EP3388731A1 - Light module and motor vehicle light equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A luminous means (01) having at least one light source (02) and at least one optical element (03) for directing the light and a vehicle lamp which is arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by the light source (02) and which contributes to the shaping of a predetermined light distribution are described. The luminous means (01) is characterized in that at least one optical element (03, 31, 32) of the luminous means (01) is mechanically deformable, and the luminous means (01) at least one on the at least one mechanically deformable optical element (03, 31, 32) acting actuator (04), upon actuation of a mechanical deformation of the optical element (03, 31, 32), accompanied by a change in the formed by the relevant optical element (03, 31, 32) light distribution (51, 52). The vehicle lamp has a luminaire housing which is at least partially enclosed by a luminaire housing and a lens and at least partially accommodates at least one illuminant (01) described above.

Description

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

In particular, the invention relates to a for providing a dynamic and / or adaptive light function of a vehicle lamp provided or a prescribed light distribution of such a light function contributing lamp with at least one light source and arranged in the beam path mechanically deformable optical element, and by means of a corresponding to fulfill a dynamic and / or a vehicle light provided with an adaptive and / or an active light function or provided for this purpose.

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, comprising at least one optionally at least partially housed therein, comprising at least one light source.

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. So For example, only two or three of the mentioned or else other luminaires can be combined with one another in a common luminaire housing of a taillight.

Depending on the design, each vehicle lamp fulfills one or more tasks or functions. To fulfill each task or function, a light function of the vehicle lamp is provided. Light functions are, for example, in a configuration as a headlamp a function illuminating the road surface, or in a configuration as a signal light, a signal function, such as a Wiederblinklichtfunktion to the direction indicator 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.

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. The higher the brightness, the farther the light function contributes, or the greater is the distance, briefly called the range of sight, from which it can be perceived.

For the individual lighting functions, in some cases different light intensities, determining brightnesses or visibility, as well as, in part, different light colors and luminous surface sizes are specified.

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 semiconductor light sources used, especially inorganic light emitting diodes and in a few vehicle models already organic light-emitting diodes.

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. 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.

All semiconductor light sources whose fast response with the beginning of a current flow in the forward direction common, according to their in contrast, for example, as light sources of bulbs in vehicle lights also used incandescent and gas discharge lamps quasi delay-free, immediate light emission. In addition, the light emission of semiconductor light sources takes place almost immediately in full luminosity, whereas the light emission of the mentioned conventional light sources takes time to reach their full luminosity from the light emission-free cold state. For incandescent lamps, the time until they reach their full luminosity is typically 100ms to 500ms.

In order to increase the perceptibility or perceptual power of light functions of a vehicle lamp for other road users is known to animate within the legally permitted limits for a visually striking effect by a targeted control and thereby revive, creating the corresponding light function and thus their signal effect by others Road users is perceived faster.

A well-known example is so-called dynamic lighting functions, in which the time allowed by law, which requires an incandescent lamp as a legally permitted light source of a light intended to fulfill a light function to reach 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, for example, by means of a light source with a plurality of successive successive LEDs as light sources.

Investigations have shown that this increases the traffic safety, since by 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 detected.

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 order to increase the perceptibility or perceptual power of light functions of a vehicle lamp for other road users is also known to emphasize this situation.

Such situation-related emphasis is found especially in tail lights in the form of so-called adaptive lighting functions.

An adaptive light function fulfills a function which goes beyond its intended, normal function of the light function and, if necessary, additionally emphasizes and / or supplements the intended, normal function and / or supplementary function.

A prominent example is one of individual manufacturers also active brake light or dynamic brake light called adaptive brake light function.

In this context, adaptive is to be understood as adaptable in at least two escalation stages, in most cases two-stage in the case of a brake light function.

Whose beyond the normal function of a proper lighting of the brake light function when operating the service brake function is in an information subsequent traffic participants on the strength of the executed by the vehicle ahead braking by additional emphasis of the brake light function. In this case, the adaptive brake light function is not only used to indicate a readiness or actuation of the service brake, which is done as in a conventional brake light function by their intended lighting from a slight depression of the brake pedal, but in addition to the subsequent traffic on the strength and / or suddenness to inform the brake, which can be done for example by adding additional luminous surfaces and concomitantly increase the illuminating when the brake light function illuminated area, for example, above a threshold of the means of the brake pedal applied brake pressure and / or for example above a threshold value of the operating speed of the brake pedal. Such an adaptive brake light function does not distinguish between a normal operation of the service brake and an emergency brake, but only between light and strong operation of the service brake. The latter does not necessarily mean emergency braking. During normal operation of the service brake, a lighting area of a tail light lights up on each side of the vehicle. In the event of a strong and / or sudden actuation of the service brake, two lighting surfaces of one tail light illuminate on each side of the vehicle. These are typically the illuminating surface that lights up when the normal brake light function is fulfilled, and an additional luminous area, for example, the additional one Illuminated area of the rear fog light function on both sides. Alternatively or additionally, all luminous surfaces which are active in a highest escalation stage of an adaptive brake light function can shine much brighter than in the case of a normal actuation of the service brake.

To realize an adaptive Bremslichtfumktion with emergency braking detection is known, for example, based on the brake pressure, the operating speed of the brake pedal, the vehicle speed, the comparison of the determined by means of an acceleration sensor actual and determined using a brake pressure sensor desired delay, the friction between tires and road, the activation of Brake assist functions, such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability program (ESP) and / or an environment-monitoring emergency braking system to detect a dangerous situation and to cause their activation an activation of the brake light function and additionally or alternatively with already active brake light function their emphasis.

There are different ways of highlighting adaptive brake light functions or emergency brake displays.

In an adaptive brake light function with emergency brake detection, the brake light function lights up during normal operation of the service brake as with any other motor vehicle. In emergency braking, however, the brake lights may flash several times per second. As a result, the following traffic is warned and the reaction time is shortened according to a study. If it is braked to a standstill, the hazard warning lights can then turn on by activating the repeatable flashing light function on all the vehicle lights installed on the vehicle to fulfill the repeatable flashing light function. A deactivation of the hazard warning lights can be done automatically by continuing the journey or manually by pressing the warning flash button.

In summary, both dynamic light functions and adaptive light functions attract the attention of other road users, either by being set up by means of targeted activation of, for example, several light sources one after the other, or by highlighting intended light functions. As a result, they contribute to an improvement of the visual and Perceptibility of light functions of a vehicle lamp, along with an increase in traffic safety.

From vehicle headlamps is also known to increase traffic safety, an active light function for situation-adapted illumination of the road. The active light function has a variable light distribution, which adapts to the traffic and environmental conditions, for example to illuminate objects in the further course of the road specifically to make the driver of the own vehicle aware of their presence, and / or other road users of a radiation to avoid to remove their glare.

Active light functions can be used, for example, in a vehicle headlamp to realize different illuminations, such as a cornering light function, a motorway light function, a glare-free high beam function or the like.

Active light functions have hitherto been realized by means of light sources having a multiplicity of individually controllable light sources each contributing to a different part to the prescribed light distribution, in particular a dimming light function.

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 at least contributing to at least one prescribed light distribution of, for example, a dynamic and / or adaptive and / or active light function of a vehicle lamp.

The lighting means comprises at least one light source.

At least one light source of the luminous means is associated with one or more optical elements contributing to the formation of a light distribution for directing the light.

The one or more optical elements are arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by at least one light source of the light source.

At least one optical element of the at least one optical element is mechanically deformable.

The lighting means further comprises at least one acting on the at least one mechanically deformable optical element actuator. Upon actuation of the at least one actuating element, a mechanical deformation of the optical element takes place accompanied by a change in the light distribution formed by the relevant optical element.

The luminous means is accordingly distinguished by the fact that at least one optical element arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by at least one light source of the luminous means is mechanically deformable by means of at least one adjusting element, whereby this forms a different light distribution. The mechanical deformation accordingly results in a change in the light distribution of the light interacting with the optical element 03, for example passing through the optical element 03 and / or deflecting by means of the optical element 03.

The mechanical deformation provides, for example, that the optical element is compressed, stretched and / or bent.

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

Linear actuators are preferably used as actuating elements acting on the at least one optical element for purposes of its mechanical deformation.

Due to their linear actuation direction, their high actuation speed and their high achievable actuation frequency as well as their interim proven, long life come due to their structure free of complex moving components particularly preferred piezo actuators used.

A piezoelectric actuator comprises a head and a foot part and a piezoelectric element arranged between the top and bottom part and comprising a plurality of piezoelectric layers stacked one above the other. The piezoelectric element is constructed by using a material having a suitable crystal structure for the piezoelectric layers so that upon application of an external voltage, a mechanical reaction of the piezoelectric element takes place, which depending on the crystal structure and the contact areas of the electrical voltage, a pressure or a train in a predeterminable Represents direction.

The piezoelectric element consists of a large number of stacked piezoelectric layers, between each of which an internal electrode of alternating polarity is located. On two opposite side surfaces are external electrodes via which the internal electrodes are supplied with electrical charge. Each inner electrode is connected to the respectively associated outer electrode. In order to avoid a short circuit between the outer electrodes, the inner electrodes may not occupy or cover the entire cross-sectional area of the piezoelectric element, but must maintain a certain distance from the outer electrode of the respectively opposite polarity. In this case, the shape of the surface to be omitted depends on which regions of the circumference of the piezoelectric element are covered by the external electrodes.

The piezoelectric actuator may be at least partially surrounded by a holding body. Head and foot are on the one hand connected to the mechanically deformable optical element and on the other hand with a base support of the bulb or, for example, a lamp housing a lamp housing the light source, for example hinged, so that compressed by applying a voltage on the piezoelectric actuator, the mechanically deformable optical element, for example, stretched and / or is bent.

The mechanically deformable optical element, such as a reflector or a lens, may comprise an OLED, which in turn may contribute to the light function or perform another light function.

For example, the metallic reflective surfaces of OLEDs with flexible substrate and flexible encapsulation can be used as flexible reflectors. Thus, the luminous means consists of a flexible reflector formed by a flexible OLED as a mechanically deformable optical element which is illuminated by a light source other than the OLED, such as an LED, in the sense that the other light source their light in the through the flexible OLED formed flexible reflector which forms depending on instantaneous deformation by the actuator a variable, predetermined light distribution for this light. In addition, the flexible OLED used as a flexible reflector can emit even light which can either contribute to a different light function or the same light function as that produced by the other light source, for example for the purpose of generating a dynamic light function or for highlighting in the context of an adaptive light function ,

It is important to emphasize that a reflector-type, flexible OLED can be provided with a diffuser element, such as a scattering film, whereby the radiation of both the OLED and the other light source is homogenized.

In principle, a mechanically deformable optical element can also be realized by one or more, for example, inherently rigid, pivotably arranged mirrors whose pivotal position or their pivotal positions can be changed by at least one adjusting element.

It can be seen that at least the first subject of the present invention provides a generation of a dynamic and / or an adaptive and / or an active light effect by means of an actuation of an actuating element resulting mechanical deformation of an arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by a light source of a light optical element which mechanical deformation causes a change in the light distribution formed by the optical element.

A second subject matter of the invention relates to a vehicle lamp with a lamp interior which is essentially at least partially 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.

The lens is formed by a preferably made of a plastic, transparent, at least partially clear and / or at least partially clouded against a view, color neutral and / or at least partially colored cover which closes the lamp interior and housed therein components such as a or protects several lamps, reflectors and alternatively or additionally provided optical elements against the weather.

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 optionally light disks and / or optical disks, of which several chambers can perform the same light functions and / or each chamber a different light function.

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 subsequently in connection with the vehicle lamp, as well as the vehicle lamp may have individual or a combination of several previously and / or subsequently described in connection with the light source features.

Both the vehicle lamp and the illuminant may alternatively or additionally be used together or independently of one another, 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 Having the features described in the drawings illustrated embodiments.

In summary, the invention proposes an increase in traffic safety by means of a luminous means provided for the fulfillment of a dynamic and / or an adaptive and / or an active light function of a vehicle lamp or a prescribed light distribution of such a light function with at least one light source and an optical element mechanically deformable by means of an actuator Beam path of at least one light source.

Technical advantages result from an improvement in the visibility of such a realized dynamic and / or adaptive and / or active light function.

In lighting systems formed, for example, by one or more vehicle lights arranged on a vehicle, the question frequently arises of how to compensate at least partially for mechanical and thermal tolerances as well as tolerances with regard to color location and / or to calibrate lighting systems individually.

In order to at least partially compensate for tolerances of lighting systems, in particular on the vehicle, considerable efforts are made by a high outlay with regard to production accuracy, thermal management, etc.

An individual calibration of lighting systems is - except when setting the cut-off point for the headlight - so far not performed.

An over a complete solution of the problem surprisingly resulting advantage of the invention is that the possibility of the bulbs is created, at least partially compensate for tolerances of lighting systems and / or to calibrate lighting systems individually.

Also, with this system - as described below - color corrections possible.

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 Ausführungsbeispiel eines Leuchtmittels mit einem im Strahlengang des von einer Lichtquelle des Leuchtmittels abgestrahlten Lichts angeordneten, flexiblen Reflektor als mechanisch verformbares Optikelement in einem ersten, mechanisch unverformten Grundzustand in einem Querschnitt.

Fig. 2

das Leuchtmittel aus Fig. 1 mit dem im Strahlengang des von der Lichtquelle des Leuchtmittels abgestrahlten Lichts angeordneten, flexiblen Reflektor als mechanisch verformbares Optikelement in einem zweiten, mechanisch verformten Biegungszustand in einem Querschnitt.

Fig. 3

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines eine Linse umfassenden mechanisch verformbaren Optikelements in einem ersten, mechanisch unverformten Grundzustand in einem Querschnitt.

Fig. 4

das mechanisch verformbare Optikelement aus Fig. 3 in einem zweiten, mechanisch verformten Dehnungszustand in einem Querschnitt.

Fig. 5

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Lichtverteilung eines Leuchtmittels mit einem im Strahlengang des von einer Lichtquelle des Leuchtmittels abgestrahlten Lichts angeordneten mechanisch verformbaren Optikelement in einem ersten, mechanisch unverformten Grundzustand.

Fig. 6

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Lichtverteilung eines Leuchtmittels mit einem im Strahlengang des von einer Lichtquelle des Leuchtmittels abgestrahlten Lichts angeordneten mechanisch verformbaren Optikelement in einem zweiten, mechanisch verformten Verformungszustand.

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

an embodiment of a luminous means with a arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by a light source of the light source, flexible reflector as a mechanically deformable optical element in a first, mechanically undeformed ground state in a cross section.

Fig. 2

the bulb off Fig. 1 arranged with the in the beam path of the light emitted by the light source of the light source, the flexible reflector as a mechanically deformable optical element in a second, mechanically deformed bending state in a cross section.

Fig. 3

an embodiment of a lens comprising a mechanically deformable optical element in a first, mechanically undeformed ground state in a cross section.

Fig. 4

the mechanically deformable optical element Fig. 3 in a second, mechanically deformed strain state in a cross section.

Fig. 5

An embodiment of a light distribution of a light source having a mechanically deformable optical element arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by a light source of the light source in a first, mechanically undeformed ground state.

Fig. 6

an embodiment of a light distribution of a light source having a mechanically deformable optical element arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by a light source of the light source in a second, mechanically deformed deformation state.

• mindestens eine Lichtquelle 02 und
• wenigstens ein im Strahlengang des von der Lichtquelle 02 abgestrahlten Lichts angeordnetes, zur Ausformung einer vorgegebenen Lichtverteilung beitragendes Optikelement 03 zur Lichtlenkung.

An in Fig. 1 . Fig. 2 . Fig. 3 . Fig. 4 Wholly or partially illustrated, for example, to fulfill or at least contribute to at least one predetermined light distribution of, for example, dynamic and / or adaptive and / or active light function of a vehicle lamp provided bulbs 01 includes:

• at least one light source 02 and
• at least one in the beam path of the radiated light from the light source 02, contributing to the formation of a predetermined light distribution optical element 03 for directing light.

The light-emitting means 01 is characterized in that at least one optical element 03 of the light-emitting means is mechanically deformable, accompanied by a change in the light distribution formed by the relevant optical element 03.

The light-emitting means 01 is further distinguished by at least one actuating element 04 acting on the at least one mechanically deformable optical element 03, upon the actuation of which a mechanical deformation of the optical element 03 takes place.

Accordingly, the illuminant 01 is characterized in that at least one optical element 03 arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by at least one light source 02 of the illuminant 01 is mechanically deformable by means of at least one actuating element 04, whereby it forms a different light distribution. The mechanical deformation therefore has a change in the light distribution of the light interacting with the optical element 03, for example passing through the optical element 03 and / or deflected by means of the optical element 03.

By one or more adjusting elements 04, the or the optical elements 03 can be changed in shape.

As an alternative or in addition to a realization of, for example, a dynamic and / or adaptive and / or active light function of a vehicle lamp, mechanical tolerances due to different influences can be corrected with the invention. For this purpose, for example, at the end of the luminaire production, the optical system can be optimized and calibrated to the desired light distribution.

The at least one mechanically deformable optical element 03 may be as in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 represented by at least one reflector 31 and / or as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 represented by at least one reversibly stretchable and / or compressible lens 32 act.

In principle, it is alternatively conceivable that the at least one mechanically deformable optical element 03 is at least one optical disc and / or holographic plate or a holographic film or optical disc arranged in the beam path between at least one light source 02 of the illuminant 01 and a lens of a vehicle light housing the illuminant 01 a holographic foil or the like.

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

The mechanical deformation of the optical element 03 may provide, for example, that the optical element 03 as on in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 represented example of a designed as a flexible reflector 31 mechanically deformable optical element 03 is reversibly bent by the action of the control element 04. The flexurally rigid, reversibly flexible reflector 31 undergoes a bending stress when it is deflected by the action of the control element 04 from a ground state forming, for example in Fig. 1 shown basic position in a bending state forming, for example in Fig. 2 shown mechanically bent bending position is deformed.

Basically, the in Fig. 2 illustrated state of ground state and in Fig. 1 shown state of the bending state.

It is also possible that the ground state of a position of the flexible reflector 31 in a between the in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2 end positions shown occupies. In this case both put in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2 shown states each represent a bending state.

Alternatively, the mechanical deformation may provide that the optical element 03 as at Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrated example of a designed as a reversible stretchable and compressible lens 32 mechanically deformable optical element 03 by the action of a side of the lens 32 arranged adjusting element 04 or as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown by, for example, at two or more evenly distributed over the circumference of the lens 32 circumferentially arranged oppositely disposed adjusting elements 04 stretched and / or compressed. The reversibly stretchable and compressible lens 32 in this case experiences a tensile and / or a compressive load, which it encounters by slimming or thickening.

In this case, a mechanically undeformed ground state as in Fig. 3 provided thicker shape of the lens 32 provide, whereas a mechanically deformed strain state as in Fig. 4 shown, slimmer shape of the lens 32 may provide, which the lens 32 under tensile stress by or the adjusting elements 04 occupies.

It is also possible to provide reverse conditions, with a mechanically deformed compression condition as in Fig. 3 shown thicker shape of the lens 32 provides, whereas a mechanically undeformed ground state as in Fig. 4 shown, slimmer shape of the lens 32 may provide. The compression state takes the lens 32 in this case by a generated by the one or more adjusting elements 04 compressive stress.

In addition, it is possible that the lens 32 assumes an undeformed ground state in an intermediate position. Here, the lens 32 takes a in Fig. 3 illustrated compression state under a pressure generated by the one or more adjusting elements 04 and a pressure in Fig. 4 shown strain state under a generated by the or the adjusting elements 04 tensile stress.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 each show a sectional view of an embodiment with a correspondingly reversibly stretchable and compressible lens 32, which by means of the edge of the lens 32 at two or more evenly distributed over its circumference arranged peripheral positions oppositely mounted adjusting elements 04 in shape, in particular in its thickness and thus the Curvature of their opposite, optically effective surfaces 33 can be changed. In this case, various curvatures may be provided on the opposite, optically effective surfaces 33 of the lens, as in FIG Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 indicated by different radii arrows R1, R2, R3, R4.

For example, for the in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 4 indicated by arrows R1, R2, R3, R4 radii R1 <R2 and R3 <R4.

In principle, the opposing, optically effective surfaces 33 of the lens 32 in the example in Fig. 3 illustrated ground state and / or im in Fig. 4 shown expansion state in each case the same curvatures corresponding to identical, by the arrows R1 and R2 in Fig. 3 shown radii or correspondingly identical, by the arrows R3 and R4 in Fig. 4 have shown radii.

As suitable lens materials for such a reversibly stretchable and compressible lens 32, for example silicones can be used.

As at least one light source 02 of the light source 01 come due to the input described advantages preferably one or more LEDs 20 are used.

At least one mechanically deformable optical element 03 of the illuminant 01, such as a preferably reversibly flexible reflector 31 or a lens 32, may additionally comprise an OLED 05 or be covered by an OLED 05. The OLED 05 in turn can contribute to the fulfillment of the same light function as the light source 02, or fulfill another light function or contribute accordingly.

For example, a specular surface of a flexible OLED 05 fabricated using a flexible substrate and flexible encapsulant may form a flexible reflector 32 as a mechanically deformable optical element 03, as exemplified in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown.

Accordingly, for example, the metallic, reflective surfaces of OLEDs 05 with flexible substrate and flexible encapsulation can be used as reversibly flexible reflectors 31. Thus, the illuminant 01 consists of a flexible reflector 31 formed by a flexible OLED 05 as a mechanically deformable optical element 03, which is illuminated by a different light source 02 than the OLED 05, for example an LED 20, in the sense that the other light source 02 their light radiates into the flexible reflector 31 formed by the flexible OLED 05, which forms a variable, predetermined light distribution for this light, depending on the instantaneous deformation by at least one control element 04. In addition, the flexible OLED 05 used as a flexible reflector 31 can emit even light which can either contribute to a different light function or the same light function as that produced by the other light source 02, for example for the purpose of generating a dynamic light function or for highlighting in the frame an adaptive light function.

In addition, it is also possible to use segmented OLEDs 05 with segments which can be controlled individually for light emission, which can compensate for luminance differences on the reflector 31, for example, whereby the emission of the reflector 31 can be homogenized.

A reflector-like arranged and provided as a flexible reflector 31 as a mechanically deformable optical element 03, flexible OLED 05 may advantageously be provided with a diffuser element, such as a scattering film and / or with a variety of micro-optics, for example on the outermost layer of an OLED 05. conceivable For example, it is necessary to incorporate the micro-optics directly into the encapsulation of the OLED 05 or to arrange a transparent element provided with the micro-optics directly on the encapsulation of the OLED 05. In this way, the radiation of both the OLED 05 and the other light source 02 is homogenized in the beam path of the light formed by the flexible reflector 31 comprising the flexible OLED 05 or encompassed by the flexible reflector 31.

At the in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 4 For example, a transparent, flexible OLED 05, which is embodied as a reversibly deformable lens 32, may be integrated, for example, by forming its encapsulation, which is made, for example, of plastic and / or other materials, together with a first optically active surface 33 of the lens 32 forming flexible substrate of the OLED 05 a lens shape, for example, as in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 4 shown on one of the OLED 05 opposite, second optically active surface 33 of the lens 32 form.

In addition, the color location of the light source 02 can thereby be corrected. The color location of the light source 02, which is preferably formed by an LED 20, changes the optical element 03, for example as in FIG Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 When a lens 32 is illuminated, the embedded OLED 05 can influence the color location of the overall emission by color mixing. As a result, for example, a temperature-controlled color shift of the LED 20 taking place by the action of the operating temperature and / or the ambient temperature can be compensated for by the radiated matched OLED dominant wavelength. As a result, legal color locations can be maintained under certain conditions, for example.

In addition, it is also possible to use segmented OLEDs which, for example, can compensate for luminance differences in the lens 32, as a result of which the radiation from the lens 32 can become homogeneous.

In principle, instead of the integration of an OLED 05 into a mechanically deformable optical element 03, other light sources may also be provided, in particular in conjunction with lenses and / or reflectors. For example, luminous excitable material can be used on a flexible surface, such as quantum dots (QD). In this way reversibly flexible reflectors 31 or also in conjunction with a surface of a lens-shaped, transparent, reversibly flexibly deformable material lens 32 can be realized in conjunction with a reflective surface.

The at least one adjusting element 04 is preferably a stroke and / or adjusting device which is controlled according to the adjusting travel along an actuating element axis and which can be shortened and which retracts an assumed extent along, for example, an actuating element axis against Direction of the actuator axis acting, in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 3 by double arrows F1, F2 indicated pressure and preferably also tensile forces holds until the at least one control element 04 driven by its actuation or actuation of the drive driven driven occupies a new extension along the actuator axis.

For example, an adjusting element 04 may be an electromechanical lifting cylinder or an electromechanical lifting column also called a telescopic column or telescopic drive. These have an electrical drive acting directly on the travel.

As a drive for an actuating element 04 is for example a linear drive in question.

A linear drive refers to a drive, which leads to a translational movement in a straight line or along another predetermined course. Simple embodiments of linear drives are, for example, hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinders.

Examples of other linear drives are ball screws, roller screws, such as roller screws with roller return or planetary roller, rack and pinion, electromechanical linear actuators, such as linear motors with electrodynamic operating principle, linear actuators with piezoelectric, electrostatic, electromagnetic, magnetorestrictive or thermoelectric operating principle.

As already mentioned, the at least one adjusting element 04 can alternatively or additionally be designed as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic cylinder. In these, a gaseous or liquid fluid, such as air or hydraulic oil, also be pressurized by means of an electrically driven pump. In this case, however, an influence on the travel is produced only indirectly via the fluid, which flows in and / or out of the valve element controlled as a pneumatic and / or hydraulic cylinder and thereby influences its travel.

For example, the at least one adjusting element 04 can be embodied as a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder which can be pressurized on one or both sides with pressure.

The maximum travel of the adjusting element 04 can be increased by a series connection of several linear drives, as is realized for example in telescopic columns.

The at least one actuating element 04 acting on at least one mechanically deformable optical element 03 for purposes of influencing the light distribution of the light interacting with the optical element 03 and emitted by the light source 02 of the illuminant 01 by means of mechanical deformation is preferably a linear actuator 40.

Because of their linear actuation direction, their high actuation speed and their high achievable actuation frequency as well as their time-proven, long life come due to their structure free of complex moving components particularly preferred piezo actuators 41 as linear actuators 40 are used.

A piezoactuator 41 comprises a head and a foot part and a piezoelectric element arranged between the top and bottom part of a plurality of piezoelectric layers stacked one above the other and each forming a linear drive with a small travel. The piezoelectric element is constructed by using a material having a suitable crystal structure for the piezoelectric layers so that upon application of an external voltage, a mechanical reaction of the piezoelectric element takes place, which depending on the crystal structure and the contact areas of the electrical voltage, a pressure or a train in a predeterminable Represents direction.

The piezoelectric element consists of a large number of stacked piezoelectric layers, between each of which an internal electrode of alternating polarity is located. On two opposite side surfaces are external electrodes via which the internal electrodes are supplied with electrical charge. Each inner electrode is connected to the respectively associated outer electrode. In order to avoid a short circuit between the outer electrodes, the inner electrodes must not occupy or cover the entire cross-sectional area of the piezoelectric element, but must maintain a certain distance from the outer electrode of the opposite polarity. In this case, the shape of the surface to be omitted depends on which regions of the circumference of the piezoelectric element are covered by the external electrodes.

The piezoelectric actuator 41 may be at least partially surrounded by a holding body. Head and foot are on the one hand connected to the mechanically deformable optical element 03 and on the other hand with a formed for example by a conductor carrier 06 base support of the lamp 01 or, for example, a luminaire housing a lamp housing the light source connected, for example articulated, so that by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 41st For example, the mechanically deformable optical element 03 is compressed, stretched and / or bent.

It is important to emphasize that a mechanically deformable optical element 03 may alternatively be realized by a plurality of inherently rigid, relatively pivotally arranged Optikelementepartien, for example, mirror parts or lens parts whose pivotal positions or their absolute and relative positions are each variable by at least one control element 04.

In addition, as already indicated, the luminous means may comprise a conductor carrier 06. For example, comes as a conductor carrier 06 a short as a printed circuit board, board or printed circuit board (PCB) referred to printed circuit board used.

Embodiments in which the mechanically deformable optical element 03 can be fixed on one side to a conductor carrier 06 forming, for example, a base carrier of the illuminant 01 can alternatively be embodied as injection-molded circuit carriers produced in MID technology (MID technology: Molded interconnect device technology) ,

It can be seen that the luminous means 01 provides for the generation of a dynamic and / or adaptive and / or active light effect by means of an optical deformation of an optical element 03 arranged in the beam path of the light emitted by a light source 02 of a luminous means 01, by actuation of an actuating element 04 which mechanical deformation is a change of the by the optical element 03 by its interaction with that of the light source 02 emitted light distribution light distribution 10, 11 entails.

Fig. 5 shows, for example, a light distribution 10 of a mechanically deformable optical element 03 in a basic position in a mechanically undeformed ground state, whereas Fig. 6 shows by way of example a light distribution 11 of a mechanically deformable optical element 03 in a deformation position in a mechanically deformed deformation state.

In this case, X denotes the horizontal propagation of the light distribution while looking against the light propagation of the light previously interacting with the optical element 03, whereas Y denotes the vertical propagation of the light distribution.

It can be seen that the in Fig. 5 dimensionless illustrated light distribution 10 in the ground state has a much narrower spread <1 in both the horizontal and in the vertical direction than the in Fig. 6 illustrated light distribution 11 in the deformation state, which in each axial direction in each case reaches the dimensionless value 1.

This can be used, for example, to realize a dynamic light function, for example, by a transition from the basic state to the deformation state, which, if necessary, increases the attention of other road users by broadening its light distribution while increasing the luminance.

Also conceivable is a use, wherein while the at least one light source 02 is active, is repeatedly switched back and forth between ground and deformation state, for example, to achieve an adaptive light function.

In addition, by influencing the light distribution, an active light function can be realized by switching back and forth between the ground and deformation states depending on the presence of objects to be illuminated and / or shaded in the further course of the road.

The light source 01 may, in conjunction with a vehicle lamp with a substantially of a lamp housing and a lens at least partially enclosed luminaire interior be realized. The light source 01 is in this case at least partially housed in the interior of the lamp.

The light source serves to fulfill or contribute to a dynamic and / or an adaptive and / or an active light function of the vehicle light.

The vehicle lamp may include additional bulbs, as implemented at the outset, which are provided for realizing light functions other than those at least partially fulfilled by the light source 01 with mechanically deformable optical element 03 and for this purpose can be accommodated, for example, in separate chambers formed in the interior of the lamp.

In summary, the invention is an adaptive mirror and / or lens system in order, for example, to realize a multifunctional lighting chamber and / or to compensate for tolerances. Such compensation of tolerances can also be made on a fully assembled assembly, such as a taillight. In this case, the optical system can be readjusted or calibrated, for example, by comparison with an angle-dependent light intensity and / or luminance measurement.

For the invention, flexible or OLEDs 05 can additionally or alternatively be used in one or more directions, if appropriate also with a transparent property. Optionally, such an OLED 05 may also emit light in multiple colors. This property can be realized by a so-called multiple stack, wherein several active, stimulable to light radiation layers are provided in the OLED structure, of which emit at least two light of different colors. With such a structured OLED 05 several light functions of a vehicle lamp can be operated.

In addition, color location tolerances can also be at least partially corrected by, for example, adjusting the color mixture of the light source 02 interacting with the optical element 03, preferably embodied as LED 20, on a reflector-like OLED 05. For this purpose, the color location of a multicolor radiating OLED, for example controlled by a corresponding sensor in a control circuit, could be readjusted depending on the temperature.

Among other things, advantages result from the fact that, depending on the deformation of the optical element or elements 03, light functions can be better illuminated in the sense that they fulfill, for example, a desired light distribution or multiple desired light distributions.

The invention thus makes it possible, in addition to a complete solution of the task, to realize an adaptive and active optics for light systems used in vehicle lights. Adaptive and active optics are techniques that improve the quality of optical systems and at least reduce or compensate errors as much as possible. As a rule, this is done by movement or deformation of mirrors. Such measures are known above all from astronomy in the field of mirror telescopes.

With adaptive optics, new devices are increasingly able to use the higher resolving power of large optics. Either a known point-like object such as a bright star is used as a reference, or it is excited by a laser sodium, which originates from micrometeorites that burn up in the earth's atmosphere, in the upper earth's atmosphere at a height of about 90km to illuminate and thus an artificial Leitstern generated with a known shape. Computer programs then partially evaluate the telescope-generated image of this guide star over 1000 times per second second and bend an additional correction mirror with adjustable actuators until the airborne distortion is virtually balanced. As a result, the objects to be observed in the same region are also sharply imaged up to the theoretical resolution limit.

This contributes as well as the realization of dynamic, adaptive or active lighting functions to increase the traffic safety of vehicles participating in road vehicles equipped with appropriate bulbs 01 vehicle lights, especially when it is taken into account that in 2016 alone in the European Union 25,500 people in traffic accidents killed and 135,000 mostly life-changing seriously injured. A large proportion of these accidents were caused by a lack of information due to poor visibility. Analysis of statistical data shows that at night the risk of being killed by a traffic accident doubles.

The illuminant 01, as well as the vehicle luminaire, may alternatively or additionally comprise individual or a combination of several in the context of the prior art and / or in one or more of the documents mentioned in the prior art and / or features mentioned in the preceding description.

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

mechanically deformable optical element

04

actuator

05

OLED

06

Conductor carrier

10

Light distribution in the ground state

11

Light distribution in the state of disposition

20

LED

31

reflector

32

lens

33

optically effective surface of the lens 32

40

Linear Actuator

41

piezo actuator

F1

double arrow

F2

double arrow

R1

Radius of the curvature of an optically effective surface 33 of the lens 32

R2

Radius of the curvature of an optically effective surface 33 of the lens 32

R3

Radius of the curvature of an optically effective surface 33 of the lens 32

R4

Radius of the curvature of an optically effective surface 33 of the lens 32

X

Horizontal propagation of the light distribution

Y

Vertical propagation of the light distribution

Claims (12)

Light source (01) with at least one light source (02) and at least one arranged in the beam path of the light emitted from the light source (02), for forming a predetermined light distribution contributing optical element (03) for directing light,
characterized in that - At least one optical element (03, 31, 32) of the lighting means (01) is mechanically deformable, and - The lamp (01) comprises at least one on the at least one mechanically deformable optical element (03, 31, 32) acting actuator (04), upon actuation of a mechanical deformation of the optical element (03, 31, 32) associated with a change of the relevant optical element (03, 31, 32) formed light distribution (10, 11) takes place. Illuminant according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical deformation provides that the optical element (03, 31, 32) is compressed, stretched and / or bent. Illuminant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one optical element (03) is at least one reflector (31) and / or at least one lens (32) and / or at least one optical disc and / or holographic plate and / or or a holographic film and / or a holographic foil. Illuminant according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one control element (04) is a linear actuator (40). Illuminant according to claim 4, wherein the at least one linear actuator (40) is a piezoactuator (41). Illuminant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one mechanically deformable optical element (03, 31, 32) comprises an OLED (05) or is covered by an OLED (05). Illuminant according to Claim 6, wherein a reflective surface of a flexible OLED (05) forms a flexible reflector (31) as a mechanically deformable optical element (03) or comprises a mechanically deformable optical element (03) designed as a flexible reflector (31) or of one as a flexible reflector (31) executed mechanically deformable optical element (03) is included. Illuminant according to claim 7, wherein a flexible OLED (05) provided as a flexible reflector (31) as a mechanically deformable optical element (03) is provided with a diffuser element, whereby the radiation of both the OLED (05) and the light source (02 ), in the beam path whose light is arranged by the flexible OLED (05) comprehensive or encompassed by this flexible reflector (31) formed mechanically deformable optical element (03) is homogenized. Illuminant according to claim 6, wherein the OLED (05) is made transparent. Illuminant according to claim 9, wherein the transparently embodied OLED (05) is integrated in a mechanically deformable optical element (03) embodied as a lens (32) or comprises a mechanically deformable optical element (03) embodied as a lens (32) or of a a mechanically deformable optical element (03) made of a lens (32) is included. Illuminant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one mechanically deformable optical element (03) is realized by a plurality of inherently rigid, relatively pivotally arranged mirrors whose pivotal positions are each variable by at least one adjusting element (04). Vehicle lamp with one of a luminaire housing and a lens at least partially enclosed lamp interior and at least one housed therein, at least one light source (02) comprehensive light source (01), characterized by a light source (01) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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