EP3355664A1 - Illuminant with fluorescent element and colour filter and light equipped with same - Google Patents

Abstract

A luminous means (01) and a luminaire (10) designed in particular as a vehicle luminaire (100) are described. The light source (01) has an excitation light source (02, 20, 22) and a fluorescent element (03). The fluorescent element (03) can be excited by at least one light color of the light emitted by the excitation light source (02, 20, 22) within the visible range for emitting light also within the visible range. The fluorescent element (03) has at least one luminous surface (04), which shines during an excitation to emit light, through which the light emitted by the fluorescent element (03) during excitation to emit light at least partially emerges. The vehicle lamp has a lamp housing (11) which is at least partially enclosed by a light housing (11) and a light disk (12) which is transparent at least for light in the visible range. At least one illuminating means (01) described above is at least partially accommodated in the interior of the luminaire (13) in order to fulfill at least one light function of the luminaire (10).

Description

The invention relates to a luminous means according to the preamble of claim 1 and a luminaire equipped with such a luminaire according to the preamble of claim 6.

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

Depending on the design, a luminaire fulfills one or more tasks or functions. To fulfill each task or function, a light function of the luminaire is provided. Light functions are, for example, in a lamp designed as a vehicle lamp 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 indicate a braking action, or. a limiting light function, such as a taillight function, to ensure visibility of the vehicle during the day and / or night, such as in a taillight or daytime running light configuration.

Examples of vehicle lights are the Fahrzeugbug, on the vehicle flanks and / or on the side mirrors arranged flashing 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.

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

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 lights, especially vehicle lights, increasingly inorganic light emitting diodes and in a few vehicle models already organic light emitting diodes used.

Inorganic light emitting diodes consist of at least one light emitting diode semiconductor chip, short LED chip, and at least one, for example, molded by injection molding, 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. OLEDs thereby make it possible to produce flat light sources which, on the one hand, are very thin and, on the other hand, have a particularly homogeneous appearance when they are visible through the lens of a vehicle light and are illuminated homogeneously when switched on. In addition, OLEDs have a similarly high efficiency in the conversion of electric current into visible to the human eye light, such as LEDs.

A disadvantage of OLEDs is their reduced temperature resistance compared to LEDs and their reduced resistance to environmental influences, in particular moisture and atmospheric oxygen. Both lead to a limited lifetime of OLEDs.

A first alternative for producing homogeneously appearing luminous surfaces are optical waveguide elements designed as so-called surface light guides. These allow the concealment of light sources, but are expensive to develop and Manufacture, since they require a precise alignment relative to the light sources that radiate into them in order to ensure a necessary to obtain the desired effect light guidance and light deflection. The physical limits of the light pipe and an often desired homogeneous light emission limit the possible geometry of the light guide and thus the creative freedom. In addition, suitable locations for light coupling must always be provided.

A second alternative to produce homogeneous luminous surfaces results from the use of electroluminescent films. A disadvantage of this is the low luminance achievable by electroluminescent films, which makes their use particularly in connection with the outside of the vehicle extremely limited or even impossible, at least one vehicle light which legally complies with the light function of a vehicle. In addition, electroluminescent films require their light emission AC voltage that is not available in vehicles used in road traffic without further action.

A third alternative to obtaining homogeneously appearing luminous surfaces makes use of the physical effect of photoluminescence. This provides for the use of a sheet-like element provided with fluorescent particles whose fluorescence is excited by one or more excitation light sources emitting light in the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum outside the visible range of the human eye. However, ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation has a detrimental effect on any form of organisms, particularly microorganisms and, among others, on the human eye. At all or even uncontrolled emerging from an example designed as a vehicle lamp luminaire ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation is therefore a threat to other road users, especially pedestrians and this particular all of children, whose eyes are at the height of the vehicle lights passing vehicles. As a result, vehicle lights having light in the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum outside the light-emitting area visible to the human eye also have significant licensing difficulties due to a potential health hazard.

However, an additional disadvantage of the third alternative, which is also inevitable due to the most careful encapsulation against the escape of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation from the interior of the luminaire, results in connection with plastics which today, with the exception of less housed in the luminaire interior electronic components including the light sources in addition to lamp housings at least partially surrounding luminaire housings and light panels are predominantly all the luminaire interior limiting and / or housed there components of lights are made. These made of plastic and non-protectable by the action of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation components, including lens and luminaire housing are subject to accelerated aging, resulting in embrittlement accompanied with reduced impact resistance of all components, as well as turbidity associated with a reduced optical quality at least within the the human eye visible range of electromagnetic radiation of transparent components.

By DE 10 2011 015 012 A1 a vehicle lamp is known, which has a light source with a light source for fulfilling a light function of the vehicle lamp. The light-emitting means furthermore has a light component comprising a fluorescent material, into which light of the light source which is not required to fulfill the light function, for example emitted outside the region of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye, is coupled into the light source. The coupled light excites the fluorescent material for light emission. A luminous surface of the light module is surrounded by an opaque surface area. The light generated by the fluorescent material exits through the luminous area from the light brick. The light function is thereby fulfilled by the light emitted directly by the light source and not by the light emitted via the light surface.

By CN 203656766 U For example, a vehicle lamp with LEDs is known as a light source for performing a light function. In the interior of the luminaire a fluorescent material is arranged, which is excited by ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation to shine.

By DE 10 2005 050 011 A1 is a vehicle lamp with a arranged on the lens transparent, electroluminescent layer known.

An object of the invention is to provide a lighting means which has a luminous area which is homogeneously illuminated in the switched-on state and has a high luminous intensity which is suitable for fulfilling a light function of a luminaire, in particular a vehicle luminaire or at least a prescribed light distribution of a light function of a vehicle luminaire, and moreover can be produced inexpensively is, has a long life and from which no health hazard.

Moreover, it is an object of the invention to provide a luminaire with a corresponding lighting means.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claim. 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 with an excitation light source and a fluorescent element, also referred to as a fluorescence element.

The fluorescent element can be excited by at least one light color of the light emitted by the excitation light source within the part of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye, for the purpose of emitting light also within the visible range.

The fluorescence element has at least one surface which is referred to briefly as luminous area and illuminates during an excitation for emitting light.

The light emitted by the fluorescent element emerges, at least partially, from its at least one surface, which is referred to as the luminous surface for a short time, and is illuminated during an excitation to emit light.

Advantageously, the excitation to emit light by blue light.

Preferably, the fluorescent element is excited to emit red light. Thus, the fluorescent element particularly preferably emits red light.

A particularly preferred refinement of the luminous means provides an excitation light source radiating only light of blue light color and a fluorescence element which can be excited by blue light to emit red light.

The excitation light source may emit light in at least a remaining portion of the visible region in addition to the light it emits to excite the fluorescent element to emit light in at least one light color.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a lamp which is preferably designed as a vehicle lamp and has a lamp housing which is at least partially enclosed by a lamp housing and a light disk which is transparent at least for light in the visible range.

In the luminaire interior, at least one previously described luminous means for the fulfillment of at least one light function of the lamp designed in particular as a vehicle lamp is at least partially accommodated.

The lamp designed in particular as a vehicle lamp may comprise one or more color filters, of which at least one, for example a color filter designed as an external color filter, at least the light emitted by the excitation light source in the light color intended for exciting the fluorescent element for emitting light at a passage through the lens to outside of the lamp interior. The one or more corresponding color filters filter out the corresponding at least one light color before or during the passage through the lens from the light emerging through the lens.

The one or more color filters may wholly or partially reflect light in the at least one light color hindered from passing through the lens to the outside of the luminaire interior back into the luminaire interior and / or absorb it in whole or in part.

The one or more color filters allow light in the light color emitted by excitation from the fluorescent element to emerge from the luminaire interior, for example, pass through.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one color filter arranged in the optical path between the excitation light source and the fluorescent element be provided, which is designed as an internal color filter, only by the excitation light source in the light provided for exciting the fluorescent element for emitting light emitted light to the fluorescent element can pass.

In conjunction with an external color filter which is intransparent for the light color for which the inner color filter is transparent, the excitation light source can thus be completely concealed from the observer looking from outside through the lens into the interior of the luminaire.

Advantageously, the excitation light source is arranged hidden in a non-visible from outside through the lens through the part of the lamp interior.

By way of example, the excitation light source can be arranged behind a diaphragm and thus lie behind a diaphragm from outside through the lens through which the light disc can not be seen.

A preferred embodiment of the lamp designed in particular as a vehicle lamp provides a red lens in conjunction with emitted from the excitation light source in blue light color light for exciting the fluorescent element for emitting light.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides an excitation light source which emits exclusively blue light in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum to the human eye, in conjunction with a red lens.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the lamp designed in particular as a vehicle lamp provides an excitation light source emitting only light of blue light color and a fluorescent element which can be excited by blue light to emit red light, accompanied by a red lens.

It can be seen that the invention proposes to use a fluorescent element as an apparent light source to obtain a luminous surface that appears to be homogeneous. The fluorescence element emits light in the visible range even when the excitation light source is active. The excitation light source can be concealed. Both the excitation light source and the light emitted by it can remain hidden from the viewer.

It can also be seen that the invention can be implemented by a vehicle lamp, in particular a vehicle lamp intended for fulfilling a light function, also referred to as a signal lamp for vehicles, in which the light-emitting elements are excited to emit fluorescence. Thanks to a color filter, the stimulating light can not escape from the luminaire and the fluorescent elements seem to shine for a viewer of their own accord. By suitable positioning or with a further color filter, the excitation light source can be completely obscured if necessary, so that it is hidden from the viewer.

Due to the almost perfect creative freedom of the fluorescent elements, it is possible, for example, to create light elements that seem to float freely in space and that appear completely transparent in the off-state. In addition, the observer has a surprising effect when, when the luminaire is switched on, transparent bodies are illuminated without any visible contact with a light source.

The lamp designed in particular as a vehicle lamp may have individual or a combination of the features previously described and / or subsequently described in connection with the luminous means, just as the luminous means described individually or a combination of several previously and / or subsequently in connection with the lamp designed in particular as a vehicle lamp Have features and / or can realize.

Both the lamp designed in particular as a vehicle lamp and the illuminant may alternatively or additionally be used as a single or a combination of several in connection with the prior art and / or in one or more of the documents mentioned in the prior art and / or in the following description have the features described in the drawings embodiments.

Advantages over the prior art are a solution to the technical problem of aging, exclusion of a health hazard, the elimination of Admission difficulties due to a potential health hazard of the intended there for excitation ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation.

The invention also allows a hidden arrangement of light sources in vehicle lights.

Additional, over the complete solution of the problem and / or beyond the advantages mentioned above advantages over the prior art are listed below.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit einer Glühlampe als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 2

die als Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführte Leuchte aus Fig. 1 in einer Draufsicht auf deren Lichtscheibe.

Fig. 3

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit einer Glühlampe als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 4

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit einer Glühlampe als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 5

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit einer Glühlampe als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 6

ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit einer Glühlampe als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 7

ein sechstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit einer LED als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 8

ein siebtes Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit mehreren LEDs als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 9

ein achtes Ausführungsbeispiel einer als eine Fahrzeugleuchte ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit mehreren LEDs als Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt durch das Leuchtengehäuse und die Lichtscheibe der Fahrzeugleuchte hindurch.

Fig. 10

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer für Dekorationszwecke ausgeführten Leuchte mit einem Leuchtmittel mit einer Anregungslichtquelle und einem fluoreszierenden Element in einem Querschnitt.

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 running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp with an incandescent lamp as an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 2

the lamp designed as a vehicle lamp Fig. 1 in a plan view of the lens.

Fig. 3

a second embodiment of a running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp with an incandescent lamp as an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 4

a third embodiment of a running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp with an incandescent lamp as an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 5

a fourth embodiment of a running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp with an incandescent lamp as an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 6

a fifth embodiment of a running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp with an incandescent lamp as an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 7

a sixth embodiment of a running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp with an LED as an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 8

a seventh embodiment of a running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp having a plurality of LEDs as an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 9

an eighth embodiment of a running as a vehicle lamp with a lamp with multiple LEDs as excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section through the lamp housing and the lens of the vehicle lamp through.

Fig. 10

An embodiment of a designed for decorative purposes lamp with a light source with an excitation light source and a fluorescent element in a cross section.

• ein Leuchtengehäuse 11,
• eine wenigstens für Licht im kurz als sichtbarer Bereich bezeichneten, für das menschliche Auge sichtbaren Teil des elektromagnetischen Spektrums transparente Lichtscheibe 12, und
• einen von dem Leuchtengehäuse 11 und der wenigstens für Licht im sichtbaren Bereich transparenten Lichtscheibe 12 zumindest zum Teil umschlossenen Leuchteninnenraum 13.

An in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 . Fig. 6 . Fig. 7 . Fig. 8 . Fig. 9 . Fig. 10 wholly or partially illustrated luminaire 10 comprises:

• a luminaire housing 11,
• a transparent lens 12, at least for light in the short term as a visible region, visible to the human eye visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, and
• one of the lamp housing 11 and the at least for light in the visible region transparent lens 12 at least partially enclosed lamp interior 13th

At least one light source 01 is at least partially accommodated in the interior of the luminaire 13 in order to fulfill at least one light function of the luminaire 10.

The luminous means 01 has at least one excitation light source 02 and at least one fluorescent element, also referred to as fluorescence element 03.

If the excitation light source 02 at least sufficiently current flows through, it emits light within the visible range.

The restriction that the excitation light source 02 must be at least sufficiently current-flowed to radiate light within the visible range, refers to the fact that current interruption circuits are more and more realized by semiconductor devices, which in contrast to a galvanic isolation of mechanical switches and relays at least one - Although small - allow reactive current to pass, but then not sufficient to operate a so separate from a power device, such as a light source or circuitry, as intended.

The fluorescent element 03 can be excited to emit light by at least one light color of light lying within the visible range.

The light emitted by the excitation light source 02 comprises at least this light color.

The light, for the delivery of which the fluorescent element 03 can be excited by at least one light color of light lying within the visible range, is likewise in the visible range.

The fluorescence element 03 has at least one illuminated surface 04 which is illuminated during an excitation for emitting light.

During an excitation to emit light from the fluorescent element 03 emitted light exits at least partially through this luminous surface 04.

In the case of in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 . Fig. 6 . Fig. 7 . Figure 8 and Fig. 9 illustrated lights 10, these are designed as vehicle lights 100th

In the Fig. 10 illustrated lamp 10 is designed to meet decorative purposes.

The light 10 may include at least one color filter 05.

The color filter 05 prevents at least the light emitted by the excitation light source 02 in the light color intended for exciting the fluorescent element 03 to emit light at a passage through the lens 12 to the outside of the lamp interior 13.

This may be advantageous, in particular in conjunction with a vehicle lamp 100, in order to prevent the emission of light of a light color which is forbidden within a legally prescribed light flux defined by colloquially as brightness, at most permitted and at least achievable luminances in certain solid angle ranges.

The one or more color filters 05 may wholly or partially reflect light in the at least one light color hindered by them from passing through the lens 12 to the outside of the lamp interior 13 back into the lamp interior 13 and / or absorb it in whole or in part.

The one or more color filters 05 allow light in the light color emitted by excitation from the fluorescent element 03 to emerge from the interior of the luminaire 13, for example, pass through.

The luminaire 10 embodied, for example, as a vehicle luminaire 100 may hereafter comprise one or more color filters 05 which transmit at least the light emitted by the excitation light source 02 in the light color intended for exciting the fluorescent element 03 to emit light at a passage through the lens 12 To prevent outside of the lamp interior 13. This may be, for example, an outer color filter 52, which is arranged upstream of, for example, the light disk 12, comprises this, or is encompassed by it, for example by coloring the lens 12. The corresponding color filter or filters 05 filter the corresponding at least one light color before or during passage through the lens 12 out of the light passing through the lens 12 through out light.

For example, a corresponding color filter 05 can accordingly be integrated into or covered by the lens 12 or comprise the lens 12.

The one or more color filters 05 may alternatively or additionally be part or all of the light source 01, for example, be covered by it. It is conceivable, for example, an intent in front of the luminous surface 04 or a coating of the luminous surface 04 or a multi-layered version of the fluorescent element 03 with directly sprayed onto the luminous surface 04 color filter 05 or behind a the luminous area 04 covering color filter 05 molded fluorescence element 03rd

Furthermore, an inner color filter 51 may be provided, which is arranged between the excitation light source 02 and the fluorescence element 03. The inner color filter 51 filters out the light colors remaining from the light emitted by the excitation light source 02 except for the light color provided for exciting the fluorescence element 03 to emit light briefly referred to as fluorescent light. Thus, only light of that light color from the excitation light source 02 penetrates the inner color filter 51 to the fluorescence element 03, which excites it to emit fluorescent light.

In conjunction with an already mentioned outer color filter 52, which is intransparent for light of the light color transmitted by the inner color filter 51, this allows complete concealment of the excitation light source 02, regardless of whether it is visible from outside through the lens 12 when looking into the luminaire interior 13 is arranged in a, for example, behind a panel 14 arranged, non-visible lot of the lamp interior 13, or not.

Preferably, the excitation light source 02 is as in FIG Fig. 7 represented hidden in a non-visible from outside through the lens 12 through lot of the lamp interior 13.

For example, the excitation light source as in Fig. 7 can be arranged behind a diaphragm 14 and thus lie outside of a through the lens through the non-visible lot behind a panel 14.

In the excitation light source 02 may be as in Fig. 1 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 . Fig. 6 represented by an incandescent lamp 20, which broadband emits light in the visible range.

A particularly advantageous embodiment, however, results in conjunction with a narrow-band light in the visible range radiating excitation light source 02, in particular an LED 22. A thereby in conjunction with a color filter 05 for the excitation light source 02 in the excitation of the fluorescent element 03 for Delivery of light necessary light color emitted light resulting advantage is a warm state of the excitation light source 02, in which it emits their light to hide completely, since the light emitted by it is completely prevented by the color filter 05 at the exit through the lens.

It is important to mention in this connection that the light color of the light emitted by the excitation light source 02 to excite the fluorescent element 03 differs from the light color of the light emitted by the fluorescence element 03 during the excitation such that it differs be perceived by the human eye as different colors. A measure of the different colors perceived by the human eye is a wavelength difference within the visible spectrum of 5 nm to 15 nm, preferably 10 nm.

Preferably, the fluorescent element 03 is excited by blue light to emit light.

The light color of the light emitted by the excitation light source 02 which excites the light emission of the fluorescent element 03 preferably comprises at least blue light.

Advantageously, one or more blue LEDs 22 or light emitting blue light color LEDs 22 can be used as excitation light source 02. In conjunction with a color filter 05 for blue light, all light emitted by the excitation light source 02 can be prevented from exiting the interior of the luminaire 13 or at least passing through the lens 12 of the luminaire 10.

In connection with a stimulable by light blue light color for emitting light fluorescent element 03 and a blue light emitting excitation light source 02, in particular at least one exclusively blue light emitting LED 22 as an excitation light source 02, designed as a vehicle lamp 100 lamp 10 preferably comprises a red Lens 12.

The light emitted by the fluorescence element 03 at least during the excitation by at least one light color of the light emitted by the excitation light source 02 comprises at least red light.

Preferably, the fluorescent element 03 is excited to emit red light. Thus, the fluorescent element 03 particularly preferably emits red light.

A preferred embodiment of the light source 01 provides an excitation light source 02 radiating only light of blue light color and a fluorescence element 03 which can be excited by blue light to emit red light.

A correspondingly configured light source 01 comprises an excitation light source 02 radiating exclusively light of blue light color and a fluorescence element 03 which can be excited by blue light for emission of red light.

In conjunction with a red lens 12, in particular a designed as a vehicle lamp 100 lamp, thus any light is different Light color as red at a passage through the lens 12 and thus prevented from escaping from the lamp interior 13. The blue light radiated by the excitation light source 02 neither goes outside the luminaire interior 13, nor can it be recognized by the lens 12 when looking from the outside to the lens 12.

It is important to note that the excitation light source 02 may be capable of emitting light in at least a remaining portion of the visible region, in addition to the light emitted by it to excite the fluorescent element 03 to emit light in at least one light color.

It can be seen that the invention proposes to use a fluorescent element 03 as an apparent light source to obtain a luminous surface that appears to be homogeneous. The fluorescence element 03 radiates even in the case of active excitation light source 02 light in the visible range. The excitation light source 02 may be concealed. Both the excitation light source 02, as well as the light emitted by this light can remain hidden from the viewer.

It can also be seen that the invention can be realized by a vehicle lamp 100, in particular a designated for fulfilling a light function, also referred to as a signal lamp for vehicles vehicle lamp 100, in which the light-emitting elements are excited to fluoresce via lights. By a color filter 05, the stimulating light can not escape from the lamp 10 and the fluorescent elements 03 shine for a viewer by itself. By appropriate positioning or with a further color filter 05, the excitation light source 02 can be completely obscured, if necessary, so that it is hidden from the viewer.

Due to the almost perfect creative freedom of the fluorescent elements 03, it is possible, for example, to produce light elements that seem to float freely in space and that appear completely transparent in the cold or off-state in which they emit no light. In addition, the observer will have a surprise effect if, when the luminaire is switched on, 10 transparent bodies are illuminated without any visible contact with a light source.

It is important to emphasize that the invention comprises a lamp 10, for example, a in Fig. 10 illustrated lamp 10 for decoration purposes or in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 . Fig. 6 . Fig. 7 . Fig. 8 . Fig. 9 illustrated, also referred to as a signal light vehicle lamp 100, in particular a tail light, brake light, side marker, parking light or direction indicator light. This luminaire 10 contains a luminous means 01 with an excitation light source 02 and one or more fluorescence elements 03. In addition, the luminaire 10 and / or the luminous means 01 may comprise at least one color filter 05.

A color filter 05 referred to hereinafter as an outer color filter 52 absorbs or reflects light of the wavelength of the excitation light source 02. The color filter 05 is the light of the fluorescence elements 03 which is briefly referred to as fluorescent light and emitted during the excitation of a fluorescence element 03 for emitting light however transparent. The excitation light source 02 radiates in a wavelength range that excites the fluorescence elements 03 to fluorescence.

The outer color filter 52 can be realized in particular by a colored lens 12 of the lamp 10. In the case of a conversion as tail light, this is the red lens 12 of the vehicle lamp designed as a rear lamp 100th

In addition to colored plastic, such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or glasses, also referred to as acrylic glass, colored coatings such as laminated or glued films, lacquers or vapor-deposited layers are also suitable as color filters 05. Furthermore, the implementation of the color filter 05 with interference filters is possible, which offer the advantage of blocking the exciting light of the excitation light source 02 in a very narrow-band manner. As a result, the color filter 05 appears to the viewer less strongly colored than a colored glass or a colored plastic. In general, reflective color filters 05, such as interference filters, offer the advantage that they throw the light back into the interior of the luminaire 13 and thus increase the luminous intensity there and enable a more energy-efficient and uniform illumination of the luminaire interior 13 with light of the excitation wavelengths.

The outer color filter 52 additionally protects the fluorescent element or elements 03 in the luminaire interior 13 from external light of the wavelengths which are the fluorescence stimulate. Thus occurs in the off state of the lamp 10 no or only low fluorescence. The switched-off lamp 10 does not start to light up even in a bright environment. In addition, the color filter 05 can be designed as a low-pass filter that blocks light of all wavelengths shorter than its absorption edge. Such an outer color filter 52 protects the fluorescent elements 03 housed in the luminaire interior 13 from the energy-intensive ultraviolet radiation, which has a life-increasing effect in the case of luminaires 10 in outdoor use, for example vehicle lamps 100.

The irradiation of the fluorescence element or elements 03 can take place with one or more excitation light sources 02. In particular, LEDs 22 and incandescent lamps 20, but also lasers, in particular laser diodes, come into consideration as excitation light sources 02.

Be like in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 . Fig. 6 incandescent lamps 20 are used as excitation light source 02, so they are visible to the viewer as a light source by their broad emission spectrum, which also includes the wavelength of the fluorescent light of the fluorescent element or 03, unless they are as in Fig. 6 are arranged behind a designed as an internal color filter 51 color filter 05.

If it is therefore not desirable that an incandescent lamp 20 used as an excitation light source 02 is visible to a viewer as the light source, it must be covered with an internal color filter 51, as exemplified in FIG Fig. 6 shown. Such an inner color filter 51 may be formed such that it allows only light to pass that is shorter than the fluorescent light emitted by the fluorescent element or elements 03 during its excitation to emit light. Such an inner color filter 51 is designed as a high-pass filter.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the section through a signal lamp according to the invention for a motor vehicle. It consists of a formed as a reflector or a reflector comprising a luminaire housing 11, a colored lens 12 and an incandescent lamp 20 as the excitation light source 02. In addition, a transparent, fluorescent element 03 is introduced before and / or on the reflector, which of the short-wave light component of Incandescent lamp 20 is excited to fluoresce. The fluorescent light is largely transmitted via light pipe fluorescent material is conducted to the edges of the fluorescent element 03 and exits there. These edges are directed forward and form a red glowing as in Fig. 2 represented for example by a completely surrounded by the lamp housing 11 and closed by the lens 12 light opening ring 30 as an additional design element of the lamp 10. Because the fluorescent element 03 is transparent to the transmitted from the colored lens 12 light component of the light bulb spectrum, the light differs 10 for this proportion of light is not essential from a conventional lamp. Consequently, it will only be supplemented by a further design aspect. When switched off, it differs visually hardly from a conventional lamp, turned on, the appearance differs from the conventional lamp by the intensely illuminated ring 30th

The construction of in Fig. 3 Luminaire 10 shown differs essentially from the previous embodiment in the arrangement of the fluorescent element 03. This is when in Fig. 3 embodiment shown not rearwardly arranged in front of the example designed as a reflector luminaire housing 11, but is located as a clear disc between the excitation light source 02 and the colored lens 12 of the lamp 10. The light extraction is also here predominantly as on the inner circumference of the closed by the lens 12 light opening of Luminaire 10 circumferential ring 30. In this embodiment, the lens 12 is executed without structure. Of course, that too can be done in Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment may be performed with a structured lens 12, as in the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment is provided.

At the in Fig. 4 illustrated, designed as a vehicle lamp 100 lamp 10 is in contrast to the previously described and in Fig. 3 illustrated lamp 10, the disk-shaped fluorescent element 03 designed as a diffuser. Fig. 4 shows a designed as a light guide plate with roughened surface made of a fluorescent material fluorescent element 03. Also possible are a structured surface or a fluorescent volume scatterers as a fluorescent element 03. In this embodiment, the coupling out of the fluorescent light takes place as in Fig. 4 indicated by the over the entire height of the lens 12 extending curly bracket on the entire, lying behind the lens 12, the excitation light source 02 remote from the surface of the fluorescent element 03 comprehensive luminous surface 04. The design of the fluorescent element 03 as a diffuser ensures a uniform distribution of the exiting fluorescent light over the entire luminous surface 04 and thus contributes to the homogeneous appearance. At the same time, the fluorescent diffuser also acts scattering for possibly provided to fulfill a light function and / or contributing long-wavelength light of the excitation light source 02, so that a structuring of the lens 12 is not necessary. Optionally, the lens 12 may again be embodied as a color filter 05, for example as an outer color filter 52.

At the in Fig. 5 illustrated, designed as a vehicle lamp 100 lamp 10, a light, for example, as a color filter 05, such as an outer color filter 52, running lens 12 is provided at its the interior of the lamp 13 and the therein hosted excitation light source 02 facing inside with the fluorescent element 03. In turn, the disk-shaped fluorescence element 03 can be injection-molded onto the lens 12, for example in an injection molding process providing two or more cycles, or the lens 12 can be molded onto the disk-shaped fluorescent element 03. In this case, 12 PC or PMMA is injected into the mold in time with the lens 12 and fluorescent material in time with respect to the fluorescent element 03. In this case, the disk-shaped fluorescent element 03 is connected in the multi-point injection molding process with the optionally additionally acting as a color filter 05 lens 12. The light conduction of the fluorescent light takes place both in the fluorescent material and in the light disk 12, which is embodied, for example, as a color filter 05. The decoupling occurs predominantly at the edge of the luminaire. If a structured inner side is used instead of the geometry of the light-disk / fluorescent-element composite shown here, this has the same effect as in FIG Fig. 4 embodiment shown a surface coupling of the fluorescent light.

At the in Fig. 6 illustrated, also designed as a vehicle lamp 100 lamp 10, for example, designed as a light bulb 20 excitation light source 02 is covered by a visually appealing designed inner color filter 51. Preferably, the inner color filter 51 is made of blue colored, transparent plastic, for example PMMA. Only the blue light component of the light bulb spectrum passes through the inner color filter 51 and strikes the red fluorescence emitting fluorescent elements 03. These are in this example attached to the luminaire housing 11, the inner color filter 51 and the outer color filter 52 encompassed by the lens 12. The lamp 10 thus has two color filters 05, an inner color filter 51 and an outer color filter 52. The blue light transmitted through the inner color filter 51 excites the fluorescent elements 03 to emit the fluorescent light. The fluorescent light leaves the luminaire 10 through the outer color filter 52 of red-transparent PMMA. This outer color filter 52 is at the same time the lens 12 of the vehicle lamp 100, this includes or is covered by this.

One or more light-emitting diodes 22 as an excitation light source 02 offer, in addition to their much higher energy efficiency, the further advantage that they only emit light in a narrow wavelength range. If this wavelength range is blocked by an outer color filter 52 of the luminaire 10, then its light is also invisible to the viewer without further color filter 05. Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 show as a correspondingly designed vehicle lights 100 trained lights 10th

Nevertheless, under certain circumstances, it may be advantageous to mask even only light in the LEDs 22, which emit the fluorescent light emitting at least one fluorescent element 03, as excitation light sources 02 through an additional internal color filter 51. Fig. 8 shows a formed as a correspondingly designed vehicle lamp 100 lamp 10. If the inner color filter 51 is intransparent in the spectral regions in which the outer color filter 52 of the lamp 10 is transparent, then the excitation light sources 02 are not visible to the viewer. The spectral radiation of an LED 22 often has the form of a Gaussian distribution, so that at high luminance of the LED 22 in a spectral range for which the outer color filter 52 is transparent, perceptible luminances are generated. An inner color filter 51 in front of the LED 22 substantially reduces this amount of light visible through the outer color filter 52.

Fig. 7 shows a designed as a signal light with an LED 22 as an excitation light source 02 without internal color filter 51 lamp 10 in a cross section. The fluorescence elements 03 emit red fluorescent light upon excitation. The excitation light source 02 is arranged behind a diaphragm 14 so that a viewer does not look directly from the usual viewing position onto the LED 22. In front of the wall of the lamp housing 11, in particular in front of the rear, is an intransparent For example, white or blue light distribution element 06 introduced that the light of the LED 22 scatters and / or reflected to produce a more homogeneous distribution of the exciting blue light in the lamp interior 13. If the light distribution element 06 is blue, it acts as a scattering and / or reflective color filter 05. The fluorescent elements 03 are excited by the blue light of the LED 22 to shine. Only the red fluorescent light can pass through the red lens 12 and is visible to the viewer.

Fig. 8 shows a cross section through a likewise designed as a signal light with a plurality of LEDs 22 as excitation light source 02 and internal color filter 51 lamp 10. The structure is similar to that in the in Fig. 8 shown vehicle lamp 100 LEDs 22 comprehensive excitation light source 02 of in Fig. 6 shown vehicle lamp 100. The inner color filter 51 is used to absorb the long-wavelength light component of the light blue light color emitting LEDs 22 and the LEDs 22 to hide the viewer of the lamp 10. The arrangement of the LEDs 22 can be made purely from a technical point of view, because they are not visible from the outside.

Fig. 9 shows a cross section through a likewise designed as a signal light with multiple LEDs 22 as excitation light source 02 lamp 10. Their structure is similar to the waiver of an internal color filter 51 of in Fig. 8 The viewer can see the LEDs 22 directly, but they are always turned off for him, since the light emitted by them light is blocked by the light filter 12 comprising a color filter 05 and 12 designed as an outer color filter 05.

For the inner color filter 51, the same implementation possibilities are offered, which have already been mentioned for the outer color filter 52. Depending on the design, the color filter 05 may appear to the viewer of the luminaire 10 as a dark reflecting surface, as a dark matt surface or as a metallically reflecting surface. As a rule, the luminaire 10 does not impose any high requirements on the distribution of the fluorescence-exciting light emitted by the excitation light source 02 in the luminaire interior 13. This results in a very large design freedom for an internal color filter 51, among other things also with regard to its design. In addition, objects between the excitation light source 02 and the inner color filter 51 and optionally the surface of the color filter facing the excitation light source 02 can 05 can not be seen from an outside of the lens 12 through looking into the lamp interior 13 viewer. This space or this surface is therefore suitable for the introduction of light-directing elements, such as prisms, lenses, light-diffusing surfaces, diffusers, if these are required, for example, to obtain a given light distribution, for example.

Laser light sources offer the advantage of emitting extremely intense and spectrally extremely narrow-band light. This allows excitation of the fluorescent elements 03 with very high intensity of the exciting light. At the same time, additional light effects can be generated by a highly localized excitation. In addition, it is possible to block the laser light with a narrow-band outer color filter 52 and thus to give the luminaire 10 an appearance that appears less colorful to the viewer. An inner color filter 51 can be dispensed with.

A narrow-band outer color filter 52, which only blocks light of a narrow wavelength range, can also be combined with an additional inner color filter 51, which, like a so-called bandpass, only allows light of a narrow wavelength range to pass through. As a result, a less intense colored appearance of the outer color filter 52 can be produced. A combination with other, visible from the outside light sources that emit short-wave light is then conceivable.

Regardless of the preferred type of primary excitation light source 02 as the LED 22, the exciting light can also be distributed via a light guide in the lamp interior 13 of the lamp 10. In this case, if a light guide is used which is transparent to the light of the excitation light source 02 but intransparent in the transparency region of an outer color filter 52, this results in novel design options. In particular, rear-mounted coupling-out structures on such a light guide can not be seen by the viewer of the luminaire 10.

The fluorescent elements 03 are preferably bodies of largely transparent or translucent plastic, such as PC or PMMA, which is colored with a fluorescent dye. Alternatively, non-transparent fluorescent bodies or surfaces are possible. The fluorescent surface may then be derived from the material of the body itself or by a fluorescent Coating or a fluorescent paint come about. Even in a transparent solid fluorescent layers introduced offer interesting design options.

A significant advantage of transparent materials containing fluorescent dyes is that part of the fluorescent light is passed through total internal reflection in the material, such as in an optical fiber, and exits the edges of the objects, matting, or buried grooves. This concentration of the fluorescent light gives rise to particularly intense luminous structures. When switched off, transparent fluorescent elements 03 also provide a very appealing appearance.

The fluorescent dye has at least one absorption maximum and at least one emission maximum. The emission maximum lies in the visible spectral range. The absorption maximum is always at shorter wavelengths than the emission maximum. A large wavelength distance between the absorption maximum and the emission maximum is preferred. This simplifies the adaptation between the excitation light source 02, an optionally provided inner color filter 51, the fluorescence elements 03 and the outer color filter 52. However, the excitation to emit the fluorescence light can also take place outside the absorption maximum, wherein the emission maximum of the excitation light source 02 does not coincide matches the absorption maximum of the fluorescent dye. For example, blue LEDs 22 are often less expensive than green ones. In addition, the distance between exciting wavelength and emitted wavelength, that is, between the fluorescent element 03 for emitting fluorescent light exciting light color and the fluorescent light can be increased and thus a color filter 05 are used with less steep edge in the absorption spectrum when an LED 22 is used whose emission maximum is shorter than the absorption maximum of the fluorescent dye. Especially in the case of transparent or translucent fluorescent elements 03, it is advantageous if the fluorescent dye has the lowest possible absorption in the region of its emission. This reduces the light scattering and the absorption of emitted fluorescent light.

When used in a signal function in a vehicle lamp 100, the emission maximum of the fluorescent dye is preferably in or near the law prescribed color range for the signal function, corresponding to red at taillight, brake light, rear side marker light, direction indicator according to SAE, and yellow at the direction indicator, and side marker light. The color location of the emitted light can be additionally influenced by the outer color filter 52. If the emitted fluorescent light of the luminaire 10 does not meet the legal requirements even after passing through the outer color filter 52, the color locus can be shifted into the legally permissible range by a specific combination with further non-fluorescent light sources. Likewise, the light intensity can be increased or the visual appearance can be supplemented by additional light sources. In addition, it is possible to use different fluorescent dyes as a mixture or separately from each other in the same luminaire 10 in order to obtain a color mixture or to change the optical appearance.

Dyes that emit fluorescent light in the yellow or red spectral range usually absorb blue or green light. In taillights with red or yellow lens this has the advantage that blue instead of UV light can be used and so the lamp interior 13 and housed in this components are not exposed to high-energy ultraviolet radiation.

For in Fig. 10 illustrated decorative lights or light elements inside the vehicle are all emission colors interesting.

Fig. 10 shows a decorated for decoration purposes lamp 10. For example, this is a night light. The lampshade is provided with a color filter 05 or colored. Inside the luminaire 10 fluorescent elements 03 are suspended from transparent fluorescent plastic in this example in the form of a mobile. As a result of different fluorescent dyes in the individual fluorescent elements 03, they differ in their color when the luminaire 10 is switched on. When switched off, they all appear colorless transparent. The fluorescent light emerges particularly strongly at the edges of the fluorescent elements 03. So can be set with holes in the fluorescent elements 03 or with engravings or matting luminous light accents. At the foot of the lamp 10, a blue LED 22 is placed as an excitation light source 02 in the interior of the lamp, which is hidden by an internal color filter 51 to the external observer

It is also important to emphasize that the in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 . Fig. 5 . Fig. 6 illustrated vehicle lights 100 make it possible to provide additional design options even with a light bulb tail lamp, such as to allow the excitation light source 02 remains invisible.

In summary, a fluorescent element made of, for example, fluorescent PMMA is used as an apparent light source emitting fluorescent light, and the light emitted from the excitation light source 02 is prevented from exiting the light by a color filter 05, particularly an outer color filter 52.

A further development provides for an additional arrangement of an inner color filter 51, which allows the exciting light to pass, but whose transmission range extends over a wavelength range in which the outer color filter 52 is intransparent. As a result, the excitation light source 02, which emits the exciting light, can not be seen from the outside.

The at least one fluorescent element 03, in conjunction with a luminaire 10 embodied as a vehicle luminaire 100, advantageously emits yellow or red fluorescent light, whereas light emitted by the excitation light source 02, which is preferably embodied as an LED 22, excites the fluorescent light to emit the fluorescent light.

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

Excitation light source

03

Fluorescence Element

04

light area

05

color filter

06

Light distributing member

10

lamp

11

luminaire housing

12

Lens

13

Lights Interior

14

cover

20

light bulb

22

LED

30

ring

51

inner color filter

52

outer color filter

100

vehicle light

Claims (10)

Illuminant (01) with an excitation light source (02, 20, 22) and a fluorescent element (03), which by at least one light color of the light emitted by the excitation light source (02, 20, 22) within the visible range for delivery also within the visible light in the visible range and at least one luminous during an excitation for emitting light luminous surface (04) through which at least partially exits the light emitted by the fluorescent element (03) during an excitation to emit light of light. The illuminant according to claim 1, wherein the light color exciting the fluorescent element (03) for emitting light comprises blue light. Illuminant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light emitted by the fluorescent element (03) comprises red light. Illuminant according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein it comprises an excitation light source (02, 22) emitting only light of blue light color and a fluorescent element (03) which can be excited by blue light to emit red light. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the excitation light source (02, 20, 22) emits light in at least a remaining portion of the visible region, in addition to that of it to excite the fluorescent element (03) to emit light at least one light color emitted light. Luminaire (10, 100) with one of a luminaire housing (11) and a light at least partially transparent for light in the visible area (12) at least partially enclosed lamp interior (13), wherein in the lamp interior (13) at least one light source (01) after one of the preceding claims for the fulfillment of at least one light function of the lamp (10) is at least partially accommodated. Luminaire according to claim 6, wherein it comprises at least one color filter (05, 52) which comprises at least the light emitted by the excitation light source (02, 20, 22) in the light color intended to excite the fluorescent element (03) for emitting light Passage through the lens (12) through to the outside of the lamp interior (13) prevents. Luminaire according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein it comprises at least one inner color filter (05, 51) arranged between the excitation light source and the fluorescent element (03), which light emitted exclusively by the excitation light source (02, 20, 22) in the excitation of the fluorescent element (03) for the delivery of light provided light color to the fluorescent element (03) passes. Luminaire according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the excitation light source (02, 20, 22) is arranged hidden in a non-visible from outside through the lens (12) through the part of the lamp interior (13). Luminaire according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein it comprises a red lens (12).

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