EP3887713A1

EP3887713A1 - Optical device and optical element for a vehicle and vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3887713A1
Application number: EP18819002.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Schulte
Original assignee: Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
Current assignee: Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
Priority date: 2018-11-30
Filing date: 2018-11-30
Publication date: 2021-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-30
Also published as: WO2020108775A1; EP3887713B1

Abstract

An optical device (200, 800) for a vehicle (100) is described. The optical device (200, 800) comprises: - a circuit board (202) on which at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220) and at least one recess (250) are arranged, - an optical element (300) that is arranged on the at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220), and - at least one aligning device (400, 880), each aligning device (400, 880) comprising at least two aligning elements (402, 404), wherein the at least one aligning device (400, 880) aligns the optical device (300,) with regard to the at least one optoelectronic device (210) by engagement within the at least one recess (250), wherein a first aligning element (402, 902) of a first aligning device of the at least two aligning devices (400) is arranged on the optical element (300) and is formed as a first flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a first recess (250) of the at least one recess (250), and wherein a second aligning element (404, 904) of the first aligning device (400, 880) is arranged on the optical element (300) and formed as a rigid element within the first recess (250).

Description

Optical device and optical element for a vehicle and vehicle

Description

The invention relates to an optical device for a vehicle. The optical device comprises a printed circuit board that may carry several optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the optical device comprises at least one optical element or a group of optical elements that has to be aligned relative to the optoelectronic devices. Further, a corresponding optical element and a vehicle are described.

It is possible to use a reference point system (RPS) for relative alignment of two parts. Thus, it is possible to use a single protrusion that is arranged within a recess.

Flowever, there may be disadvantages using this kind of RPS.

It is an object of the invention to give an improved, easy and cheap to manufacture, optical device, especially with regard to the alignment devices that are used therein. Furthermore, a corresponding optical element and a corresponding vehicle shall be given.

This problem is solved by the claims. This object is reached by an optical device, an optical element and a vehicle according to the independent claims. Further details of the invention unfold from the dependent claims as well as the description and the drawings.

The optical device for a vehicle comprises:

- a circuit board on which at least one optoelectronic device and at least one recess are arranged,

- an optical element that is arranged on the at least one optoelectronic device, and

- at least one aligning device, each aligning device comprising at least two aligning elements, wherein the at least one aligning device aligns the optical device with regard to the at least one optoelectronic device by engagement within the at least one recess, wherein a first aligning element of a first aligning device of the at least one aligning device is arranged on the optical device and is formed as a first flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a first recess of the at least one recess, and

wherein a second aligning element of the first aligning device is arranged on the optical element and formed as a rigid element within the first recess.

It is possible to compensate for tolerances in an easy way using the alignment device that has a rigid and a flexible element. Aligning with zero tolerance is possible in the aligning direction because the flexible element is used and generates pressure into the aligning direction. Furthermore, there may be still degrees of freedom in other directions that do not correspond to the aligning direction.

The second aligning element, i.e. the rigid element, may not exert an active resilient force to the first recess or only a small resilient force compared with the resilient force of the first flexible element. The resilient force of the rigid element may be below 10 percent or below 1 percent of the resilient force of the flexible element, especially greater than 0.01 percent. However, the rigid element may exert a counterforce to the resilient force of the first flexible element. The resilient force of the first flexible element may be caused by bending or deflection of the flexible element within the recess, i.e. there is a mechanical bias for instance in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 mm (millimeter) compared with the relaxed state of the flexible element.

The first aligning element and the second aligning element may realize an aligning of the circuit board and of the optical element into a first direction. The first recess may be formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the first recess for a lateral displacement of the first aligning element and of the second aligning element with regard to the first recess. The direction of the lateral displacement within the first recess is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees, i.e. a right angle. The at least one lateral distance or the sum of the lateral distances within the first recess may preferably be at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the first recess.

The lateral distances are degrees of freedom to compensate for tolerances of fabrication and tolerances that result from extension or contraction of material depending for instance on temperature. It is possible for the aligning device to move into the spaces that are formed by the lateral distances.

A second aligning device may comprise a third aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a second flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a second recess of the at least one recess. The second aligning device may comprise a fourth aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a second rigid element within the second recess. The third aligning element and the fourth aligning element may realize an aligning of the circuit board and of the optical element into a second direction that is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees. An aligning into two directions gives already an exact positioning within a plane, i.e. as viewed from a device level. The directions of aligning may be different from each other. Preferably the alignment direction of the first aligning device and the aligning direction of the second aligning device include a right angle. This results in further aligning and in further reducing the degrees of freedom between the aligned elements.

The second recess may be formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the second recess for a lateral displacement of the third aligning element and of the fourth aligning element with regard to the second recess. The direction of the lateral displacement within the second recess is crossway to the second direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees. The at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the second recess may preferably be at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the second recess. The second aligning device has the same technical effects as the first aligning device. The displacement distances of both aligning elements create local degrees of freedom. Thus, it is possible to compensate for differences in expansion or contraction of the elements that have to be aligned, i.e. the circuit board and the optical element.

A third aligning device may comprise a fifth aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a third flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a third recess of the at least one recess. The third aligning device may comprise a sixth aligning element that is arranged on the optical element and that is formed as a third rigid element within the third recess. The fifth aligning element and the sixth aligning element may cause an aligning of the circuit board and of the optical element into the first direction or into a direction that has an angle of 0.1 degrees to 5 degrees to the first direction. Using the first recess and the third recess for aligning allows better positioning and alignment into the first direction of alignment. Using all three recesses also results in a very good alignment into the first direction of alignment and into the second direction of alignment.

The third recess may be formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the third recess for a lateral displacement of the fifth aligning element and of the sixth aligning element with regard to the third recess. The direction of the lateral

displacement within the third recess is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees. The at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the third recess may preferably be at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the third recess. This raises the local degrees of freedom to compensate tolerances of fabrication and tolerances that result from different expansions or contractions of material depending on temperature.

The first aligning element, i.e. the first flexible element, within the first recess and the fifth aligning element, i.e. the third flexible element, within the third recess may exert pressure force into the first direction or into directions that include an angle of less than 5 degrees. It is especially preferred if the same directions are used. Accordingly, the same would be true with regard to the direction of pressure force for the second aligning device and a fourth aligning device that would also align into the second aligning direction, i.e. flexible elements on the same sides of the second recess and of a fourth recess. Thus, it is possible to always align only into two directions, i.e. two direction within a plane. The alignment may be done relative to only one reference point, i.e. to a single reference point. Very exact positioning is possible in this way, especially with zero tolerance.

The first aligning element, i.e. the first flexible element, or the aligning elements that are formed as flexible elements may be formed in the form of a rod or a bar, preferably of a bar having a square or a rectangular cross section. The longitudinal axis of the respective flexible element is preferably curved if the respective flexible element is in a relaxed state, i.e. it is not under external force. The bar is a very simple flexible element for generating a pressure force. Injection molding of this bar is possible without using a complicated mold, especially without costly sliders or pushers, even without using ejectors for ejecting the bar. It is possible to use no or only a small back taper or undercut on the bar. It is possible to have a slight overhang of the flexible element over the edge of the recess if the flexible element and the recess are engaged with one another. Thus, it is not necessary to use additionally fastening elements that are different from the proposed aligning devices. It is not necessary either to use complicated hooks or snap elements within the proposed aligning devices. However, it is not excluded to use such elements within the proposed aligning devices. Thus, the aligning devices may also have a fastening function.

Nevertheless, it is possible to use additional fastening elements if necessary.

The first recess or the recesses may each comprise two sidewalls that are parallel with regard to each other, preferably planar sidewalls. The effect is that the aligning device may be moved along these parallel sidewalls. In each pair of a recess and of an aligning device that is engaged within this recess one of the aligning elements may be adjacent and may contact only one of these sidewalls and the other one of the aligning elements may be adjacent and may contact only the other of these sidewalls. In each pair of a recess and of an aligning device that is engaged within this recess the aligning elements may preferably overlap at a distance, especially at a distance that is greater than 1 millimeter or greater than two millimeters, if seen from a direction that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction of the respective aligning device and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface of a carrier element that is part of the optical element, especially the surface on which the respective aligning device is arranged. Furthermore, in each pair of a recess and of an aligning device that is engaged within this recess the aligning elements may preferably have a distance from each other along a direction that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction of the respective aligning device and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface of a carrier element that is part of the optical element, especially the surface on which the respective aligning device is arranged, preferably a distance greater than 1 millimeter or greater than 2 millimeters. One technical effect of the overlap is a small installation space. One technical effect of the distance is that it allows the overlap. The overlap is visible from a view that is transversal or crossway to the aligning direction. This may be relevant because it opens a new construction principle for the aligning device. The distance of the overlap is measured in a direction that is equal to the aligning direction which is also the result of the new construction principle for aligning devices. The overlap also enables an efficient usage of the space within a recess. Furthermore, small recesses are possible as well, i.e. the size of the recesses may be reduced.

The optical device may have at least one, several of or all of the following features:

- the optical device is a head light or a tail light of a vehicle, especially of a car, a bus or a truck,

- the at least one optoelectronic device is an LED (Light Emitting Device) or a light bulb, especially a halogen lamp,

- there are at least two optoelectronic devices on the circuit board,

- the optical element comprises at least one reflector or multiple reflectors, at least one optical lens, especially at least one Fresnel lens, or at least one refracting optical element, - the optical element comprises at least two single optical elements that are formed integrally within the optical element, and

- the circuit board is a printed circuit board, preferably made of or comprising fire retardant material, especially FR-4 (Fire Retardant) material.

Exact aligning of head lights or tail lights is especially important for the safety of the driver and for oncoming traffic or traffic that is behind the car. There is a wide range of temperatures, for instance a great difference of temperature between summer and winter and/or night and day. Alignment with zero tolerances can be fulfilled under all circumstances and temperatures by the proposed alignment devices even if different materials, especially materials with different coefficients of length changing depending on temperature, are used for the circuit board and for the optical element. This is especially relevant for long and broad flat parts, i.e. parts that are used for instance in the tail light of a vehicle.

The reflector may comprise a metallic layer or may comprise a metal. If there is more than one optoelectronic device and more than one optical element the assembly and alignment of the optical device is simpler and more cost effective compared to separate assembly of optical elements and of optoelectronic devices.

The optical element and the aligning elements may be formed integrally, especially if both are made of plastic or comprising plastic material, preferably PMMA

(Polymethylmethacrylate) or ABS (Acrylnitrile-Butadiene-Styrene). This allows cheap mass production.

- the recess has or the recesses have a maximum lateral dimension of less than 20 millimeters or of less than 10 millimeters and/or the enclosed area of a recess is smaller than 200 square millimeters or smaller than 60 square millimeters, and

- the aligning elements were fabricated using injection molding, especially without using a pusher/slider or even ejectors in the mold region that is used for producing the aligning elements. No complicate hooks and/or clips and/or snap elements are necessary. However, alternatively it is possible to use such elements on the aligning elements as well.

The rigid element or the rigid elements may have smaller cross sections with greater distance to the optical element, especially caused by using a tapered or declined side wall. This makes the assembly of the optical device easier, in particular it is easier to engage an alignment device within the respective recess.

The aligning devices may be arranged on a straight line or may be straightened. Alternatively, the aligning devices may not be arranged on a straight line. The second aligning device may be arranged between the first aligning device and the third aligning device. There may be a distance between the first aligning device and the second aligning device that is greater than 5 centimeters and/or wherein there is a distance between the second aligning device and the third aligning device that is greater than 5 centimeters.

The invention also relates to an optical element, comprising:

- at least one aligning device, each aligning device comprising at least two aligning elements,

wherein each aligning device may align the optical device with regard to at least one optoelectronic device by engagement within at least one recess,

wherein a first aligning element of a first aligning device of the at least one aligning devices is arranged on the optical element and is formed as a flexible element that may exert a pressure force to a first recess of the at least one recess, and

wherein a second aligning element of the first aligning device is arranged on the optical device and formed as a rigid element within the first recess.

The optical element may have the features of an optical element that is used in the optical device mentioned above. Thus, the same technical effects apply. The invention also relates to a vehicle that comprises at least one optical device mentioned above or at least one of the optical elements. Thus, the same technical effects apply also to the vehicle. The vehicle may be a ship, a motorcycle, a plane, but especially a car, a bus or a truck.

In other words, a zero tolerance RPS (Reference Point System) is given. For example, the application case is the exact positioning of optical elements relative to each other, especially reflectors and LEDs (Light Emitting Device) during assembly. There is a resilient element that may deliver a mechanical bias, for instance 0.2 millimeters.

Furthermore, there is an element forming a rigid stop, i.e. the rigid element. Thus, the resilient element may push a PCB (Printed Circuit board) against the rigid element.

The resilient element and the rigid element form an aligning element together. A preferred application case is an arrangement of several aligning devices in

combination or within one group on the same part, for instance on an optical element.

It is easily possible to produce the tool for injection molding, especially to realize venting. It is possible to produce inserts within the tools for each alignment device. Furthermore, inserts are possible within the injection tool, i.e. within the mold, because no ejector is necessary for taking out the aligning device or the aligning devices from the mold. No pusher/slider is necessary to realize undercuts or a back taper. The forces within the z-direction during ejection of the work piece are within the limits given by the material.

The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, the same reference signs refer to the same technical features if not stated otherwise. As far as "may" is used in this application it means the possibility of doing so as well as the actual technical implementation. As far as "about" is used in this application, it means that also the exact given value is disclosed.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention unfold from the following description, in which by reference to drawings examples of the present invention are described in detail. Thereby, the features from the claims as well as the features mentioned in the description can be essential for the invention as taken alone or in an arbitrary combination. The figures of the drawing are not drawn to scale. Other ratios of aspect may be used. The following is shown in the drawing:

Fig. 1 a top view of a vehicle,

Fig. 2 a perspective view of a circuit board,

Fig. 3 a perspective view of an optical device,

Fig. 4 a perspective view of an aligning device,

Fig. 5 a side view of the aligning device,

Fig. 6 a perspective view of an engaged pair of a recess and the aligning device, Fig. 7 a top view of the engaged pair, and

Fig. 8 a perspective view of a circuit board of a second embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a top view of a vehicle 100 that comprises a front side 101 , a left front wheel 102, a right front wheel 104, a left rear wheel 106, a right rear wheel 108, an optional combustion motor VM (if the vehicle 100 is driven by fuel or gas), an electrical motor M1 (if the vehicle 100 is a hybrid or a fully electrified vehicle 100) and an accumulator (battery) 110. Furthermore, there is a central control device C that may be used for x-by-wire functions, e.g. steer by wire, brake by wire or for autonomous driving.

The vehicle 100 has two front lights 112 and 114 at the front side 101. Two tail lights 116 and 18 are arranged at the rear side to warn the traffic that follows behind the vehicle 100. Optical devices 200, 800 that are explained below in detail may be used within the tail lights 116, 118. Flowever, other applications of the optical devices 200, 800 may include the front lights 112, 114 or devices within the cabin of the vehicle 100.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a circuit board 202 that is used within an optical device 200. The circuit board 202 may be a printed circuit board that comprises one layer or more layers of electrical lines that have been produced using photo

lithographic techniques or other techniques. The form of circuit board 202 may be rectangular, quadratic, triangular or of another not so regular shape. The circuit board 202 may have a curved side face 204 that is part of the rear side of vehicle 100. A side face 206 is also curved and may be regarded as the second side of a triangular shape. A side face 208 is straight but may alternatively also be curved. There is an optional recess 209 between side faces 206 and 208.

In the example, there are five optoelectronic devices 210 to 218, for instance LEDs (Light Emitting Devices), power LEDs, or other illumination elements. There may be less or more than five optoelectronic devices 210 to 218, see for instance optional optoelectronic device 210. In other examples, optical sensor devices may be used instead of the devices 210 to 218 and/or 220. The optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 and 220 may be aligned on an alignment curve 230. Alternatively, the alignment may be on a straight line or according to another pattern.

Figure 2 shows a direction 240 of main radiation of the optoelectronic devices 210 to 218. All optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 may have the same direction 240 of main radiation. There may be the same distance d1 to d5 between adjacent optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 and/or 220. Alternatively, there may be different distances between the optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 and/or 220.

There is at least one recess, for instance a first recess 250, within the circuit board 202, especially a through hole. There may be two optional recesses, i.e. a second recess 252 and a third recess 254. There may be more or less than three recesses 250 to 254. The recesses 250 to 254 may be arranged on a straight line, on a curved line or in a different pattern. The optical elements of the optical device 200 are not shown in Figure 2 but are placed above or onto the optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 as is shown in Figure 3. The first recess 250 or the recesses 250 to 254 are used to align the circuit board 202 and the optical element or elements relative to each other. This is explained in more detail below.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the optical device 200 that comprises the circuit board 202 and an optical element 300. The optical element 300 comprises a flat carrier element 302, for instance a carrier plate, with five openings 310 to 318 at positions that correspond to the positions of optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 on circuit board 202. Thus, the radiation of optoelectronic devices 210 to 218 may reach respective optical reflectors 330 to 338. The optical reflectors 330 to 338 have a half cylindrical form. An optoelectronic device, for instance optoelectronic device 210, may be arranged at the axis of the corresponding reflector, for instance reflector 330.

There may be an optional opening 320 for optoelectronic device 220. A corresponding optical reflector is signed by 340. Of course, there may be less or more than five optical reflectors 330 to 338 on optical element 300, i.e. on carrier element 302.

Optional mounting pegs 350 and 352 at both sides of carrier element 312 may be used as further fastening elements in addition to the aligning devices that are explained in more detail below, i.e. see Figure 4.

The optical element 300 may comprise further optional optical elements 360 and/or 362, for instance mirrors. Illumination lights for turn signals or for other purposes may be arranged within these mirrors.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a first aligning device 400 that comprises a first aligning element 402 that is flexible and/or resilient and a second aligning element 404 that is rigid. The view that is shown in Figure 4 is from below with regard to the position of the optical element 300 that is shown in Figure 3. The first aligning element 402 has the form of a bar and is able to generate a pressure force if bent. The second aligning element 404 is not resilient but may be used as a stop element as is explained below with regard to Figure 6.

The first aligning element 402 has for instance a rectangular foot area 412. A quadratic form of foot area 414 is also possible. The long side of foot area 412 is parallel to an x1 -axis of a coordinate system 450. The second aligning element 404 has a rectangular foot area 414. A quadratic form of foot area 414 is possible as well. The long side of foot area 414 is parallel to an y1 -axis of the coordinate system 450. The area of foot area 414 may be more than twice the area of foot area 412. Both aligning elements 402 and 404 extend in a z1 -direction that is parallel to the z1 -axis of coordinate system 450.

The first aligning element 402 comprises an aligning surface 422 that includes an essentially planar face 422a, a right (with regard to the view shown in Figure 4) side face 424, an essentially planar left side face 426, a curved and/or half-cylindrical top surface 428, and a free surface 430 that directs in the opposite direction of y1 -axis. The aligning surface 422 may be biased by recess 250 by a maximum of about 0.2 millimeters at the position that makes contact with recess 250. Alternatively, the range of maximum displacement of the point of contact may be within the range of 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters or within another practicable range depending also on the material that is used to make optical element 300.

The second aligning element 404 comprises a stop face 432 that comprises a planar face 432a, an essentially planar right side face 434, an essentially left planar side face 436, a top surface 438 that may be also planar, and a declined or tapered face 440. The declined face 440 is declined or tapered relative to x1 -z1 -plane of coordinate system 450 allowing easy introduction and engagement of first aligning device 400 into a corresponding recess 250 of circuit board 202, see Figure 1 and Figure 6.

There is a straight alignment line 460 that is parallel to the outer long side of foot area 412. A straight alignment line 462 is parallel to the outer short side of foot area 414. Alignment lines 460, 462 correspond to plane sidewalls within first recess 250, see Figure 6 and corresponding description.

There is a distance d10 in the x1 -direction that defines a gap or a space between first aligning element 402 and second aligning element 404. A distance d12 is in the direction of the y1-axis and defines the length of an overlap between first aligning element 402 and second aligning element 404. Flowever, this overlap is optional. Distance d12 is measured parallel to a first direction 470 of alignment. Distance d10 is measured transversal to first direction 470. The pressure force of first aligning element 402 is directed in the direction of y1 -axis.

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the first aligning device 400. There is a slightly curved longitudinal axis 502 of first aligning element 402. The view that is shown in Figure 5 is from below with regard to the position of the optical element 300 that is shown in Figure 3. It is possible to manufacture first aligning element 402 without using pushers or sliders within the mold region that is used for injection molding the first aligning element 402. Ejectors for first aligning element 402 and/or for second aligning device 400 are not necessary either but may be used if there is enough construction space within the mold.

First aligning element 402 is curved in order to ease engagement of first aligning device 400 into first recess 250 and in order to allow fastening of circuit board 202 and of optical element 300 relative to each other without using additional hooks or snap elements on flexible element 402 and/or on rigid element 404. First aligning element 402 may overlap the edge of first recess 250 slightly if engaged within first recess 250, see Figure 7.

There is an essentially straight portion 504 that forms the lower half of first aligning element 402. An essentially straight portion 506 forms the upper half of first aligning element 402. The longitudinal axis 502 of first aligning element 402 has an inflection point 508 that is formed within an inflection portion of first aligning element 402 between straight portion 504 and straight portion 506. A direction 510 of view is indicated by a circle comprising a cross, i.e. it symbols an arrow that is directed within the plane in which Figure 5 is drawn. Direction 510 is opposite to the x1 -axis of coordinate system 450, see Figure 4. Furthermore, direction 510 is transversal to first direction 470. Both directions 510 and 470 may be arranged by parallel displacement within a plane or are parallel to a plane that is parallel to a surface 512 of the carrier plate 302. First aligning element 402 and second aligning element 404 are arranged on surface 512 and both may for instance be formed integrally. Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an engaged pair 600 of first recess 250 and first aligning device 400. The view that is shown in Figure 6 is from below with regard to the position of the circuit board 202 that is shown in Figure 2. First recess 250 comprises an essentially planar sidewall 602 that is in contact with the aligning surface 422 of first aligning element 402 and an essentially planar sidewall 604 that is in contact with planar face 432a of first aligning element 404. Both sidewalls 602 and 604 are parallel with regard to each other.

There is a curved lateral sidewall 606 of first recess 250 that connects sidewalls 602 and 604 at the right (relative to the view that is shown in Figure 6) side of first recess 250. A further curved lateral sidewall 608 of first recess 250 connects sidewalls 602 and 604 at the left side of first recess 250. It is easy to produce first recess 250 because of curved lateral sidewalls 606 and 608, i.e. there are now edges having angles of about 90 degrees. This is especially relevant if the material of circuit board 202 is brittle, i.e. for instance if it comprises glass fibers.

Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the engaged pair 600. It is visible that first aligning element 402 overlaps slightly with the edge of sidewall 602 or with the circuit board 202. This overlap 710 may be measured into first direction 470 and may have a value within in the range of 0.1 millimeter to 0.5 millimeters or within another practicable range.

There is a lateral distance LD1 between the right (according to the view that is shown in Figure 7) side face 424 of first aligning element 402 and the right end of planar sidewall 602. A lateral distance LD2 is between the right (according to the view that is shown in Figure 7) side face 436 of second aligning element 404 and the left end of planar sidewall 604. Both lateral distances LD1 and LD2 are a measure for the space that may be used for a lateral displacement of first aligning device 400 in direction 700 of lateral displacement. The length of distances LD1 and LD2 may be in the range of 1 millimeter to 3 millimeters or within another appropriate range. Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a circuit board 802 of a second embodiment. Circuit board 802 corresponds essentially to circuit board 202. However, the

differences are mentioned below. Circuit board 802 is part of an optical device 800 that corresponds in principle to optical device 200. Optical device 800 comprises an optical element (not shown) that is identical with optical element 300 apart from that the alignment devices may be arranged in different places and/or that there are at least three alignment devices on the optical element that is not shown in Figure 8.

Circuit board 802 corresponds to circuit board 202 but has another placement of a first recess 850, of a second recess 852 and of a third recess 854. Again, there are for instance five optoelectronic devices (LED, other example optical Sensor) 810 to 818 on circuit board 802. There may be less or more than five optoelectronic devices 810 to 818, see optoelectronic device 820.

Figure 8 shows a Cartesian coordinate system 860 that has an x2-axis 862, a y2-axis 864 and a z2-axis 866. A first direction 870 of alignment of a first aligning device 880 and an aligning direction 874 of a third aligning device 884 are parallel to the x2-axis. An aligning direction 872 of a second aligning device 882 is parallel to the y2-axis. Second aligning device 882 is arranged between first aligning device 880 and third aligning device 884.

First aligning device 880 is arranged within first recess 850 and comprises a first aligning element 902 that is formed as a resilient element and a second aligning element 904 that is formed as a rigid element. Second aligning device 882 is arranged within second recess 852 and comprises a third aligning element 912 that is formed as a resilient element 912 and a fourth aligning element 914 that is formed as a rigid element. Third aligning device 884 is arranged within third recess 854 and comprises a fifth aligning element 922 that is formed as a resilient element and a sixth aligning element that is formed as a rigid element 924. All three recesses 850, 852 and 854 are arranged on a straight line 932 in the second embodiment. Other placement of recesses 850, 852 and 854 and of corresponding alignment devices 880, 882 and 884 is also possible. This means that all three aligning devices 880, 882 and 884 are also arranged on the straight line 934. The length of a distance d20 between first recess 850 and second recess 852 may be the same as the length of a distance d22 between second recess 852 and third recess 854. Alternatively, both distances d20 and d22 may have different lengths. Both distances d20 and d22 may be longer than 5 centimeters.

The optoelectronic devices 810 to 820 are arranged on a curve 930, alternatively on a straight line. There is a cross point 934 of straight line 932 and of curve 930. A maximum distance d24 between straight line 932 and curve 930 may be in the range of 5 millimeters to 1 centimeter or to 2 centimeters.

Although embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

List of reference signs

100 vehicle

101 front side

102 wheel

104 wheel

106 wheel

108 wheel

110 accumulator

112 front light

114 front light

116 tail light

118 tail light

200 optical device

202 circuit board

204 side face

206 side face

208 side face

209 Recess

210 optoelectronic device

212 optoelectronic device

214 optoelectronic device

216 optoelectronic device

218 optoelectronic device

220 optoelectronic device

230 alignment curve

240 direction of main radiation

250 first recess

252 second recess

254 third recess

300 optical element

302 carrier element

310 opening opening

opening

optical reflector

mounting peg

further optional optical element further optional optical element first aligning device

first aligning element second aligning element foot area

foot area

aligning surface

a planar face

side face

top surface

free surface

stop face

a planar face

side face

top surface

declined face coordinate system

x1 -axis

y1 -axis

z1 -axis

alignment line

first direction

longitudinal axis

straight portion

inflection point

direction of view

surface

engaged pair

sidewall

lateral sidewall

direction of lateral displacement overlap

optical device

circuit board

optoelectronic device

first recess

second recess

third recess

coordinate system 862 x2-axis

864 y2-axis

866 z2-axis

870 first direction

872 second direction

874 direction

880 first aligning device

882 second aligning device

884 third aligning device

902 first aligning element

904 second aligning element

912 third aligning element

914 fourth aligning element

922 fifth aligning element

924 sixth aligning element

930 curve

932 straight line

934 cross point

d1 distance

d2 distance

d3 distance

d4 distance

d5 distance

d10 distance

d12 distance

d20 distance

d22 distance

d24 distance

LD1 lateral distance

LD2 lateral distance

M1 electrical motor

VM combustion motor

Claims

Optical device and optical element for a vehicle and vehicle

Claims

1. Optical device (200, 800) for a vehicle (100) comprising:

a circuit board (202) on which at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220) and at least one recess (250) are arranged,

an optical element (300) that is arranged on the at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220), and

at least one aligning device (400, 880), each aligning device (400, 880) comprising at least two aligning elements (402, 404),

wherein the at least one aligning device (400, 880) aligns the optical device (300) with regard to the at least one optoelectronic device (210) by engagement within the at least one recess (250),

wherein a first aligning element (402, 902) of a first aligning device (400) of the at least one aligning device (400) is arranged on the optical element (300) and is formed as a first flexible element that exerts a pressure force onto a first recess (250) of the at least one recess (250), and

wherein a second aligning element (404, 904) of the first aligning device (400, 880) is arranged on the optical element (300) and formed as a rigid element within the first recess (250).

2. Optical device (200, 800) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first aligning element (402) and the second aligning element (404) effect an aligning of the circuit board (202) and of the optical element (300) into a first direction (470, 870),

whereby the first recess (250, 850) is formed so that there is at least one lateral distance (LD1 , LD1 ) within the first recess (250, 850) for a lateral displacement of the first aligning element (402) and of the second aligning element (404) with regard to the first recess (250, 850),

whereby a direction (700) of the lateral displacement within the first recess (250, 850) is crossway to the first direction (470, 870), preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees,

whereby the at least one lateral distance (LD1 , LD2) or the sum of the lateral distances (LD1. LD2) within the first recess (250, 850) preferably is at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side (606, 608) of the first recess (250).

3. Optical device (200, 800) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a

second aligning device (882) that comprises a third aligning element (912) that is arranged on the optical element (300) and that is formed as a second flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a second recess (852) of the at least one recess (250, 850),

wherein the second aligning device (882) comprises a fourth aligning element (914) that is arranged on the optical element (300, 330) and that is formed as a second rigid element within the second recess (852),

the third aligning element (912) and the fourth aligning element (914) effect an aligning of the circuit board (202) and of the optical element (300) into a second direction (872) that is crossway to the first direction (870), preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees,

whereby preferably the second recess (852) is formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the second recess (852) for a lateral displacement of the third aligning element (912) and of the fourth aligning element (914) with regard to the second recess (852),

whereby the direction of the lateral displacement within the second recess

(852) is crossway to the second direction (872), preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees,

whereby the at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the second recess (852) preferably is at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the second recess (852).

4. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims especially according to claim 3, characterized by a third aligning device

(884) that comprises a fifth aligning element (922) that is arranged on the optical element (300) and that is formed as a third flexible element that exerts a pressure force to a third recess (854) of the at least one recess (250, 850), wherein the third aligning device (884) comprises a sixth aligning element (924) that is arranged on the optical element (300) and that is formed as a third rigid element within the third recess (854),

the fifth aligning element (922) and the sixth aligning element (924) effect an aligning of the circuit board (202) and of the optical element (300) into the first direction (870) or into a direction (874) that is parallel to the first direction (870) or that has an angle of 0,1 degrees to 5 degrees to the first direction (870),

whereby preferably the third recess (854) is formed so that there is at least one lateral distance within the third recess (854) for a lateral displacement of the fifth aligning element (822) and of the sixth aligning element (824) with regard to the third recess (854),

whereby the direction of the lateral displacement within the third recess (854) is crossway to the first direction, preferably in an angle of 85 degrees to 95 degrees, especially in an angle of 90 degrees,

whereby the at least one lateral distance or the sum of the at least one lateral distance within the third recess (854) preferably is at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters, especially at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters at each lateral side of the third recess (854).

5. Optical device (200, 800) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first aligning element (902) within the first recess (850) and the fifth aligning element (922) within the third recess (854) exert the pressure force into the first direction (870) or into opposite directions or into directions that include an angle of less than 5 degrees.

6. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the first aligning element (402, 902) is formed or the aligning elements (902, 912, 922) are formed in the form of a rod or a bar, preferably of a bar having a square or a rectangular cross section, whereby the longitudinal axis (502) of the respective aligning element (902, 912, 922) that is formed as a flexible element is preferably curved if the respective aligning element (902, 912, 922) that is formed as a flexible element is in a relaxed state.

7. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the first recess (250) or the recesses (850, 852, 854) each comprise two sidewalls (602, 604) that are parallel with regard to each other, preferably planar sidewalls (602, 604),

wherein in each pair of a recess (250) and of an aligning device (400) that is engaged within this recess (250) one (402) of the aligning elements (402, 404) is adjacent and contacts only one (602) of these sidewalls (602, 604) and the other one (404) of the aligning elements (402, 404) is adjacent and contacts only the other one (604) of these sidewalls (602, 604),

wherein in each pair of a recess (250) and of an aligning device (400) that is engaged within this recess (250) the aligning elements (402, 404) preferably overlap at a distance (d12), especially at a distance (d 12) that is greater than 1 millimeter or greater than 2 millimeters, if seen from a direction (590) that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction (470) of the respective aligning device (400) and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface (512) of a carrier element (302) that is part of the optical element (300), especially the surface (512) on which the respective aligning device (400) is arranged, wherein in each pair of a recess (250) and of an aligning device (400) that is engaged within this recess (250) the aligning elements (402, 404) preferably have a distance (d10) from each other along a direction (590) that is crossway or transversal to the alignment direction (470) of the respective aligning device (400) and that lies in a plane that is parallel to a surface (512) of a carrier element (302) that is part of the optical element (300), especially the surface (512) on which the respective aligning device (400) is arranged, preferably a distance greater than 1 millimeter or greater than 2 millimeters. 8. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by at least one, several of or all of the following features: the optical device (200, 800) is a head light (112, 114) or a tail light (116,

118) of a vehicle (100), especially of a car, a bus or a truck,

the at least one optoelectronic device (210 to 220) is an LED or a light bulb, especially a halogen lamp,

there are at least two optoelectronic devices (210 to 220) on the circuit board (202),

the optical element (300) comprises at least one reflector or multiple reflectors, at least one optical lens, especially at least one Fresnel lens, or at least one refracting optical element,

the optical element (300) comprises at least two single optical elements that are integrally formed within the optical element (300), and

the circuit board (202) is a printed circuit board (202), preferably made of or comprising fire retardant material, especially FR-4 material.

9. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the optical element (300) and the aligning elements (402, 404) are formed integrally, especially both made of plastic or comprising plastic material, preferably PMMA or ABS.

10. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized by at least one, several of or all of the following features: the first recess (250) has or the recesses (850, 852, 854) have a maximum lateral dimension of less than 20 millimeters or of less than 10 millimeters and/or the enclosed area of a recess is smaller than 200 square millimeters or smaller than 60 square millimeters, and

the aligning elements (402, 404) were fabricated using injection molding, especially without using a pusher or slider and/or without using an ejector or ejectors in the region of the mold that is used for producing the aligning elements (402, 404).

1 1 . Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the rigid element has or the rigid elements have smaller cross sections with greater distance to the optical element (300), especially caused by using a tapered or declined side wall (440).

12. Optical device (200, 800) according to one of the claims 3 or 4 to 11 ,

characterized in that the aligning devices (880 to 884) are arranged on a straight line (930) or are straightened or in that the aligning devices (880 to 884) are not arranged on a straight line (930),

wherein preferably the second aligning device (882) is arranged between the first aligning device (880) and the third aligning device (884),

wherein especially there is a distance (d20) between the first aligning device (880) and the second aligning device (882) that is greater than 5 centimeters and/or wherein there is a distance (d22) between the second aligning device (882) and the third aligning device (884) that is greater than 5 centimeters.

13. Optical element (300), comprising:

whereby the at least one aligning device (400, 880) may align the optical device (300) with regard to at least one optoelectronic device (210) by engagement within at least one recess (250),

whereby a first aligning element (402, 802) of a first aligning device (400) of the at least one aligning device (400) is arranged on the optical element (300) and is formed as a first flexible element that may exert a pressure force to a first recess (250) of the at least one recess (250), and

whereby a second aligning element (404) of the first aligning device is arranged on the optical element (300) and formed as a rigid element within the first recess (250).

14. Optical element (300) according to claim 13, characterized in that the optical element (300) has the features of an optical element (300) of the optical device (200, 800) according to one of the claims 1 to 12.

15. Vehicle (100) comprising at least one optical device (200, 800) according to one of the claims 1 to 12 or at least one optical element (300) according to claim 13 or 14.