EP3343090A1 - Lighting device for performing or contributing to the illuminating function of a vehicle lamp and vehicle lamp equipped with same - Google Patents

Abstract

A light source (01) with at least one light source (02) provided for fulfilling a dynamic light function of a vehicle lamp (100) or contributing to a prescribed light distribution of such a light function and a vehicle lamp (100) equipped with such a light source (01) are described. The luminous means is equipped with at least one stationary, at least partially movably arranged OLED (20) as at least one light source (02). The OLED (20) is at least partially movably arranged around at least one fixed axis (03). The vehicle lamp (100) has a luminaire interior, which is at least partially enclosed by a luminaire housing and a lens, and accommodates at least one illuminant (01) which is provided to fulfill a dynamic light function of the vehicle luminaire or which contributes to a prescribed light distribution of such a light function.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a vehicle lamp equipped with such a lighting device according to the preamble of claim 10.

In particular, the invention relates to a light source provided for the fulfillment of a dynamic light function of a vehicle lamp or to a prescribed light distribution of such a light distribution with a movably arranged OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode; OLED).

A vehicle lamp comprises, for example, a luminaire interior substantially enclosed by a luminaire housing and a lens, and at least one light source accommodating at least one light source housed therein for at least one light function of the vehicle light.

Each vehicle lamp fulfills one or more tasks or functions depending on the design. To fulfill each task or function, a light function of the vehicle lamp is provided. Lighting functions, for example, in one embodiment as a headlamp a function illuminating the road, or in a configuration as a signal light a signal function, such as a Wiederholblinklichtfunktion to turn signal or a brake light function to display a braking action, or eg a limiting light function, such as a taillight function, to ensure a Visibility of the vehicle during the day and / or night, such as in a design as tail light or daytime running light. Examples of vehicle lights are on the vehicle bend, on the vehicle flanks and / or on the side mirrors arranged flashing lights, exit lights, such as ambient lighting, marker lights, brake lights, fog lights, reversing lights, and typically high set third brake lights, so-called Central, High-Mounted Braking Lights, Daytime Running Lights, Headlamps and also used as turning or cornering fog lamps, and combinations thereof.

Each light function must fulfill an example prescribed by law light distribution. The light distribution sets at least to be observed, colloquially known as brightness luminous flux in at least to be observed solid angle ranges.

For the individual lighting functions, there are sometimes different brightnesses or visibility ranges and, in some cases, different light colors.

Examples of vehicle lights are the Fahrzeugbug, on the vehicle flanks and / or on the side mirrors and arranged at the rear of vehicle rear lights, exit lights, such as ambient lighting, marker lights, brake lights, fog lamps, reversing lights, and typically high set third brake lights, so-called Central, High-Mounted Braking lights, daytime running lights, headlamps and fog lights used as turning or cornering lights, as well as combinations thereof.

Such a combination is realized, for example, regularly in the known taillights. These include, for example, repeating flashing lights, marker lights, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights are used to name just one of many realized in tail lights combinations. Neither does this enumeration claim to be complete, nor does this mean that in a tail light all the aforementioned lights must be combined. Thus, for example, only two or three of the mentioned or else other lights in a common luminaire housing a tail light be combined.

Due to their high efficiency in the conversion of electric current in visible to the human eye light come as light sources of bulbs for vehicle lights increasingly inorganic light emitting diodes and in a few vehicle models also already organic light emitting diodes used.

Inorganic light emitting diodes consist of at least one light emitting diode semiconductor chip, short LED chip, as well as at least one example by Injection molded integrally, the at least one LED chip completely or partially enveloping primary optics. Vehicle lights are also known in which pure LED chips are used without molded primary optics.

In the following, therefore, for the sake of simplicity, no distinction is made between inorganic light-emitting diode and LED chip and instead the term LED is used uniformly for both, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is a luminous thin-film component made of organic semiconducting materials with at least one emitter layer enclosed between electrically conductive, for example metallic layers for anode and cathode. The thickness or, in other words, the thickness of the layers is on the order of about 100 nm. Typically, depending on the structure, it is 100 nm to 500 nm.

The layers of an OLED are successively applied to a substrate which, together with an encapsulation applied to the uppermost layer, protects the layers of the OLED against water, oxygen and against other environmental influences, such as scratch damage and / or pressure loading.

In contrast to inorganic light-emitting diodes, OLEDs do not require monocrystalline materials. Compared to LEDs, OLEDs can therefore be produced using inexpensive thin-film technology. As a result, OLEDs make it possible to produce flat light sources which on the one hand have a very thin appearance and, on the other hand, have a particularly homogeneous appearance when used as a luminous surface visible through the lens of a vehicle lamp.

In order to increase the perceptibility or perception of light functions of a vehicle light for other road users is known to revive them within the legally permitted limits.

A well-known example is so-called dynamic lighting functions, where the time allowed by law, which requires an incandescent lamp as a legally permitted light source of a light source intended to fulfill a lighting function, to achieve its full luminosity, is used to achieve a visual effect.

An example of such a visual effect is the wiping in the direction of the direction of an intended turn signal in a re-turn light function of a turn signal.

Such a dynamic light function is realized by means of a light source having a plurality of light sources successively successively in succession.

Investigations have shown that this increases the traffic safety, since by the wiping already at the beginning of the perception of the light function by other road users, the intended change of direction indicated by the light function is recognized by the other road users.

Furthermore, it is known that illuminated displays, for example, warning displays displayed in a dashboard of a vehicle that seem to jump towards the viewer with their illumination are perceived by its apparent movement to the viewer of this particularly well and alert him, even if his view is not is aimed directly at an area in which the warning display is displayed. They therefore result in an increased power of perception.

In summary, dynamic light functions attract the attention of other road users. In this way they contribute to an improvement in the visibility and perceptibility of light functions of a taillight for a motor vehicle, along with an increase in traffic safety.

One object of the invention is to provide a light source for illuminating at least one light function of a vehicle lamp or contributing to a prescribed light distribution of such a light function with at least one light source and a vehicle light equipped with such a light source, which contribute to increased traffic safety.

The object is achieved in each case by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the claims, the drawings and the following description, including those associated with the drawings.

A first subject of the invention accordingly relates to a luminous means for fulfilling or contributing to the fulfillment of at least one prescribed light distribution of a light function of a vehicle lamp.

The luminous means comprises at least one OLED as at least one light source.

The OLED is stationary and arranged at least partially movable.

In this case, the OLED is preferably arranged to be at least partially movable about at least one stationary axis.

The entire OLED or at least a part of the OLED is arranged to be movable about the fixed axis.

Thus, the entire OLED or at least part of the OLED, for example a remaining moving part of the OLED, is movably arranged around the fixed axis.

In this case, the OLED along the stationary axis at least partially be movably attached to this.

Alternatively, the OLED along the stationary axis at least partially be fixedly disposed opposite to this, wherein one or more of the stationary axis protruding parts of the OLED are arranged movable relative to the stationary axis. The one or more of the stationary axis protruding parts of the OLED are formed here as movable parts.

Preferably, the OLED extends along or along the at least one stationary axis parallel to this.

Preferably, parallel to the stationary axis extending cuts through the OLED remain during the movement at a constant distance from the stationary axis, wherein changes their orientation to the stationary axis during the movement.

It is important to emphasize in this context that in this document the term axis, in contrast to the term shaft, denotes a geometric axis and not a machine element.

The luminous means comprises at least one actuator for moving the OLED or at least one part of the OLED which is movable about the fixed axis.

The luminous means further comprises control means which cause the actuator, at least at the beginning of an application and / or at least during an application, shortly when the OLED is energized, to move the OLED or at least one moving part of the OLED about the stationary axis.

A first preferred embodiment of the first subject of the invention provides an OLED as a light source, which, for example, at least to a part of a lateral surface of a cylinder is rolled along a fixed axis mounted rotatably about this.

The fixed axis in this case forms an axis of rotation about which the OLED actuated by means of the actuator is rotatably movable.

The OLED may in this case be arranged, for example concentrically partially or completely wound around the axis of rotation, corresponding to a winding on an imaginary, for example, lying, circular circular cylinder whose cylinder axis coincides with the axis forming the axis of rotation stationary axis.

The OLED can wholly or partially occupy the lateral surface of the cylinder with a cylinder axis coinciding with the axis of rotation.

The OLED has a luminous surface called luminous surface for short.

For example, in the case of an OLED having a quadrangular luminous area, two opposite edges of the luminous area may run parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein at least one edge connecting them may extend obliquely to the axis of rotation. When the OLED is set in rotation about the axis of rotation, its luminous area sweeps over a range of rotation along the axis of rotation during one revolution for a viewer looking perpendicular to the axis of rotation, similar to a progress of the worm gear apparently observing a rotating worm thread. Thus, the location and / or the extent of the luminous area changes when viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation with different angles of rotation over a revolution about the axis of rotation.

In other words, when considered in different angles of rotation, the luminous area assumes different longitudinal parts of the lateral surface of the hollow cylinder.

The same effect can be achieved with a triangular luminous surface, whereby the base side of the triangle can run parallel to the axis of rotation.

If the OLED is wholly or partially rolled up to form a lateral surface of a cylinder, then it forms a hollow cylinder completely or partially. For example, in accordance with the axis of rotation, a further light source for fulfilling or contributing to the same or another light function of a vehicle lamp can be arranged in the interior of such a hollow cylinder.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the distance of the OLED seen from the axis of rotation over a revolution about the axis of rotation relative to this is variable.

The substrate of the OLED may be flexible in the first preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The mechanical properties of the encapsulation of the OLED may correspond to those of the substrate. By generating the dynamic effect by means of rotation, neither the substrate of the OLED nor its encapsulation is subjected to alternating stress.

A second preferred embodiment of the first subject of the invention provides an OLED as a light source whose substrate and its encapsulation are flexible.

The OLED is at least translationally, but optionally also rotationally fixed, along a stationary axis designated as fixation axis.

The OLED stands with at least one free end on one side or with two opposite, free ends on both sides of the fixing axis. The one or more free ends are movable to and fro by the flexible configuration of the substrate and the encapsulation. For example, at least one actuator reciprocating the free end relative to the part fixed along the fixing axis is provided for each free end, in particular a linear actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator or a magnetic actuator.

As a result of the action of an actuator on a free end, the luminous area of the OLED is moved toward or away from the viewer who is looking perpendicularly at the fixing axis and thus reduces or increases the luminous area visible to the viewer.

For operating the at least one OLED as at least one light source, the luminous means can comprise one or more more or less complex electronic control circuits, which can be arranged, for example, on one or more strip conductors and / or illuminant carriers of the luminous means.

A simple example of an electronic control circuit relates to the alignment of different brightnesses of individual OLEDs within a group of jointly operated OLEDs. Such an electronic control circuit consists of at least one or more series resistors for adjusting the forward voltage of the OLEDs to the electrical system. For example, it is conceivable to sort the OLEDs according to forward voltage and intensity, as in the so-called binning of LEDs. To compensate for differences between multiple OLEDs and to obtain a homogeneous brightness distribution of the adjacent OLEDs with different forward voltage and intensity, at least each OLED can be provided with a different series resistor.

In addition, when used as a light source, OLEDs can often require separate failure detection, especially for the fulfillment of light functions of vehicle lights or at least contributing bulbs. This may be due, for example, to the low power consumption of OLEDs.

For example, a control unit housed in a vehicle is not able to detect a change in the power extraction from the vehicle electrical system corresponding to the failure of one or a few OLEDs, since a resultant vehicle electrical system voltage change is below the vehicle power supply voltage fluctuations occurring during normal operation of a vehicle. An electronic circuit arrangement for failure detection, for example accommodated in the vehicle lamp, detects the failure of one or more OLEDs in the vehicle lamp, for example by means of one or more comparators, and communicates this to the control unit. This electronic circuit arrangement for failure detection can by a be implemented, for example, on a conductor and / or illuminant carrier of a light emitting electronic control circuit.

• zur Regelung und/oder Steuerung der Leuchtdichte bzw. Helligkeit bzw. Leuchtkraft der OLEDs, beispielsweise durch eine pulsweitenmodulierte Taktung der Stromversorgung für einen außerhalb des für das menschliche Auge wahrnehmbaren Bereichs gepulsten Betrieb und/oder durch eine Anpassung der Stromstärke,
• zur Kompensation oder Vermeidung elektromagnetischer Störungen, beispielsweise aufgebaut aus Kondensatoren und/oder Ferriten,
• zum Schutz der OLEDs z.B. vor einer Überspannung des Bordnetzes oder vor fehlerhafter Polung, beispielsweise umfassend eine oder mehrere Zenerdioden.

In addition, OLEDs may require additional electronic control circuits. Examples are electronic control circuits:

• for controlling and / or controlling the luminance or luminosity or luminosity of the OLEDs, for example by a pulse-width-modulated clocking of the power supply for a pulsed operation outside the range perceptible to the human eye and / or by adjusting the current intensity,
• for compensation or avoidance of electromagnetic interference, for example composed of capacitors and / or ferrites,
• for the protection of the OLEDs, for example, against an overvoltage of the electrical system or against incorrect polarity, for example comprising one or more Zener diodes.

In summary, for almost all OLED applications, a more or less extensive electronic control circuit designed for the particular OLEDs may be used. be applied to at least one conductor and / or illuminant carrier of the lamp. The electronic control circuit comprises in the simplest case a series resistor and a protective diode, but depending on the application may also contain substantially more electronic components, such as e.g. Microcontrollers or controllers, comparators, transistors, protective diodes, electrical resistors e.g. as a resistor, capacitors, ferrites, etc.

Thus, a light source having one or more OLEDs as a light source may comprise at least one further electronic component in addition to one or more OLEDs that represent electronic components on account of their diode structure. Accordingly, a light source having one or more OLEDs as light sources can have at least one further electronic component in addition to the at least one OLED.

The at least one OLED as a light source of the luminous means and at least one further electronic component can on a common, a conductor carrier representing light source carrier, or on spatially separated, for example, by a wire harness or one or more parts of a wiring harness electrically connected interconnect carriers, of which at least one of the light source carrier forms, be arranged.

The interconnect carriers used in conjunction with a luminous means carrier are interconnect carriers, as are also used for the electrical interconnection of electronic components, for example for controlling other illuminants, as OLEDs.

Conductor carriers can be made rigid, for example, as so-called printed circuit boards rigid, or as so-called flexible circuit boards, also referred to as printed circuit board flexible films, for example elastically or pliable deformable. In addition, injection molded circuit carriers produced in MID technology (MID technology: Molded Interconnect Device technology) are known, which are produced in the form of a component such as a vehicle lamp with integrated tracks in injection molding and in addition to their function for electrical contacting, for example, electronic components and / or light sources at the same time assume a mechanical function of the vehicle lamp, for example an arrangement of light sources along a predetermined geometry with simultaneous formation of a reflector.

A second subject matter of the invention relates to a vehicle lamp with a lamp interior substantially enclosed by a lamp housing and a lens, and with at least one illuminating means housed therein and comprising at least one light source for at least one light function of the vehicle lamp.

The vehicle lamp is characterized by at least one previously described lamp according to the first subject of the invention.

At least one light source of the illuminant of the vehicle lamp can be assigned one or more optical elements contributing to the formation of a light distribution for directing the light.

The lens is formed by a transparent cover which is usually made of a plastic material today, which closes off the interior of the lamp and protects the components housed therein, such as one or more lamps, reflectors and alternatively or additionally provided optical elements against the effects of weathering.

The luminaire housing or the interior of the luminaire can be subdivided into a plurality of chambers, each with its own light sources and / or illuminants and / or optical elements and, if appropriate, light disks and / or optical disks, of which several chambers can be identical and / or each chamber can fulfill a different lighting function.

The optical elements mentioned can be at least one reflector and / or at least one lens and / or one or more optical disks arranged in the beam path between at least one light source of the luminous means and the light disk and / or holographic plates or films or films act like that. Holography can be used in particular for the steering of light or electromagnetic radiation and can therefore be used in particular in vehicle lights used.

For example, at least one reflector arranged behind at least one light source of at least one luminous means can be accommodated in the luminaire interior. The reflector may be formed at least in part by a separate component and / or by at least one part of the luminaire housing itself, for example by means of an at least partially reflective coating.

The lens itself may alternatively or additionally be formed as an optical element, for example by being preferably provided on the inside with an optical structure contributing to the production of one or more light distributions mentioned above. This may possibly be dispensed with an optical disk.

The lighting means may comprise individual or a combination of the features described above and / or below in connection with the vehicle lamp, just as the vehicle lamp may have individual or a combination of a plurality of features previously and / or subsequently described in connection with the lighting means.

Both the vehicle lamp, as well as the lighting means may alternatively or additionally together or independently of each other, or a combination of several preliminary in connection with the prior art and / or in one or more of the documents mentioned in the prior art and / or in the Having described the following description of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

In summary, the invention proposes an increase in traffic safety by an intended for fulfilling a dynamic light function of a vehicle lamp or a prescribed light distribution of such a light function contributing bulb with a stationary, at least partially movable OLED light source, the OLED at least partially around at least one stationary axis is movably arranged.

Technical advantages result from an improvement in the visibility of such a realized dynamic light function.

Additional advantages over the prior art that go beyond the complete solution of the problem set and / or the advantages mentioned above for the individual features are listed below.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Leuchtmittels in perspektivischer Ansicht.

Fig. 2

das Leuchtmittel aus Fig. 1 in einem Querschnitt normal zur ortsfesten Achse.

Fig. 3

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Leuchtmittels in perspektivischer Ansicht.

Fig. 4

ein das Leuchtmittel aus Fig. 3 in einer ersten Stellung zeigender Querschnitt normal zur ortsfesten Achse.

Fig. 5

ein das Leuchtmittel aus Fig. 3 in einer zweiten Stellung zeigender Querschnitt normal zur ortsfesten Achse.

Fig. 6

eine Teilansicht einer Fahrzeugleuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel in einem Querschnitt normal zu dessen ortsfester Achse.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration. For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are only examples of how the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation. In a schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a light source in a perspective view.

Fig. 2

the bulb off Fig. 1 in a cross section normal to the stationary axis.

Fig. 3

A second embodiment of a light source in a perspective view.

Fig. 4

turn off the bulb Fig. 3 in a first position showing cross section normal to the stationary axis.

Fig. 5

turn off the bulb Fig. 3 in a second position showing cross section normal to the stationary axis.

Fig. 6

a partial view of a vehicle lamp with a light source in a cross section normal to the stationary axis.

An in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 . Fig. 6 shown in whole or in part, to fulfill a dynamic light function, for example, a in Fig. 6 partially provided vehicle lamp 100 provided or a prescribed light distribution of such a light function contributing bulb 01 comprises at least one dynamic light function alone or with one or more similar and / or different other light sources together fulfilling or the prescribed light distribution of such a light function contributing light source 02nd

At least one light source 02 of the luminous means 01 is a stationary, at least partially movably arranged OLED 20 (Organic Light Emitting Diode; OLED).

The thus at least one stationary, at least partially movably arranged OLED 20 is at least partially arranged movably around at least one stationary axis 03.

The illuminant 01 accordingly comprises at least one light source 02 for the fulfillment or contribution of at least one light function, for example one in Fig. 6 partially illustrated vehicle lamp 100.

The light source 01 comprises at least one OLED 20 as at least one light source 02.

The OLED 20 is stationary and arranged at least partially movable.

In this case, the OLED 20 is preferably arranged to be movable at least partially around at least one stationary axis 03.

The entire OLED 20 or at least a portion of the OLED 20 is arranged to be movable about the stationary axis 03.

Thus, the entire OLED 20 or at least part of the OLED 20, for example, a remaining movable portion 21 of the OLED 20, arranged to be movable about the stationary axis 03.

The OLED 20 may be fixed along the stationary axis 03 at least partially movable around it. For example, the OLED 20 can be arranged in its entirety rotatable about the stationary axis 03. In this case, the stationary axis 03 can form an axis of rotation 30 about which the OLED 20 can be arranged, for example, back and forth in a rotatable manner.

The OLED 20 may be arranged along the stationary axis 03 at least partially fixedly opposite this. One or more of the stationary axis projecting parts of the OLED are movably arranged relative to the stationary axis 03. The one or more of the stationary axis 03 projecting parts of the OLED are formed here as movable parts 21. For example, the movable parts 21 can be deflected and thereby moved relative to a fixedly arranged, for example, central part 22, along the stationary axis 03, with bending of the OLED 20.

The OLED 20 may extend along or along the at least one stationary axis 03 parallel thereto.

In this case, parallel to the stationary axis 03 through the OLED 20 extending cuts during movement remain at a constant distance from the stationary axis 03. During the movement, however, the orientation of the parallel to the stationary axis 03 through the OLED 20 extending extending sections relative to the stationary axis 03 changes.

The term axis here, in contrast to the term wave, a geometric axis and not a machine element.

The light-emitting means 01 preferably comprises at least one actuator 04 in order to move the OLED 20 or at least one part of the OLED 20 which is movable about the stationary axis.

In principle, a passive embodiment is conceivable in which the OLED 20, by virtue of its heat development, moves itself analogously to a bimetal.

Also possible is an electrostatic movement of the OLED 20, which takes place purely by different or the same electric charge and their attraction or repulsion.

The light-emitting means 01 may further comprise control means which cause one or more optionally provided actuators 04, at least when switching on the OLED 20 at the beginning of an application and / or at least during an application, briefly with an impingement of the OLED 20 with power to the OLED 20 or move at least one movable part of the OLED 20 about the fixed axis 03.

A beneficial and in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 fully or partially illustrated embodiment of the invention provides a light source 01, in which the OLED 20 is mounted rotatably arranged about the stationary axis 03.

Such a first preferred embodiment of the luminous means 01 according to the invention provides at least one OLED 20 as at least one light source 02, which, for example, is mounted so as to be rotatable about at least part of a lateral surface 05 of a cylinder, mounted along a stationary axis 03.

The stationary axle 03 forms a rotation axis 30 about which the OLED 20 is rotatably movably actuated by means of an actuator designed as a motor in this case.

The movable arrangement can be as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 each indicated by a double arrow R back and forth or designed to be rotating in the same direction.

The OLED 20 may in this case, for example, be arranged concentrically partially or completely wound around the rotation axis 30, corresponding to a winding onto an imaginary, for example lying, straight circular cylinder whose cylinder axis coincides with the stationary axis 03 forming the rotation axis 30.

The at least one OLED 20 can occupy the lateral surface 05 of the cylinder with a cylinder axis coinciding with the axis of rotation 30 wholly or partially.

In Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 For example, two OLEDs 20 mounted around the fixed axis 03, designed as a rotation axis 30 and rotatably mounted, are provided. The two OLEDs 20 are arranged opposite one another with respect to the rotation axis 30 on the lateral surface 05 of a cylinder. The cylinder axis of the cylinder coincides with the axis of rotation 30 and the stationary axis 03 formed by it.

The OLED 20 has a luminous surface called a luminous surface for short.

For example, in the case of an OLED 20 having a quadrangular luminous area, two opposite edges of the luminous area can run parallel to the axis of rotation 30. At least one of the two parallel to the axis of rotation 30 extending, opposite edges connecting edge may extend obliquely to the axis of rotation 30. If the OLED 20 is set in rotation about the axis of rotation 30, its luminous area during one revolution sweeps over a variable range along the axis of rotation 30 for an observer who is looking perpendicularly to the axis of rotation, similar to a progression of the helical pitch apparently observing a rotating helical thread. As a result, the location and / or the extent of the luminous area changes when viewed perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 30 with different angles of rotation over one revolution about the axis of rotation 30.

In other words, when considered in different angles of rotation, the luminous area assumes different longitudinal parts of the lateral surface 05 of the cylinder.

The same effect can be achieved with a triangular luminous surface, whereby the base side of the triangle can run parallel to the axis of rotation.

If the OLED 20 wholly or partially rolled up to a lateral surface 05 of a cylinder, so it forms itself completely or partially a hollow cylinder. For example, coincident with the rotation axis 30 may be inside such Hollow cylinder another light source to fulfill or contribute to the same or another light function of a vehicle lamp 100 may be arranged.

Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the distance of the OLED 20 from the rotation axis 30 seen over a rotation about the rotation axis 30 is variable with respect to this.

The substrate of the OLED 20 may be flexible in the above-described first preferred embodiment of the luminous means 01 according to the invention. The mechanical properties of the encapsulation of the OLED 20 may correspond to those of the substrate. By generating the dynamic effect by means of rotation, neither the substrate of the OLED 20 nor its encapsulation is subjected to bending stress.

Are like the ones in Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 illustrated embodiments, two or more OLEDs 20 are provided, which are arranged rotatably together about the rotation axis 30, so, for example, a light signature of the corresponding, realized by the light source 01 light function by a back and / or turning her one of the OLEDs 20, for example before or during the Switching on can be selected.

Thus, with only one light source 01 and without an additional segmentation of the at least one OLED 20 several different light signatures can be displayed, as well as different cold states in which the at least one OLED 20 is turned off and emits no light, and several hot states, in which the at least one OLED 20 is current flowing and emits light or electromagnetic waves, possible.

In addition, all the advantages of a light function that can be realized with an OLED 20 can be achieved and utilized, such as segmentation of the OLED 20 into a plurality of OLED segments which can be operated independently of one another, resulting in the possibility of an invisible arrangement due to the transparency of an OLED 20 in the off state or by backlighting or transillumination by means of another light source, the dimmability for example by a pulse-width-controlled modulation of the power supply of the OLED 20, including the fast response of an OLED 20.

The cylinder, at least a part of the lateral surface 5 of which occupies at least one OLED 20, may be a hollow or solid cylinder made of an opaque or at least in a visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye. In the case of a transparent material, the cylinder may be formed as a light guide, in which a further light source radiates its light, which then also passes through the lateral surface 05 to the outside. This light may be provided to fulfill or contribute to the same light function as the light emitted by the at least one OLED 20, or it may serve or contribute to a fulfillment of another light function.

Alternatively or additionally, in the interior of a cylinder designed as a hollow cylinder and made of a transparent material, at least a part of the lateral surface 5 which occupies at least one OLED 20, an additional light source or a light guide, in which a further light source emits their light, can be arranged , The one of which then also passes through the lateral surface 05 to the outside. This light radiated from the additional light source or from the light guide may be provided to fulfill or contribute to the same light function as the light emitted by the at least one OLED 20, or it may serve or contribute to a fulfillment of another light function.

A beneficial and in Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 wholly or in part embodiment of the invention provides a light source 01, in which the OLED 20 is at least translationally fixed along the stationary axis 03 and with at least one movable part 21 forming free end on one side or with two opposite, free ends on both sides of the stationary Axis 03 protrudes. In this case, each of the stationary axis 03 projecting and a movable portion 21 forming free end against an example central portion 22 of the OLED 20 as in Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 indicated by double arrows D back and forth movable.

Such a second preferred embodiment of the luminous means 01 according to the invention provides at least one OLED 20 as at least one light source 02 whose substrate and its encapsulation are flexible and thus flexible.

In this case, the OLED 20 is at least translationally fixed along the stationary axis 03, which is referred to briefly as the fixing axis. Optionally, the OLED 20 may additionally be rotationally fixed in this case. This is especially true in the case of two on both sides of a provided along the fixed axis 03, fixed central portion 22 of advantage, since this deformation caused by a movement of the first movable part 21 neither a change in position of the central part 22 entail, nor on the movement of in relation to the central lot 22 opposite remaining second movable part 21 can take influence, for example, by transmitting bending stresses from one moving part 21 via the central part 22 on the other moving part 21st

The OLED 20 projects with at least one free end forming a movable section 21 on one side or with two opposite free ends forming a movable section 21 on both sides of the fixing axis. The one or more free ends are movable to and fro by the flexible configuration of the substrate and the encapsulation. For example, at least one free-end opposite to the fixed along the fixing axis, for example, central part 22 reciprocating actuator 04 may be provided, in particular a linear actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator or a magnetic actuator.

As a result of the action of an actuator 04 on a free end forming a movable section 21, the luminous area of the OLED 20 is moved towards or away from the viewer who is looking perpendicularly at the fixing axis and thus reduces or enlarges the luminous area visible to the viewer, as in FIG Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 indicated by double arrows W.

Between a movable portion 21 of the OLED 20 and an actuator 04, a movable bearing 07 may be provided so that no bending stresses in the OLED 20 occur at the point of action 70 of the actuator 04.

For fixing the OLED 20 along the stationary axis 03, a fixed bearing 08 may be provided, on which the OLED 20 is fixed both translationally and rotationally.

For operating the at least one OLED 20 as at least one light source 02, the illuminant 01 may comprise one or more more or less complex electronic control circuits, which may be arranged, for example, on one or more interconnect and / or illuminant carriers of the illuminant 01.

A simple example of an electronic control circuit relates to the alignment of different brightnesses of individual OLEDs within a group of jointly operated OLEDs. Such an electronic control circuit consists of at least one or more series resistors for adjusting the forward voltage of the OLEDs to the electrical system of a vehicle. For example, it is conceivable to sort the OLEDs according to forward voltage and intensity, as in the so-called binning of LEDs. To compensate for differences between multiple OLEDs and to obtain a homogeneous brightness distribution of the adjacent OLEDs with different forward voltage and intensity, at least each OLED can be provided with a different series resistor.

In addition, when used as a light source, OLEDs can often require separate failure detection, especially for the fulfillment of light functions of vehicle lights or at least contributing bulbs. This may be due, for example, to the low power consumption of OLEDs.

For example, a control unit housed in a vehicle is not able to detect a change in the power extraction from the vehicle electrical system corresponding to the failure of one or a few OLEDs, since a resultant vehicle electrical system voltage change is below the vehicle power supply voltage fluctuations occurring during normal operation of a vehicle. An electronic circuit arrangement for failure detection accommodated, for example, in the vehicle lamp detects the failure of one or more OLEDs in the vehicle lamp, e.g. by means of one or more comparators and communicates this to the control unit. This electronic circuit arrangement for failure detection can be implemented by an electronic control circuit applied, for example, to a strip conductor and / or illuminant carrier of a luminous means.

• zur Regelung und/oder Steuerung der Leuchtdichte bzw. Helligkeit bzw. Leuchtkraft der OLEDs, beispielsweise durch eine pulsweitenmodulierte Taktung der Stromversorgung für einen außerhalb des für das menschliche Auge wahrnehmbaren Bereichs gepulsten Betrieb und/oder durch eine Anpassung der Stromstärke,
• zur Kompensation oder Vermeidung elektromagnetischer Störungen, beispielsweise aufgebaut aus Kondensatoren und/oder Ferriten,
• zum Schutz der OLEDs z.B. vor einer Überspannung des Bordnetzes oder vor fehlerhafter Polung, beispielsweise umfassend eine oder mehrere Zenerdioden.

In addition, OLEDs may require additional electronic control circuits. Examples are electronic control circuits:

• for controlling and / or controlling the luminance or luminosity or luminosity of the OLEDs, for example by a pulse-width-modulated clocking of the power supply for a pulsed operation outside the range perceptible to the human eye and / or by adjusting the current intensity,
• for compensation or avoidance of electromagnetic interference, for example composed of capacitors and / or ferrites,
• for the protection of the OLEDs, for example, against an overvoltage of the electrical system or against incorrect polarity, for example comprising one or more Zener diodes.

In summary, for almost all OLED applications, a more or less extensive electronic control circuit designed for the particular OLEDs may be used. be applied to at least one conductor and / or illuminant carrier of the lamp. The electronic control circuit comprises in the simplest case a series resistor and a protective diode, but depending on the application may also contain substantially more electronic components, such as e.g. Microcontrollers or controllers, comparators, transistors, protective diodes, electrical resistors e.g. as a resistor, capacitors, ferrites, etc.

Thus, a light source 01 with one or more OLEDs 20 as light source 02 may comprise at least one further electronic component in addition to one or more OLEDs 20 that represent electronic components on account of their diode structure. Accordingly, a light source 01 with one or more OLEDs 20 as light sources 02 next to the at least one OLED 20 can still have at least one further electronic component.

By the control circuit, alternatively or additionally, the already mentioned control means can be realized.

The at least one OLED 20 as the light source 02 of the illuminant 01 and at least one further electronic component can on a common, a conductor carrier representing light source carrier, or on spatially separated, for example, by a wiring harness 06 or one or more parts of a wiring harness 06 electrically connected conductor carriers from which at least one forms the light source carrier, arranged or be contacted via this electrically.

The interconnect carriers used in conjunction with a luminous means carrier are interconnect carriers, as are also used for the electrical interconnection of electronic components, for example for controlling other illuminants, as OLEDs.

Conductor carriers can be made rigid, for example, as so-called printed circuit boards rigid, or as so-called flexible circuit boards, also referred to as printed circuit board flexible films, for example elastically or pliable deformable. In addition, injection molded circuit carriers produced in MID technology (MID technology: Molded Interconnect Device technology) are known, which are produced in the form of a component such as a vehicle lamp with integrated tracks in injection molding and in addition to their function for electrical contacting, for example, electronic components and / or light sources at the same time assume a mechanical function of the vehicle lamp, for example an arrangement of light sources along a predetermined geometry with simultaneous formation of a reflector.

An in Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 Illuminant 01 shown in whole or in part comprises a dynamically deployable OLED 20, which enables a new and naturally occurring appearance of unfolding in conjunction with a dynamic light function.

Both the substrate and the encapsulation of the OLED 20 preferably have sufficient vibration-damping properties in order to suppress fluttering while driving due to vibration excitations emanating from the driving operation.

Advantages over the prior art include counteracting the phantom light effect which is caused by reflections on devices provided for obtaining predetermined light distributions, inter alia the light source itself.

In the luminous means 01 according to the invention, the specular OLED surface is turned away ( Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 6 ) or swung away or folded away ( Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 ), whereby reflections by extraneous light can be avoided.

In addition, several impressions can be realized, for example, depending on the ambient brightness.

A previously described lamp 01 can be particularly advantageous in conjunction with a in Fig. 6 used in parts vehicle lamp 100 are used.

The illuminant 01 can have individual or a combination of the features described above and / or subsequently in connection with the vehicle luminaire 100, just as the vehicle luminaire 100 can have individual or a combination of several features previously described in connection with the illuminant 01.

The vehicle lamp 100 has a luminaire housing 102, which is at least partially enclosed by a luminaire housing 101 and not shown in detail, in which at least one illuminating means 01 described above for fulfilling a dynamic light function of the vehicle lamp 100 or contributing to a prescribed light distribution of such a light function is housed ,

One or more apertures 103 may be provided to obstruct the view of parts of the lamp interior 101.

At least one light source 02 of the luminous means 01 of the vehicle lamp 100 may be assigned one or more optical elements contributing to the formation of a light distribution for directing the light.

The light disk 102 is formed by a transparent cover, which is usually made of a plastic nowadays, which closes off the lamp interior 102 and protects the components accommodated therein, such as one or more lamps 01, reflectors and alternatively or additionally provided optical elements against the effects of weathering.

The luminaire housing or the interior of the luminaire 101 can be subdivided into a plurality of chambers, each with its own light sources 02 and / or illuminants 01 and / or optical elements and optionally light disks 102 and / or optical disks, of which several chambers equal and / or each chamber fulfill a different lighting function can.

The optical elements mentioned can be at least one reflector and / or at least one lens and / or one or more optical disks and / or holographic disks and / or holographic disks arranged in the beam path between at least one light source 02 of the light source 01 and the light disk 102 Films and / or holographic films or the like act.

Holography can be used in particular for the steering of light or electromagnetic radiation and can therefore be used in particular in vehicle lights used.

For example, at least one reflector arranged behind at least one light source 02 of at least one luminous means 01 can be accommodated in the luminaire interior 101. The reflector may be formed at least in part by a separate component and / or by at least one part of the luminaire housing itself, for example by means of an at least partially reflective coating.

The lens 102 itself may alternatively or additionally be formed as an optical element, for example by being preferably provided on the inside thereof with an optical structure contributing to the production of one or more of the aforementioned light distributions. This may possibly be dispensed with an optical disk.

It can be seen that an increase in traffic safety according to the invention can be realized by a light source 02, which is provided to fulfill a dynamic light function of a vehicle light or a prescribed light distribution of such a light function, with a stationary, at least partially movably arranged OLED 20 as the light source 02, wherein the OLED 20 is at least partially arranged movably about at least one stationary axis 03.

It is important to emphasize that the invention for realizing a dynamic light function selects an approach in which preferably OLEDs 20 are used, which are located on a curved or curvable surface. At least the substrate of the OLEDs 20 is thus preferably a plastic.

The OLED 20 is curved and / or at least partially flexible and can be moved in the flexible case in itself or bent in other words. Result from this Various advantages that make it possible - especially in conjunction with a vehicle lamp - to make dynamic lighting functions. This brings an increased perception of the realized light function with it, which is associated with increased road safety when used in vehicle lights 100.

In the Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 and Fig. 6 shown first preferred embodiment of the invention shows an OLED 20, which itself does not have to be moved dynamically, but is only on a curved surface.

It shows Fig. 1 one or more arranged on a cylindrical or other shaped lateral surface 05 OLEDs 20 or divided into several OLED segments OLED 20 which is movably mounted about a rotation axis 30. In addition, an additional light function can be integrated in the interior of the rotating body surrounded by the lateral surface 05, for example with a light guide, or with a reflector or a prism system. The light of this additional light function passes through the lateral surface 05 not occupied by the at least one OLED 20 and / or through the transparent region of the at least one OLED 20 to the outside.

An advantage of this embodiment is the usability of OLEDs 20, which, while capable of being bent, can not withstand a large number of repeated bends. Therefore, this arrangement is particularly cost feasible.

At the in Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 The second embodiment shown is preferably a flexible OLED 20 or another flexible and luminescent material on a flexible surface, such as quantum dots (quantum dots, QD), which can be changed in shape by one or more actuators 04 ,

The invention is not limited by the description with reference to the embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature as well as any combination of features, including in particular any combination of features in the claims, even if that feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or embodiments.

The invention is particularly industrially applicable in the field of manufacturing vehicle lights, in particular motor vehicle lights.

The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

01

Lamp

02

light source

03

fixed axis

04

actuator

05

lateral surface

06

harness

07

movable bearing

08

fixed bearing

20

OLED

21

moving part of the OLED 20

22

central part of the OLED 20

30

axis of rotation

70

impact site

100

vehicle light

101

Lights Interior

102

Lens

103

cover

R

double arrow

D

double arrow

W

double arrow

Claims (10)

Light source (01) having at least one provided for fulfilling a dynamic light function of a vehicle lamp (100) or a prescribed light distribution of such a light function contributing light source (02), with at least one stationary, at least partially movable OLED (20) as at least one light source (02 ), wherein the OLED (20) is arranged at least partially movable about at least one stationary axis (03). Illuminant according to claim 1, wherein the OLED (20) along the fixed axis (03) is at least partially attached to this movable. Illuminant according to claim 1, wherein the OLED (20) along the stationary axis (03) at least partially fixedly disposed opposite to this, wherein one or more of the stationary axis (03) protruding parts (21) of the OLED (20) movable opposite the stationary axis (03) are arranged. Illuminant according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein it comprises at least one actuator (04) to move the OLED (20) or at least one about the fixed axis (03) movable part (21) of the OLED (20). Illuminant according to claim 4, wherein it comprises control means which cause the actuator (04), at least at the beginning of an impingement and / or at least during a loading of the OLED (20) with power, the OLED (20) or at least one movable part (21 ) of the OLED (20) to move about the fixed axis (03). Illuminant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the OLED (20) extends along or along the at least one stationary axis (03) parallel thereto. Illuminant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein parallel to the stationary axis (03) through the OLED (20) extending cuts during the Movement remain at a constant distance to the stationary axis (03), wherein during the movement of their orientation to the stationary axis (03) changes. Illuminant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the OLED (20) about the stationary axis (03, 30) rotatably mounted (R) is fixed. Illuminant according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the OLED (20) along the stationary axis (03) is fixed at least translationally and with at least one free end (21) on one side or with two opposite, free ends (21) on both sides of the stationary axis (03) projects, each of the stationary axis (03) projecting free end (21) back and forth (D, W) is movable. Vehicle lamp (100) having a luminaire interior (101) at least partially enclosed by a luminaire housing and a lens (102), in which luminous means (01) provided for fulfilling a dynamic light function of the vehicle luminaire (100) or contributing to a prescribed light distribution of such a light function according to one of the preceding claims is housed.

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