Übergang von einem angeregten Zustand zurück in den Grundzustand, werden als notorisch bekannt vorausgesetzt. Die Fluoreszenz und die Phosphoreszenz sind besondere Formen der Lumineszenz, wobei die Fluoreszenz rasch abklingt, wohingegen die Phosphoreszenz noch längere Zeit nachglimmt. Repräsentative Beispiele für lumineszierende/phosphoreszierende Materialien sind die Pigmente 50101 (grün, für hohe Leuchtdichte), 50105 (grün, geringe Leuchtdichte aber sehr geringe Pigmentgröße) und 50034 (blau) der Firma Honeywell.In order to show the afterglow effect on the basis of the light function of the lighting device (e.g. a signal light function), the light source is now at least partially provided with pigments made of at least one luminescent material. The luminescent material is expediently selected from a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material. The terms "luminescence / luminescent", "phosphorescence / phosphorescent" and "fluorescence / fluorescent" as well as their functional principle, namely the emission of optical radiation during the transition from an excited state back to the ground state, are assumed to be well known. The fluorescence and the phosphorescence are special forms of the luminescence, whereby the fluorescence decays quickly, whereas the phosphorescence glows for a longer time. Representative examples of luminescent / phosphorescent materials are pigments 50101 (green, for high luminance), 50105 (green, low luminance but very small pigment size) and 50034 (blue) from Honeywell.

Der hierin verwendete Ausdruck "die Pigmente aus dem zumindest einen lumineszierenden Material weisen eine signalgebende Wirkung auf" bedeutet, dass die Lumineszenz bzw. das Erscheinungsbild des Nachglimmens nach dem Deaktivieren der Lichtfunktion der Beleuchtungseinrichtung dem der Lichtfunktion (z.B. Signallicht, Abblendlicht) folgt, d.h. dass das Erscheinungsbild der Beleuchtungseinrichtung bei aktivierter und deaktivierter Lichtfunktion für einen außenstehenden Betrachter vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen gleich ist. Dies ist von der Wahl der Pigmente sowie von deren Menge abhängig, wobei ein Fachmann auf dem Gebiet aufgrund seines Fachwissens, seines Könnens und mit Hilfe einfacher Routineversuche dazu in der Lage ist, entsprechende Pigmente bzw. lumineszierende Materialien auszuwählen und deren Menge zu bemessen. Die Lichtverteilung von Beleuchtungseinrichtungen (z.B. ein Signallicht wie ein Begrenzungslicht oder ein Tagfahrlicht, Abblendlicht) unterliegt üblicherweise gesetzlichen Anforderungen, die dem Fachmann notorisch bekannt sind.The expression "the pigments made of the at least one luminescent material have a signaling effect" as used herein means that the luminescence or the appearance of the afterglow follows that of the light function (eg signal light, low beam) after deactivation of the light function of the lighting device, ie that the appearance of the lighting device when the light function is activated and deactivated is preferably essentially the same for an outside observer. This depends on the choice of pigments and on their amount, a person skilled in the art being able to select appropriate pigments or luminescent materials and measure their amount on the basis of his specialist knowledge, his ability and with the help of simple routine experiments. The light distribution of lighting devices (for example a signal light such as a parking light or a daytime running light, low beam) is usually subject to legal requirements that are well known to those skilled in the art.

Durch die Wahl des lumineszierenden Materials (hierin auch als Luminophor oder Leuchtstoff bezeichnet) kann ferner die Farbe der Lumineszenz entsprechend der Position am Kraftfahrzeug angepasst werden und es können dadurch verschiedene Farbeindrücke generiert werden. Der Farbbereich hängt von der Lichtfunktion ab und unterliegt gesetzlichen Vorgaben, z.B. die derzeit geltenden ECE- bzw. SAE-Regelungen. Fahrtrichtungsanzeiger erfüllen eine Signallichtfunktion und müssen nach derzeit geltenden Vorgaben im Gelb-Bereich liegen, unabhängig davon, ob sie an der Fahrzeugfront, am Fahrzeugheck oder als Seitenmarkierungsleuchte z.B. am Außenspiegel angebracht sind. Schlussleuchten, Bremsleuchten, Nebelschlussleuchten und hintere Parkleuchten liegen im Rot-Bereich, während Tagfahrleuchten, vordere Begrenzungs- oder Umrissleuchten und vordere Parkleuchten nach derzeit geltenden Regelungen im Weiß-Bereich liegen. Der Blau-Bereich ist für Einsatzfahrzeuge vorgesehen. Die Auswahl geeigneter Luminophore liegt wie erwähnt im Wissen eines Fachmanns auf dem Gebiet.Through the choice of the luminescent material (also referred to herein as a luminophore or fluorescent substance), the color of the luminescence can furthermore be adapted in accordance with the position on the motor vehicle, and different color impressions can thereby be generated. The color range depends on the light function and is subject to legal requirements, e.g. the currently applicable ECE or SAE regulations. Direction indicators fulfill a signal light function and must be in the yellow area according to the currently applicable requirements, regardless of whether they are attached to the front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle or as a side marker light, e.g. on the exterior mirror. Tail lights, brake lights, rear fog lights and rear parking lights are in the red area, while daytime running lights, front position or clearance lights and front parking lights are in the white area according to the currently applicable regulations. The blue area is intended for emergency vehicles. As mentioned, the selection of suitable luminophores is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

Bei bestimmten Weiterbildungen können die Pigmente zwei oder mehrere unterschiedliche lumineszierende Materialien umfassen. Zum Beispiel können die jeweiligen Materialien ein unterschiedliches Anregungsspektrum aufweisen. Beispielsweise kann ein Material durch Licht im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich und ein weiteres Material durch Licht im nicht-sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich zur Emission von Lumineszenz (Fluoreszenz, Phosphoreszenz) angeregt werden. Beispielsweise kann mit einer Blaulicht-emittierenden LED oder einem Blaulicht-emittierenden Lasergezielt ein rötlicher Leuchtstoff und durch eine UV-LED ein bläulicher Leuchtstoff angeregt werden.In certain developments, the pigments can comprise two or more different luminescent materials. For example, the respective materials can have a different excitation spectrum. For example, a material can be excited by light in the visible wavelength range and another material by light in the non-visible wavelength range to emit luminescence (fluorescence, phosphorescence). For example, a blue-light-emitting LED or a blue-light-emitting laser can target a reddish phosphor and a UV-LED a bluish phosphor.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Lichtquelle als Lichtleiter ausgebildet und die Zusatz-Optikeinheit ist als Reflektor mit einer lichtreflektierenden Oberfläche ausgebildet, wobei der Lichtleiter zumindest teilweise Pigmente aus zumindest einem lumineszierenden Material umfasst. Die Pigmente aus dem zumindest einen lumineszierenden Material weisen vorteilhafterweise eine signalgebende Wirkung auf.According to the invention, the light source is designed as a light guide and the additional optical unit is designed as a reflector with a light-reflecting surface, the light guide at least partially comprising pigments made of at least one luminescent material. The pigments made from the at least one luminescent material advantageously have a signaling effect.

Es hat sich bei diesen Ausführungsformen in der Praxis als günstig erwiesen, wenn das optisch wirksame Bauteil eine Zwischenlichtscheibe oder eine Dickwandoptik ist. Der Aufbau, die Ausgestaltung und die Anordnung einer Zwischenlichtscheibe bzw. einer Dickwandoptik erfolgen nach dem einschlägigen Fachmann hinlänglich bekannten Prinzipien.In these embodiments, it has proven to be advantageous in practice if the optically effective component is an intermediate lens or thick-walled optics. The construction, the configuration and the arrangement of an intermediate lens or a thick-wall optic are carried out according to principles well known to the relevant person skilled in the art.

Die Erfüllung der Lichtfunktion (z.B. Tagfahrlicht oder Begrenzungslicht) wird mittels eines Lichtleiters erreicht. Der Lichtleiter ist typischerweise stabförmig mit einer Lichteinkoppelfläche auf einer Stirnseite und einer quer zur Längsachse abstrahlenden Lichtaustrittsfläche. Der Lichtaustritt wird durch eine Vielzahl an Umlenkprismen erreicht, die gegenüberliegend der Lichtaustrittsfläche auf der Mantelfläche des Lichtleiters angeordnet sind und der Längsachsenrichtung folgen. Hinter dem Lichtleiter wird noch ein Reflektor angeordnet, der Licht, welches nach hinten aus dem Lichtleiter austritt, mittels seiner lichtreflektierenden Oberfläche einfängt und nutzbringend nach vorne (d.h. in optischer Strahlrichtung) lenkt.The fulfillment of the lighting function (e.g. daytime running lights or parking lights) is achieved by means of a light guide. The light guide is typically rod-shaped with a light coupling surface on one end face and a light exit surface radiating transversely to the longitudinal axis. The light exit is achieved by a large number of deflecting prisms which are arranged opposite the light exit area on the outer surface of the light guide and which follow the direction of the longitudinal axis. A reflector is arranged behind the light guide, which captures the light which emerges from the light guide to the rear by means of its light-reflecting surface and guides it usefully forwards (i.e. in the optical beam direction).

Erfindungsgemäß sind die Pigmente aus dem zumindest einem lumineszierenden Material zumindest bereichsweise in den Lichtleiter eingebettet. Hierbei kann der Lichtleiter bereits bei der Herstellung mit den Pigmenten dotiert werden; z.B. kann der Lichtleiter aus einem Pigment-dotierten lichtleitenden Kunststoffmaterial wie z.B. PMMA oder Polycarbonat hergestellt sein.According to the invention, the pigments made of the at least one luminescent material are embedded in the light guide at least in some areas. The light guide can be doped with the pigments during manufacture; for example, the light guide can be made from a pigment-doped light-conducting plastic material such as PMMA or polycarbonate.

Die Anregung/Aktivierung der Pigmente zur Emission von Lumineszenz kann bei einer Weiterbildung durch das durch eine erste Lichtquelle in den Lichtleiter eingekoppelte und durch den Lichtleiter ausgestrahlte Licht erfolgen, d.h. die Anregung erfolgt durch das Licht bei aktivierter Lichtfunktion der Beleuchtungseinrichtung.The excitation / activation of the pigments for the emission of luminescence can take place in a further development by the light coupled into the light guide by a first light source and emitted by the light guide, ie the light is excited when the light function of the lighting device is activated.

So kann die Anregung/Aktivierung der Pigmente zur Emission von Lumineszenz aktiv durch zusätzliche Lichtquellen erfolgen. Die Beleuchtungseinrichtung weist erfindungsgemäß daher zumindest eine weitere Lichtkomponente auf, welche die Pigmente zur Emission von Lumineszenz anregt. Die Lichtquelle kann beispielsweise eine LED, aber auch ein Laser sein. Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Lichtkomponente zumindest eine Lichtquelle für sichtbares Licht und zumindest eine Lichtquelle für nicht sichtbares Licht, insbesondere UV-Licht. Die zumindest eine Lichtkomponente ist an zumindest einer Stirnfläche des Lichtleiters positioniert. Da der Nachglimmeffekt bei lumineszenten Stoffen mit der Zeit abnimmt, kann es in einem spezifischen Beispiel zweckmäßig sein, den Nachglimmeffekt durch aktive Beleuchtung durch die zusätzliche Lichtquelle mit nicht-sichtbarem Licht länger als natürlich gegeben und zeitlich kontrolliert aufrecht zu halten. Die Erfindung kann auch beim Einschalten für spezielle Beleuchtungseffekte genutzt werden. Beispielsweise kann beim Öffnen des Kraftfahrzeugs mittels einer Fernbedienung zuerst die Lichtquelle für das nicht-sichtbare Licht aktiviert, welches die Lumineszenzschicht der Beleuchtungseinrichtung zur Emission von Lumineszenz anregt und auf diese Weise zu einem Glimmen führt; wenig später wird dann die Beleuchtungseinrichtung (z.B. Tagfahrlicht, Begrenzungslicht) mit der eigentlichen Lichtfunktion (z.B. Leuchtstab, Reflektor) hochgedimmt.The excitation / activation of the pigments for the emission of luminescence can thus take place actively by additional light sources. According to the invention, the lighting device therefore has at least one further light component which excites the pigments to emit luminescence. The light source can be, for example, an LED, but also a laser. According to the invention, the light component comprises at least one light source for visible light and at least one light source for invisible light, in particular UV light. The at least one light component is positioned on at least one end face of the light guide. Since the afterglow effect with luminescent substances decreases over time, it can be useful in a specific example to keep the afterglow effect longer than naturally given and in a time-controlled manner through active lighting by the additional light source with invisible light. The invention can also be used for special lighting effects when switched on. For example, when the motor vehicle is opened by means of a remote control, the light source for the invisible light can first be activated, which excites the luminescent layer of the lighting device to emit luminescence and in this way leads to a glow; A little later the lighting equipment (e.g. daytime running lights, parking lights) with the actual light function (e.g. light stick, reflector) is dimmed up.

Vorzugsweise weist der Reflektor an seiner lichtreflektierenden Oberfläche lichthomogenisierende Strukturen auf, vorzugsweise rillenförmige Strukturen, um die Inhomogenität des Lichtleiters bzw. der LED zu kaschieren. Um die Leuchtdichte weiter zu homogenisieren bzw. um die leuchtende Fläche zu vergrößern ist dem Lichtleiter/LED in optischer Strahlrichtung wie oben beschrieben ein optisch wirksames Bauteil nachgeschaltet.The reflector preferably has light-homogenizing structures on its light-reflecting surface, preferably groove-shaped structures, in order to conceal the inhomogeneity of the light guide or the LED. In order to further homogenize the luminance or to enlarge the luminous area, an optically effective component is connected downstream of the light guide / LED in the optical beam direction, as described above.

Die eingebetteten Pigmente aus dem zumindest einen lumineszierenden Material weisen eine signalgebende Wirkung auf.The embedded pigments made of the at least one luminescent material have a signaling effect.

Zweckmäßigerweise bildet das von der erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungseinrichtung ausgesandte Licht die Lichtverteilung eines Signallichts, insbesondere eines Tagfahrlichts oder eines Begrenzungslichts oder eines Fahrtrichtungsanzeigers, oder eines Abblendlichts und/oder Fernlichts, wobei die Lichtverteilung der jeweiligen Lichter wie oben erwähnt gesetzlichen Anforderungen unterliegt, die dem Fachmann bekannt sind.The light emitted by the lighting device according to the invention expediently forms the light distribution of a signal light, in particular a daytime running light or a marker light or a direction indicator, or a dipped beam and / or high beam, the light distribution of the respective lights, as mentioned above, being subject to legal requirements that are known to the person skilled in the art .

Ein weiterer Gegenstand der Erfindung ist ein Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer, der zumindest ein eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinrichtung wie hierin offenbart umfasst. Moderne Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer weisen häufig mehrere Lichtmodule auf, die für sich genommen oder im Zusammenwirken einzelne Lichtfunktionen übernehmen können. Diese Lichtmodule sind häufig in unmittelbarer Nähe zueinander in einem Scheinwerfergehäuse angeordnet.Another subject matter of the invention is a motor vehicle headlight which comprises at least one lighting device according to the invention as disclosed herein. Modern motor vehicle headlights often have several light modules that can take over individual light functions individually or in cooperation. These light modules are often arranged in close proximity to one another in a headlight housing.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist der Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer nach an sich bekannten Scheinwerferbauprinzipien aufgebaut und umfasst ein Gehäuse mit einer Lichtaustrittsöffnung, die mit einer Abschlussscheibe verdeckt ist, wobei die zumindest eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung (sowie gegebenenfalls die weiteren vorgesehenen Lichtmodule) in dem Gehäuse angeordnet sind.The motor vehicle headlight is expediently constructed according to headlight construction principles known per se and comprises a housing with a light exit opening which is covered with a cover lens, the at least one lighting device (and possibly the other provided light modules) being arranged in the housing.

Ist die erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinrichtung eine Signalleuchte, so kann sie beispielsweise so ausgestaltet oder angeordnet sein, dass sie der Linsenapertur eines Lichtmoduls oder bestimmten Designlinien folgt.If the lighting device according to the invention is a signal lamp, it can for example be designed or arranged in such a way that it follows the lens aperture of a light module or certain design lines.

Der Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer kann beispielsweise die Form eines Frontscheinwerfers haben. Der Aufbau eines Frontscheinwerfers ist dem einschlägigen Fachmann bekannt. Frontscheinwerfer umfassen häufig mehrere Lichtmodule, z.B. eine Tagfahrlichteinheit, eine Abblendlichteinheit, eine Fernlichteinheit, eine Fahrtrichtungszeigereinheit etc. Dementsprechend können die jeweiligen Lichtmodule des Frontscheinwerfers die Lichtverteilung einer Tagfahrleuchte, eines Abblendlichts, eines Fernlichts, eines Fahrtrichtungsanzeigers usw. bilden. Ein erfindungsgemäßer Frontscheinwerfer umfasst daher neben den an sich bekannten Lichtmodulen noch zumindest eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinrichtung. Der Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer kann in einem anderen Beispiel eine Heckleuchte sein. Der Aufbau einer Heckleuchte ist dem einschlägigen Fachmann bekannt. Heckleuchten umfassen häufig mehrere Lichtmodule, z.B. eine Schlußleuchteneinheit, eine Bremsleuchteneinheit, eine Fahrtrichtungsanzeigereinheit etc. Dementsprechend können die jeweiligen Lichtmodule der Heckleuchte die Lichtverteilung eines Schlußlichts, eines Bremslichts, eines Fahrtrichtungsanzeigers usw. bilden. Eine erfindungsgemäße Heckleuchte umfasst daher neben den an sich bekannten Lichtmodulen noch zumindest eine erfindungsgemäße Beleuchtungseinrichtung.The motor vehicle headlight can, for example, have the shape of a headlight. The structure of a headlight is known to the person skilled in the art. Front headlights often include several light modules, e.g. a daytime running light unit, a low beam unit, a high beam unit, a direction indicator unit, etc. A headlight according to the invention therefore also comprises at least one lighting device according to the invention in addition to the light modules known per se. In another example, the motor vehicle headlight can be a rear light. The structure of a rear light is known to the person skilled in the art. Tail lights often include several light modules, for example a tail light unit, a brake light unit, a turn signal unit, etc. A rear light according to the invention therefore also comprises at least one lighting device according to the invention in addition to the light modules known per se.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand von nicht einschränkenden Beispielen und beiliegenden Zeichnungen näher beschrieben, wobei die Zeichnungen zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 einen Schnitt durch eine Ausführungsform einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung,
  • Fig. 2 einen Schnitt durch eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Beleuchtungseinrichtung,
  • Fig. 3 den Leuchteindruck der Beleuchtungseinrichtung aus Fig. 1 von vorne gesehen (Ansicht ohne Zwischenlichtscheibe),
  • Fig. 4 eine erfindungsgemäße Anordnung mit einem Lichtleiter mit darin eingebetteten lumineszierenden Partikeln,
  • Fig. 5a einen Schnitt durch Fig. 3 entlang der Linie A-A mit einer Detailansicht zur Anregung der Lumineszenz durch das Lichtleiterlicht,
  • Fig. 5b einen Schnitt durch Fig. 3 entlang der Linie A-A mit einer Detailansicht zur Lumineszenz,
  • Fig. 6a einen Schnitt durch ein nicht erfindungsgemäßes Beispiel für eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung mit Kollimatoroptik, mit einer Detailansicht zur Anregung der Lumineszenz durch die Kollimatoroptik, und
  • Fig. 6b den Schnitt aus Fig. 6a mit einer Detailansicht zur Lumineszenz.
The invention is described in more detail below with the aid of non-limiting examples and the accompanying drawings, the drawings showing:
  • Fig. 1 a section through an embodiment of a lighting device,
  • Fig. 2 a section through a further embodiment of a lighting device,
  • Fig. 3 the light impression of the lighting device Fig. 1 seen from the front (view without intermediate lens),
  • Fig. 4 an arrangement according to the invention with a light guide with luminescent particles embedded therein,
  • Figure 5a a cut through Fig. 3 along the line AA with a detailed view of the excitation of the luminescence by the light guide light,
  • Figure 5b a cut through Fig. 3 along the line AA with a detailed view of the luminescence,
  • Figure 6a a section through an example not according to the invention for an illumination device with collimator optics, with a detailed view of the excitation of the luminescence by the collimator optics, and
  • Figure 6b the cut out Figure 6a with a detailed view of luminescence.

Fig. 1 zeigt einen Schnitt durch eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung, hier eine Signalleuchte 1 für ein Kraftfahrzeug. Die Signalleuchte 1 umfasst einen im Wesentlichen stabförmigen Lichtleiter 20 und einen hinter dem Lichtleiter 20 angeordneten Reflektor 10. Die lichtreflektierende Oberfläche des Reflektors 10 ist mit einer lumineszierenden Schicht 12 bedeckt. Die lumineszierende Schicht 12 ist aus Pigmenten aus einem lumineszierenden Material (oder auch mehreren lumineszierenden Materialien) zusammengesetzt. Im gezeigten Beispiel handelt es sich um Pigmente aus einem phosphoreszierenden Material. Die Schicht 12 kann jedoch auch aus fluoreszierenden Pigmenten oder aus einer Mischung von mehreren unterschiedlichen lumineszierenden (fluoreszierenden und/oder phosphoreszierenden) Materialien/Pigmenten zusammengesetzt sein. Die Signalleuchte 1 weist ferner eine dem Lichtleiter 20 in optischer Strahlrichtung nachgeschaltete Zwischenlichtscheibe 30 auf. Die Zwischenlichtscheibe 30 ist nach an sich bekannten Prinzipien ausgeführt und wirkt lichtformend, stellt die räumliche Sichtbarkeit von Signallichtfunktionen sicher, homogenisiert die Leuchtdichte und verhindert den direkten Einblick von außen auf die dahinter liegenden Komponenten (Lichtleiter 20, Reflektor 10). Die Zwischenlichtscheibe 30 kann klar oder "milchig" sein. Fig. 1 shows a section through a lighting device, here a signal light 1 for a motor vehicle. The signal light 1 comprises an essentially rod-shaped light guide 20 and a reflector 10 arranged behind the light guide 20. The light-reflecting surface of the reflector 10 is covered with a luminescent layer 12. The luminescent layer 12 is composed of pigments from a luminescent material (or also several luminescent materials). In the example shown, the pigments are made from a phosphorescent material. The layer 12 can, however, also be composed of fluorescent pigments or of a mixture of several different luminescent (fluorescent and / or phosphorescent) materials / pigments. The signal light 1 furthermore has an intermediate light disk 30 connected downstream of the light guide 20 in the optical beam direction. The intermediate lens 30 is designed according to principles known per se and has a light-shaping effect, ensures the spatial visibility of signal light functions, homogenizes the luminance and prevents a direct view from the outside of the components behind it (light guide 20, reflector 10). The intermediate lens 30 can be clear or "milky".

Der Lichtaustritt aus dem Lichtleiter 20 wird durch eine Vielzahl an Umlenkprismen 21 erreicht, die gegenüberliegend der Lichtaustrittsfläche auf der Mantelfläche des Lichtleiters 20 angeordnet sind und der Längsachsenrichtung folgen (siehe auch Fig. 3). Der Reflektor 10 lenkt das Licht, welches nach hinten aus dem Lichtleiter 20 austritt, mittels seiner lichtreflektierenden Oberfläche nutzbringend nach vorne. Der nach vorne in Strahlrichtung gerichtete Lichtabstrahlkegel 25 aus dem Lichtleiter 20 sowie der Lichtabstrahlkegel 24 aus dem Lichtleiter 20 nach hinten in Richtung Reflektor 10 sind in Fig. 1 schematisch dargestellt. Das durch den Lichtabstrahlkegel 24 dargestellte Licht 24 aus dem Lichtleiter 20 regt die lumineszierende Pigmentschicht 12 zur Emission von Lumineszenzlicht 15 an (durch Pfeile 15 schematisch dargestellt).The light exit from the light guide 20 is achieved by a large number of deflecting prisms 21 which are arranged opposite the light exit surface on the lateral surface of the light guide 20 and follow the direction of the longitudinal axis (see also Fig. 3 ). The reflector 10 guides the light which emerges from the light guide 20 to the rear, usefully forwards by means of its light-reflecting surface. The light emission cone 25 directed forwards in the beam direction from the light guide 20 and the light emission cone 24 from the light guide 20 backwards in the direction of the reflector 10 are shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown schematically. The light 24 from the light guide 20, represented by the light emission cone 24, excites the luminescent pigment layer 12 to emit luminescent light 15 (shown schematically by arrows 15).

Die Signalleuchte 1 ist in einem Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer angeordnet, der nach an sich bekannten Scheinwerferbauprinzipien aufgebaut ist und ein Gehäuse mit einer Lichtaustrittsöffnung, die mit einer Abschlussscheibe verdeckt ist, umfasst. In Fig. 1 ist nur die Abschlussscheibe 50 schematisch eingezeichnet. Der Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer weist neben der Signalleuchte nach an sich bekannter Art noch ein oder mehrere Lichtmodule auf.The signal light 1 is arranged in a motor vehicle headlight which is constructed according to headlight construction principles known per se and comprises a housing with a light exit opening which is covered by a cover plate. In Fig. 1 only the cover plate 50 is shown schematically. In addition to the signal lamp of the known type, the motor vehicle headlight also has one or more light modules.

Fig. 2 zeigt einen Schnitt durch eine weitere Beleuchtungseinrichtung, hier eine Signalleuchte 2. Der Aufbau der Signalleuchte 2 entspricht dem Aufbau der Signalleuchte aus Fig. 1, mit dem einzigen Unterschied, dass sie anstelle einer Zwischenlichtscheibe 30 eine in optischer Strahlrichtung nachgeschaltete Dickwandoptik 40 aufweist. Das vom Lichtleiter 20 ausgestrahlte Licht 25 wird durch die Dickwandoptik 40 geformt und homogenisiert. Die Dickwandoptik 40 ist ebenfalls nach an sich bekannten Prinzipien ausgeführt und wirkt lichtformend, stellt die räumliche Sichtbarkeit von Signallichtfunktionen sicher, homogenisiert die Leuchtdichte und verhindert den direkten Einblick von außen auf die dahinter liegenden Komponenten (Lichtleiter 20, Reflektor 10). In Bezug auf alle anderen Komponenten der Signalleuchte 2 (d.h. Lichtleiter 20, Reflektor 10, lumineszierende Schicht 12 etc.) wird auf die obige Beschreibung der Signalleuchte 1 (Fig. 1) verwiesen. Fig. 2 shows a section through a further lighting device, here a signal light 2. The structure of the signal light 2 corresponds to the structure of the signal light from FIG Fig. 1 , with the only difference that, instead of an intermediate lens 30, it has thick-wall optics 40 connected downstream in the optical beam direction. The light 25 emitted by the light guide 20 is shaped and homogenized by the thick-walled optics 40. The thick-wall optics 40 is also designed according to principles known per se and has a light-shaping effect, ensures the spatial visibility of signal light functions, homogenizes the luminance and prevents the components behind it (light guide 20, reflector 10) from being viewed directly from the outside. In relation to everyone else Components of the signal light 2 (ie light guide 20, reflector 10, luminescent layer 12 etc.) is referred to the above description of the signal light 1 ( Fig. 1 ) referenced.

In Fig. 3 ist der Leuchteindruck der Signalleuchte 1 aus Fig. 1 in Vorderansicht und ohne Zwischenlichtscheibe 30 dargestellt. Das von einer Lichtquelle 22, z.B. eine 450nm-Laserdiode oder InGaN(Indiumgalliumnitrid)-LEDs, erzeugte Licht tritt an einer Stirnseite 26 des im Wesentlichen stabförmigen und einer Designlinie folgenden Lichtleiters 20 ein. Die Farbemission der Lichtquelle 22 ist auf die entsprechende Signallichtfunktion abgestimmt. Ist die Lichtquelle 22 als Laserdiode ausgebildet, dann wird, um das Laserlicht für eine KFZ-Beleuchtungseinrichtung nutzbar zu machen, dabei mit dem Laserlicht ein Leuchtelement, ein sog. Phosphor-Konverter, bestrahlt, der dadurch zur Abstrahlung von sichtbarem Licht angeregt wird; der Phosphor-Konverter ist dabei auf die gewünschte Farbe der Signallichtfunktion abgestimmt. Dazu sind verschiedene Materialien bekannt bzw. in Verwendung. InGaN-LEDs sind zum Beispiel in blau, gelb, rot oder UV erhältlich. Der Lichtaustritt aus dem Lichtleiter 20 wird durch eine Vielzahl an Umlenkprismen 21' erreicht, die gegenüberliegend der Lichtaustrittsfläche auf der Mantelfläche des Lichtleiters 20 angeordnet sind und der Längsachsenrichtung folgen (die Striche 21' symbolisieren die durchscheinenden, d.h. von vorne sichtbaren, Kanten der Umlenkprismen 21). Das aus dem Lichtleiter 20 austretende und nach hinten auf den Reflektor 10 auftreffende Licht 24 trifft wie oben beschrieben auf die lumineszierende Schicht 12 aus phosphoreszierenden Pigmenten auf, wodurch die Pigmente zur Emission von Lumineszenz 15 (Phosphoreszenz) angeregt werden. Der Reflektor 10 weist an seiner lichtreflektierenden Oberfläche zudem lichthomogenisierende rillenförmige Strukturen 13 auf, welche die Inhomogenität des Lichtleiters 20 kaschieren.In Fig. 3 the light impression of the signal light 1 is off Fig. 1 Shown in front view and without intermediate lens 30. The light generated by a light source 22, for example a 450 nm laser diode or InGaN (indium gallium nitride) LEDs, enters an end face 26 of the essentially rod-shaped light guide 20 that follows a design line. The color emission of the light source 22 is matched to the corresponding signal light function. If the light source 22 is designed as a laser diode, then, in order to make the laser light usable for a motor vehicle lighting device, the laser light is used to irradiate a luminous element, a so-called phosphor converter, which is thereby stimulated to emit visible light; the phosphor converter is matched to the desired color of the signal light function. Various materials are known or are in use for this purpose. InGaN LEDs are available in blue, yellow, red or UV, for example. The light exit from the light guide 20 is achieved by a large number of deflecting prisms 21 ', which are arranged opposite the light exit surface on the outer surface of the light guide 20 and follow the direction of the longitudinal axis (the lines 21' symbolize the translucent edges of the deflecting prisms 21 that are visible from the front ). The light 24 emerging from the light guide 20 and striking the reflector 10 towards the rear strikes the luminescent layer 12 of phosphorescent pigments as described above, as a result of which the pigments are stimulated to emit luminescence 15 (phosphorescence). The reflector 10 also has light-homogenizing, groove-shaped structures 13 on its light-reflecting surface, which hide the inhomogeneity of the light guide 20.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform, bei der die lumineszierenden Pigmente 11 nicht wie in den übrigen Figuren gezeigt als lumineszierende Schicht auf dem Reflektor aufgebracht, sondern in den Lichtleiter 20, der wie beschrieben eine Vielzahl an Umlenkprismen 21 aufweist, eingebettet sind. Hierfür wird der Lichtleiter 20 bereits bei der Herstellung mit den lumineszierenden Pigmenten 11 dotiert; z.B. kann der Lichtleiter 20 aus einem Pigment-dotierten lichtleitenden Kunststoffmaterial wie z.B. PMMA oder Polycarbonat hergestellt sein. Dem Lichtleiter 20 ist, so wie in Fig. 2 dargestellt, eine Dickwandoptik 40 in optischer Strahlrichtung des aus der Signalleuchte austretenden Lichts nachgeschaltet. An oder in unmittelbarer Nähe einer Stirnseite des Lichtleiters 20 sind Lichtquellen 22 und 23 angeordnet. Bei der Lichtquelle 22 als Primärlichtquelle handelt es sich beispielsweise um eine 450nm-Laserdiode oder um Indiumgalliumnitrid(InGaN)-LEDs, deren Farbemission auf die entsprechende Signallichtfunktion abgestimmt ist. Die Lichtquellen 23 können beispielsweise UV-LEDs oder 405nm-Laserdioden (sichtbares Licht im blauen Wellenlängenbereich) sein. Sind die Lichtquelle 22 bzw. die Lichtquellen 23 als Laserdiode ausgebildet, dann wird, um das Laserlicht für eine KFZ-Beleuchtungseinrichtung nutzbar zu machen, dabei mit dem Laserlicht ein Leuchtelement, ein sog. Phosphor-Konverter, bestrahlt, der dadurch zur Abstrahlung von sichtbarem Licht angeregt wird; der Phosphor-Konverter ist dabei auf die gewünschte Farbe der Signalfunktion abgestimmt. Dazu sind verschiedene Materialien bekannt bzw. in Verwendung. InGaN-LEDs sind zum Beispiel in blau, gelb, rot oder UV erhältlich. Bei dieser Ausführungsform erfolgt die Anregung/Aktivierung der lumineszierenden Pigmente 11, alternativ oder zusätzlich zur Lichtquelle 22, durch die Lichtquellen 23. Durch aktive Beleuchtung durch die zusätzlichen Lichtquellen mit nicht-sichtbarem UV-Licht kann beispielsweise der Nachglimmeffekt länger als natürlich und zeitlich kontrolliert aufrechterhalten werden. Beim Einschalten der Signalleuchte kann diese Variante außerdem für spezielle Beleuchtungseffekte genutzt werden. Beispielsweise wird beim Öffnen des Kraftfahrzeugs mittels einer Fernbedienung zuerst die Lichtquelle 23 für das nicht-sichtbare UV-Licht bzw. für das blaue 405nm-Licht aktiviert, welche die eingebetteten Pigmente 11 zur Emission von Lumineszenz anregt und auf diese Weise zu einem Glimmen führt; wenig später wird dann die Signalleuchte (Tagfahrlicht, Begrenzungslicht) mit der eigentlichen Lichtfunktion durch Einschalten der Lichtquelle 22 für sichtbares Licht hochgedimmt. Bei vorteilhaften Weiterbildungen können die eingebetteten Pigmente 11 zwei oder mehrere unterschiedliche lumineszierende Materialien umfassen. Zum Beispiel können die jeweiligen Materialien ein unterschiedliches Anregungsspektrum aufweisen. Beispielsweise kann ein erstes Material durch die Lichtquelle 22, die Licht im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich ausstrahlt, und ein weiteres Material durch die Lichtquellen 23, die Licht im nicht-sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich (z.B. UV) ausstrahlen können, zur Emission von Lumineszenz (Fluoreszenz, Phosphoreszenz) angeregt werden. Fig. 4 shows an embodiment according to the invention in which the luminescent pigments 11 are not applied as a luminescent layer on the reflector, as shown in the other figures, but are embedded in the light guide 20, which, as described, has a plurality of deflecting prisms 21. For this purpose, the light guide 20 is already doped with the luminescent pigments 11 during manufacture; For example, the light guide 20 can be made from a pigment-doped light-conducting plastic material such as PMMA or polycarbonate. The light guide 20 is, as in Fig. 2 shown, a thick-wall optics 40 connected downstream in the optical beam direction of the light emerging from the signal lamp. Are on or in the immediate vicinity of an end face of the light guide 20 Light sources 22 and 23 arranged. The light source 22 as the primary light source is, for example, a 450 nm laser diode or indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs, the color emission of which is matched to the corresponding signal light function. The light sources 23 can be, for example, UV LEDs or 405 nm laser diodes (visible light in the blue wavelength range). If the light source 22 or the light sources 23 are designed as laser diodes, then in order to make the laser light usable for a motor vehicle lighting device, a light element, a so-called phosphor converter, is irradiated with the laser light Light is stimulated; the phosphor converter is matched to the desired color of the signal function. Various materials are known or are in use for this purpose. InGaN LEDs are available in blue, yellow, red or UV, for example. In this embodiment, the excitation / activation of the luminescent pigments 11, alternatively or in addition to the light source 22, is carried out by the light sources 23. By active illumination by the additional light sources with invisible UV light, for example, the afterglow effect can be sustained longer than natural and time-controlled become. When the signal light is switched on, this variant can also be used for special lighting effects. For example, when the motor vehicle is opened by means of a remote control, first the light source 23 for the invisible UV light or for the blue 405 nm light is activated, which excites the embedded pigments 11 to emit luminescence and in this way leads to a glow; a little later the signal light (daytime running lights, parking lights) with the actual light function is dimmed up for visible light by switching on the light source 22. In advantageous developments, the embedded pigments 11 can comprise two or more different luminescent materials. For example, the respective materials can have a different excitation spectrum. For example, a first material can be stimulated to emit luminescence (fluorescence, phosphorescence) by the light source 22, which emits light in the visible wavelength range, and a further material by the light sources 23, which can emit light in the non-visible wavelength range (e.g. UV) become.

Fig. 5a zeigt einen Schnitt durch Fig. 3 entlang der Linie A-A mit einer Detailansicht hinsichtlich der Anregung der lumineszierenden Schicht 12, die auf dem Reflektor 10 angeordnet ist, durch das vom Lichtleiter 20 nach hinten in Richtung Reflektor 10 ausgestrahlte Licht 24 (siehe auch Beschreibung zu Fig. 1 und Fig. 3). Die emittierte Lumineszenz 15 wird mittels des Reflektors 10 in Strahlrichtung des aus der Signalleuchte 1 austretenden Lichts 25 gelenkt. Figure 5a shows a section through Fig. 3 along the line AA with a detailed view of the excitation of the luminescent layer 12, which is arranged on the reflector 10, by the light 24 emitted from the light guide 20 to the rear in the direction of the reflector 10 (see also description relating to FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 ). The emitted Luminescence 15 is directed by means of reflector 10 in the beam direction of light 25 emerging from signal lamp 1.

Fig. 5b zeigt einen Schnitt durch Fig. 3 entlang der Linie A-A mit einer Detailansicht hinsichtlich der Lumineszenz 15, die von der lumineszierenden Schicht 12 nach dem Deaktivieren der durch den Lichtleiter 20 bewirkten eigentlichen Signallichtfunktion emittiert wird. Im konkreten Beispiel ist die lumineszierende Schicht 12 wie oben erwähnt aus Pigmenten aus einem phosphoreszierenden Material zusammengesetzt. Fig. 5b veranschaulicht daher das für einen außenstehenden Betrachter sichtbare "Nachglimmen" aufgrund der, durch die Schicht 12 emittierten Phosphoreszenz 15. Figure 5b shows a section through Fig. 3 along the line AA with a detailed view of the luminescence 15 which is emitted by the luminescent layer 12 after the actual signal light function brought about by the light guide 20 has been deactivated. In the specific example, the luminescent layer 12 is composed of pigments from a phosphorescent material, as mentioned above. Figure 5b therefore illustrates the “afterglow” visible to an outside observer due to the phosphorescence 15 emitted by the layer 12.

Fig. 6a zeigt einen Schnitt durch ein nicht erfindungsgemäßes Beispiel für eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung 3 mit Kollimatoroptik, mit einer Detailansicht zur Anregung der Lumineszenz durch die Kollimatoroptik. Die Beleuchtungseinrichtung 3 umfasst als Primäroptik eine Kollimatoroptik mit einer Lichtquelle 22a in Form einer LED für sichtbares Licht und einem Kollimator 60. Der Kollimator 60 ist nach an sich bekannten Prinzipien aufgebaut und weist einen Einspeisebereich 61 für das von der Lichtquelle 22a ausgestrahlte Licht, eine Lichtaustrittsfläche 63 sowie Umlenkflankenbereiche 62, an denen das Licht nach vorne in Richtung Lichtaustrittsfläche 63 gelenkt wird, auf. Die Primärabstrahlung nach Austritt des Lichts aus der Primäroptik (Kollimatoroptik) ist durch das Referenzzeichen 66 gekennzeichnet. Auf den Umlenkflankenbereichen 62 des Kollimators 60 ist eine lumineszierende Schicht 12 aus Pigmenten aus einem lumineszierenden Material (oder auch mehreren lumineszierenden Materialien) aufgebracht. Alternativ dazu können die Pigmente auch lokal in die Umlenkflankenbereiche 62 eingebettet sein (nicht gezeigt). Im gezeigten Beispiel handelt es sich um Pigmente aus einem phosphoreszierenden Material. Die Schicht 12 kann jedoch auch aus fluoreszierenden Pigmenten oder aus einer Mischung von mehreren unterschiedlichen lumineszierenden (fluoreszierenden und/oder phosphoreszierenden) Materialien/Pigmenten zusammengesetzt sein. Die Beleuchtungseinrichtung 3 weist ferner eine der Kollimatoroptik (Primäroptik) in optischer Strahlrichtung nachgeschaltete Abbildungslinse 65 (Sekundäroptik) auf. Die Abbildungslinse 65 verhindert den direkten Einblick von außen auf den dahinter liegenden Bereich und homogenisiert die Leuchtdichte bzw. den Lichtaustritt. Bei Weiterbildungen kann die Abbildungslinse nach an sich bekannter Art mit zusätzlichen Mitteln, welche die Homogenisierung des Lichtaustritts weiter verstärken, versehen werden, beispielsweise mit Mikrostrukturen. Die Lichtverteilung der Beleuchtungseinrichtung 3 ist mit dem Referenzzeichen 66' gekennzeichnet. Anstelle einer einzelnen Abbildungslinse 65 kann als Sekundäroptik natürlich auch ein (nicht dargestelltes) Linsensystem eingesetzt werden, welches die den Lichtaustritt homogenisierende Funktion erfüllt. Die Anregung der lumineszierenden Schicht 12 zur Emission von Lumineszenz 15 erfolgt durch das von der Lichtquelle 22a ausgestrahlte und an den Umlenkflankenbereichen 62 umgelenkte Licht. Die emittierte Lumineszenz 15 tritt durch den Kollimator 60 und die Abbildungslinse 65 nach außen. Figure 6a shows a section through an example not according to the invention for an illumination device 3 with collimator optics, with a detailed view of the excitation of the luminescence by the collimator optics. The lighting device 3 comprises, as primary optics, collimator optics with a light source 22a in the form of an LED for visible light and a collimator 60. The collimator 60 is constructed according to principles known per se and has a feed area 61 for the light emitted by the light source 22a, a light exit surface 63 as well as deflecting flank areas 62 at which the light is directed forward in the direction of the light exit surface 63. The primary emission after the light emerges from the primary optics (collimator optics) is identified by the reference symbol 66. A luminescent layer 12 of pigments made of a luminescent material (or also a plurality of luminescent materials) is applied to the deflecting flank regions 62 of the collimator 60. As an alternative to this, the pigments can also be embedded locally in the deflecting flank regions 62 (not shown). In the example shown, the pigments are made from a phosphorescent material. The layer 12 can, however, also be composed of fluorescent pigments or of a mixture of several different luminescent (fluorescent and / or phosphorescent) materials / pigments. The lighting device 3 also has an imaging lens 65 (secondary optics) connected downstream of the collimator optics (primary optics) in the optical beam direction. The imaging lens 65 prevents a direct view from the outside of the area behind and homogenizes the luminance or the light exit. In the case of further developments, the imaging lens can be provided in a manner known per se with additional means which further intensify the homogenization of the light exit, for example with microstructures. the Light distribution of the lighting device 3 is identified with the reference symbol 66 '. Instead of an individual imaging lens 65, a lens system (not shown) which fulfills the function of homogenizing the light exit can of course also be used as secondary optics. The excitation of the luminescent layer 12 to emit luminescence 15 is carried out by the light emitted by the light source 22a and deflected at the deflecting flank regions 62. The emitted luminescence 15 passes through the collimator 60 and the imaging lens 65 to the outside.

Fig. 6b zeigt den Schnitt aus Fig. 6a mit einer Detailansicht hinsichtlich der Lumineszenz 15, die von der lumineszierenden Schicht 12 nach dem Deaktivieren der durch die Kollimatoroptik (Lichtquelle 22a, Kollimator 60) bewirkten Lichtfunktion emittiert wird. Im konkreten Beispiel ist die lumineszierende Schicht 12 wie oben erwähnt aus Pigmenten aus einem phosphoreszierenden Material zusammengesetzt. Fig. 6b veranschaulicht daher das für einen außenstehenden Betrachter sichtbare "Nachglimmen" aufgrund der, durch die Schicht 12 emittierten Phosphoreszenz 15. Figure 6b shows the cut Figure 6a with a detailed view with regard to the luminescence 15 which is emitted by the luminescent layer 12 after the deactivation of the light function brought about by the collimator optics (light source 22a, collimator 60). In the specific example, the luminescent layer 12 is composed of pigments from a phosphorescent material, as mentioned above. Figure 6b therefore illustrates the “afterglow” visible to an outside observer due to the phosphorescence 15 emitted by the layer 12.

Claims (9)

  1. Lighting device for a motor vehicle, having at least one lighting shaping unit comprising a light source (20) realised as a light guide (20) and a supplemental optical unit (10), and having an optically active component (30, 40) being located downstream of the lighting shaping unit in the optical beam direction and homogenising the light output, the supplemental optical unit (10) being realised as a reflector (10) having a light-reflecting surface (14), wherein the reflector (10) directs the light which emerges rearwards from the light guide (20) forwards by means of its light-reflecting surface (14), the light guide (20) comprises, at least partially, pigments (11) of at least one luminescent material which are embedded in the light guide (20), at least in regions thereof, and when the light function of the illumination device is activated the pigments (11) are excited by means of the light (24) coupled into the light guide (20) by a first light source (22) and emitted through the light guide (20), to emit luminescence light (15),
    characterised by at least one further light component (23) which excites the pigments to emit luminescence light when the light function of the illumination device is deactivated, the at least one further light component (23) being positioned on at least one front face (26) of the light guide (20) and comprising at least one light source for visible light (23) and at least one light source (23) for non-visible light, and wherein the pigments have a signalling effect, the signalling effect having the appearance of an afterglow which follows the appearance of the light function after deactivation of the light function of the illumination device.
  2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the luminescent material is selected from a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material.
  3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the pigments (11) comprise two or more different luminescent materials.
  4. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the optically effective component is an intermediate light pane (30) or a thick-walled optical system (40).
  5. Lighting device according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the at least one light source (23) for non-visible light of the light component (23) is a UV light.
  6. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the reflector (10) has groove-like structures (13) on its light-reflecting surface (14).
  7. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the light emitted by it forms the light distribution of a signal light, in particular a daytime running light or a limiting light or a direction indicator, or a dipped beam and/or main beam.
  8. Motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
  9. Motor vehicle headlamp according to claim 8, characterised in that it comprises a housing with a light emission opening covered by a cover lens (50), the at least one lighting device being arranged within the housing.
EP16172402.6A 2015-06-22 2016-06-01 Lighting device for a motor vehicle with luminescent elements Active EP3112742B1 (en)

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ATA50520/2015A AT517394B1 (en) 2015-06-22 2015-06-22 Lighting device for a motor vehicle with luminescent elements

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EP3112742B1 true EP3112742B1 (en) 2021-08-04

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AT517394A1 (en) 2017-01-15
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AT517394B1 (en) 2017-04-15

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