EP3887715A1 - Optical assembly, lighting and/or signal apparatus and vehicle - Google Patents

Optical assembly, lighting and/or signal apparatus and vehicle

Info

Publication number
EP3887715A1
EP3887715A1 EP19889440.4A EP19889440A EP3887715A1 EP 3887715 A1 EP3887715 A1 EP 3887715A1 EP 19889440 A EP19889440 A EP 19889440A EP 3887715 A1 EP3887715 A1 EP 3887715A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
module
optical assembly
heat dissipating
reflecting
light emitting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19889440.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3887715A4 (en
EP3887715B1 (en
Inventor
Qiang Liu
Ting WAN
Yunyun XIANG
Yujuan ZHU
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Vision SAS
Original Assignee
Valeo Vision SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Vision SAS filed Critical Valeo Vision SAS
Publication of EP3887715A1 publication Critical patent/EP3887715A1/en
Publication of EP3887715A4 publication Critical patent/EP3887715A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3887715B1 publication Critical patent/EP3887715B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/67—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors
    • F21S41/675—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors by moving reflectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/39—Attachment thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F21S41/148—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device the main emission direction of the LED being perpendicular to the optical axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
    • F21S43/37—Attachment thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/10—Protection of lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
    • F21S45/47—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
    • F21S45/47—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings
    • F21S45/48—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings with means for conducting heat from the inside to the outside of the lighting devices, e.g. with fins on the outer surface of the lighting device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V14/00—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements
    • F21V14/04—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements by movement of reflectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V15/00—Protecting lighting devices from damage
    • F21V15/01—Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
    • F21V17/12—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by screwing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
    • F21V29/70—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
    • F21V29/83—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • F21V29/85—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems characterised by the material
    • F21V29/87—Organic material, e.g. filled polymer composites; Thermo-conductive additives or coatings therefor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • F21V29/85—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems characterised by the material
    • F21V29/89—Metals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/04—Optical design
    • F21V7/06—Optical design with parabolic curvature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2107/00—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles
    • F21W2107/10—Use or application of lighting devices on or in particular types of vehicles for land vehicles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical assembly, a lighting and/or signal apparatus and a vehicle.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an optical assembly, and a lighting and/or signal indicating apparatus having the optical assembly, which can at least realize simplified assembly.
  • an optical assembly comprises a heat dissipating module, a light emitting module and a reflecting module, the light emitting module having a light source and being arranged on the heat dissipating module, with at least a part of light emitted by the light source reaching a reflecting surface of the reflecting module, wherein a connecting plate is disposed on a side of the reflecting module which is opposite the reflecting surface, the connecting plate has a slot, the heat dissipating module correspondingly has a pivot accommodated in the slot, and the reflecting module is positionally fixed and connected to the heat dissipating module.
  • one or more connecting plates are provided, each connecting plate having an opening therein; the width of the opening corresponds to the size of the pivot, in order to realize positioning of the pivot in at least one direction.
  • the robustness of connection can be correspondingly increased.
  • a joint part of an adjusting module for adjusting the optical assembly is disposed on the heat dissipating module.
  • the adjusting module may take the form of an electric motor or a manually-adjusted threaded transmission mechanism, wherein an end of a rotor shaft of the electric motor or an end of a threaded rod of the threaded transmission mechanism may be engaged in the joint part, thereby converting associated rotation to tilting of the optical assembly about a horizontal rotation axis or a vertical rotation axis, in order to adjust the light distribution of light emitted by the optical assembly, such that it meets regulatory requirements.
  • a rib is disposed on the heat dissipating module, and the height of the rib is at least equal to the height of a section of the light emitting module, which protrudes beyond an upper edge of the reflecting surface of the reflecting module.
  • the light source and other electronic elements are arranged between the ribs; this can prevent damage to the light source and other electronic elements during assembly.
  • the rib extends continuously, it can also prevent unwanted lateral light leakage.
  • the light emitting module is a printed circuit board assembly, which has a printed circuit board with the light source arranged thereon.
  • a heat transfer material is disposed between the heat dissipating module and the light emitting module.
  • the heat transfer material may be a flexible heat transfer sheet or heat dissipating silicone rubber; this can ensure good heat transfer between the heat dissipating module and the light emitting module.
  • the reflecting module is provided with a locating structure which acts together with a mating locating structure of the light emitting module.
  • the locating structure takes the form of a locating boss
  • the mating locating structure takes the form of a locating hole; they form a shape-fitted connection in an assembled state, thereby achieving the precise positioning of the light source relative to the reflecting surface of the reflecting module.
  • the locating structure and the mating locating structure may also take other suitable forms.
  • the heat dissipating module is integrally formed, e.g. formed by casting of a metal material, in particular aluminium. This can realize cost-effective manufacture.
  • the optical assembly has at least one light source, in order to realize one or more light functions.
  • the light source is a light emitting diode, e.g. a white light emitting diode, a red light emitting diode or a yellow light emitting diode, in order to correspondingly realize a function such as a headlamp, tail lamp, brake lamp or direction indicator lamp.
  • the present invention also relates to a vehicle, having the optical assembly or lighting and/or signal apparatus described above.
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically a sectional view of a lighting and/or signal apparatus for a vehicle
  • Fig. 2 shows schematically a three-dimensional view of an optical assembly of a lighting and/or signal apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention
  • Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the optical assembly of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 shows a side view of the optical assembly of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 5 shows a partial enlarged view of region A of Fig. 4.
  • Figs. 6a -6c show schematically an assembly process of the optical assembly of Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically a sectional view of a lighting and/or signal apparatus for a vehicle.
  • the lighting and/or signal apparatus concerned here is for example a headlamp 100 of a vehicle.
  • the headlamp 100 mainly comprises a housing 11 and a cover 12 covering a front opening of the housing 11.
  • the housing 11 and the cover 12 together form an internal space 13, in which internal space an optical assembly 10 is accommodated.
  • the optical assembly 10 is for example used to generate at least one of a low beam distribution or high beam distribution, or used to generate another light distribution.
  • an adjusting module 50 for adjusting the optical assembly 10 is also disposed in the internal space 13, in order to adjust an optical axis of the optical assembly 10, and thereby generate a light distribution meeting regulatory requirements.
  • the adjusting module may employ various existing known structures, which are not expounded in detail here.
  • An optical assembly 10 is explained below by means of Figs. 2 -5; this is likewise installed in an internal space formed by a housing 11 and a cover 12, and comprises a heat dissipating module 20, a light emitting module 30 and a reflecting module 40.
  • the light emitting module 30 and the reflecting module 40 are both connected to and positionally fixed to the heat dissipating module 20.
  • the heat dissipating module 20 is further provided with joint parts of an adjusting module 50 for adjusting the optical assembly 10, wherein three joint parts 23a, 23b and 23c are shown demonstratively; one of these may take the form of a ball socket of a ball joint, the other two are engaged with corresponding adjustment means of the adjusting module, such that the entire optical assembly 10 can tilt under the adjusting action of the adjustment means with the ball joint as a pivot point, in order to adjust the optical axis.
  • the light emitting module 30 may take the form of a printed circuit board assembly having a printed circuit board 32, a light source and other electrical elements, e.g. a connector 33 connected to an onboard power supply, a capacitor or a resistor, etc., which are mounted on the printed circuit board.
  • the light source may take the form of a light emitting diode LED.
  • a first light source 31a and a second light source 31b arranged above the reflecting module 40 are shown demonstratively here.
  • the quantity and type of the light source may be selected as required, and the light source could also be arranged at another suitable position of the reflecting module 40, e.g. a left side and/or a right side.
  • the printed circuit board 32 is layed on the heat dissipating module 20 by means of a side, which is opposite to the side on which the light source is arranged.
  • a heat transfer material such as a flexible heat transfer sheet or heat dissipating silicone rubber may be provided between the printed circuit board 32 and the heat dissipating module 20, in order to ensure good thermal conductivity between the light emitting module 30 and the heat dissipating module 20.
  • the printed circuit board 32 and the reflecting module 40 may have locating structures which act together.
  • the reflecting module 40 may have locating bosses 43a and 43b, and the printed circuit board 32 may have mating locating holes 33; the locating bosses are inserted into the mating locating holes to form a shape-fitted connection.
  • the mating locating holes can also be disposed on the heat dissipating module 20 to simplify assembly.
  • the light source of the light emitting module 30 may be arranged directly on the heat dissipating module 20.
  • mating locating structures which act together with locating structures of the reflecting module 40 are disposed directly in the heat dissipating module 20, and for example take the form of mortise-and-tenon structures.
  • the reflecting module 40 takes the form of a reflector; the reflecting surface thereof is a curved surface and faces the light source.
  • the reflecting surface may be a parabolic reflector, or formed by combining multiple surface sheets.
  • the basic surface of the reflecting surface is a paraboloid of revolution; a central axis of revolution thereof forms an optical axis of the reflecting module, the optical axis corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a positional relationship between the reflecting surface of the reflecting module 40 and the light source is set such that a focus of the reflecting surface coincides with the light source.
  • a corresponding surface sheet combination is allocated to an associated light source, in order to generate the desired light distribution.
  • a first surface sheet combination 41a is allocated to the first light source 31a
  • a second surface sheet combination 42a is allocated to the second light source 31b, finally generating for example a low beam distribution or high beam distribution.
  • the reflecting module 40 may be formed by plastic injection moulding, and the reflecting surface thereof is formed by a metal plated layer, e.g. a plated aluminium layer.
  • the heat dissipating module 20 is for example integrally formed by casting of a metal, in particular aluminium, and has the function of dissipating heat generated by the light source.
  • a metal in particular aluminium
  • multiple protruding fins may be provided on a side of the heat dissipating module, which faces away from the reflecting module.
  • the heat dissipating module 20 may have a first section 20a and a second section 20b.
  • the light emitting module 30 is arranged on a side of the first section 20a, which faces the reflecting surface.
  • Through-holes 24a, 24b and 24c are also disposed in the first section 20a, and act together with openings 44a, 44b and 44c disposed in the reflecting module 40.
  • the through-holes 24a, 24b and 24c and the openings 44a, 44b and 44c are aligned with each other in a corresponding manner.
  • the openings 44a, 44b and 44c may take the form of threaded holes, and screws 60 may be screwed into aligned holes, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the heat dissipating module and the reflecting module.
  • the quantity and positions of the through-holes and openings may be set as required.
  • the openings 44a, 44b and 44c are disposed at an edge of the reflecting module 40 which abuts against the heat dissipating module 20.
  • the light emitting module 30 takes the form of a circuit board assembly
  • the light emitting module 30 is arranged between the first section 20a of the heat dissipating module 20 and the reflecting module 40.
  • the first section of the heat dissipating module 20 may be provided with a rib 21; the height of the rib is at least equal to the height of a section of the light emitting module 30, which protrudes beyond an upper edge of the reflecting surface of the reflecting module 40.
  • a pair of ribs 21 is provided, and the abovementioned section of the light emitting module 30 is arranged between the ribs, thereby protecting associated electronic elements, and preventing lateral light leakage.
  • At least one pair of plates 25 protrude from a side of the second section 20b of the heat dissipating module 20, which faces the reflecting module, and a cylindrical pivot 26 is constructed between the plates.
  • An outer profile of the second section 20b approximately corresponds to the extension of an outer profile of the reflecting module. More specifically, in the direction of the optical axis, an end of the second section which adjoins the first section is offset with respect to an end of the second section which is provided with the plates 25. This can reduce the length of the plates and achieve a compact structure.
  • a connecting plate 45 is formed on a side of the reflecting module 40, which is opposite the reflecting surface, the connecting plate having a slot 46 which is open at one end. Only one connecting plate is shown here, but multiple connecting plates which correspondingly have slots could of course also be provided. The width of the slot is equal to the diameter of the cylindrical pivot 26. The pivot 26 of the heat dissipating module 20 is inserted into the slot 46, as can be seen from Figs. 4 and 5.
  • Figs. 6a -6c show schematically an assembly process of the optical assembly; first of all, the pivot 26 of the heat dissipating module 20 having the light emitting module 30 is inserted into the slot 46 of the connecting plate 45 of the reflecting module 40. Preferably, the pivot 26 is pushed into the bottom of the slot 46; the heat dissipating module is then rotated relative to the reflecting module in a direction R, such that the light source of the light emitting module arranged on the heat dissipating module faces the reflecting surface of the reflecting module; the pivot is then immediately guided in the slot towards the open end of the slot, and the positions of the heat dissipating module 20 and the reflecting module 40 are adjusted at the same time, such that the locating bosses of the reflecting module 40 are inserted into the associated mating locating holes, and the through-holes and openings for the screws 60 are aligned with each other; and finally the screws are screwed in.
  • ribs of a height at least corresponding to the height of the section of the light emitting module, which protrudes beyond the upper edge of the reflecting surface of the reflecting module 40 damage to associated electrical elements during assembly is advantageously prevented.
  • the continuously extending ribs can also prevent unwanted lateral leakage of light.
  • connection method e.g. snap-fit connection, riveting, welding, etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

A lighting and/or signal apparatus and a vehicle. The optical assembly (10) comprises a heat dissipating module (20), a light emitting module (30) and a reflecting module (40), the light emitting module (30) having a light source (31) and being arranged on the heat dissipating module (20), with at least a part of light emitted by the light source (31) reaching a reflecting surface of the reflecting module (40), wherein a connecting plate (45) is disposed on a side of the reflecting module (40) which is opposite to the reflecting surface, the connecting plate has a slot (46), the heat dissipating module (20) correspondingly has a pivot (26) accommodated in the slot (46), and the reflecting module (40) is positionally fixed and connected to the heat dissipating module (20).

Description

    Optical assembly, lighting and/or signal apparatus and vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to an optical assembly, a lighting and/or signal apparatus and a vehicle.
  • BACKGROUND ART
  • Many types of lighting and/or signal indicating apparatuses for vehicles are known in the prior art; these have a light source, a heat dissipating component and a reflector, which are generally fixed together in a complex manner.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical assembly, and a lighting and/or signal indicating apparatus having the optical assembly, which can at least realize simplified assembly.
  • According to the present invention, an optical assembly comprises a heat dissipating module, a light emitting module and a reflecting module, the light emitting module having a light source and being arranged on the heat dissipating module, with at least a part of light emitted by the light source reaching a reflecting surface of the reflecting module, wherein a connecting plate is disposed on a side of the reflecting module which is opposite the reflecting surface, the connecting plate has a slot, the heat dissipating module correspondingly has a pivot accommodated in the slot, and the reflecting module is positionally fixed and connected to the heat dissipating module. By accommodating the pivot in the slot, simplified assembly can be realized at least to a certain extent.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more connecting plates are provided, each connecting plate having an opening therein; the width of the opening corresponds to the size of the pivot, in order to realize positioning of the pivot in at least one direction. In particular, where there are multiple connecting plates, and when the openings in the connecting plates are arranged linearly, the robustness of connection can be correspondingly increased.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, a joint part of an adjusting module for adjusting the optical assembly is disposed on the heat dissipating module. For example, the adjusting module may take the form of an electric motor or a manually-adjusted threaded transmission mechanism, wherein an end of a rotor shaft of the electric motor or an end of a threaded rod of the threaded transmission mechanism may be engaged in the joint part, thereby converting associated rotation to tilting of the optical assembly about a horizontal rotation axis or a vertical rotation axis, in order to adjust the light distribution of light emitted by the optical assembly, such that it meets regulatory requirements.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rib is disposed on the heat dissipating module, and the height of the rib is at least equal to the height of a section of the light emitting module, which protrudes beyond an upper edge of the reflecting surface of the reflecting module. Preferably, the light source and other electronic elements are arranged between the ribs; this can prevent damage to the light source and other electronic elements during assembly. When the rib extends continuously, it can also prevent unwanted lateral light leakage.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting module is a printed circuit board assembly, which has a printed circuit board with the light source arranged thereon.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heat transfer material is disposed between the heat dissipating module and the light emitting module. The heat transfer material may be a flexible heat transfer sheet or heat dissipating silicone rubber; this can ensure good heat transfer between the heat dissipating module and the light emitting module.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reflecting module is provided with a locating structure which acts together with a mating locating structure of the light emitting module. For example, the locating structure takes the form of a locating boss, and the mating locating structure takes the form of a locating hole; they form a shape-fitted connection in an assembled state, thereby achieving the precise positioning of the light source relative to the reflecting surface of the reflecting module. The locating structure and the mating locating structure may also take other suitable forms.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipating module is integrally formed, e.g. formed by casting of a metal material, in particular aluminium. This can realize cost-effective manufacture.
  • According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical assembly has at least one light source, in order to realize one or more light functions. Preferably, the light source is a light emitting diode, e.g. a white light emitting diode, a red light emitting diode or a yellow light emitting diode, in order to correspondingly realize a function such as a headlamp, tail lamp, brake lamp or direction indicator lamp.
  • The present invention also relates to a vehicle, having the optical assembly or lighting and/or signal apparatus described above.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The present invention is expounded further below by means of the accompanying drawings. Here:
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically a sectional view of a lighting and/or signal apparatus for a vehicle;
  • Fig. 2 shows schematically a three-dimensional view of an optical assembly of a lighting and/or signal apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention;
  • Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the optical assembly of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 shows a side view of the optical assembly of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 5 shows a partial enlarged view of region A of Fig. 4; and
  • Figs. 6a -6c show schematically an assembly process of the optical assembly of Fig. 2.
  • PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
  • Embodiments of the present invention are described demonstratively below. As those skilled in the art should realize, the embodiments described may be amended in various different ways without departing from the concept of the present invention. Thus, the accompanying drawings and the Description are in essence demonstrative and non-limiting. In the following text, identical drawing reference labels generally indicate functionally identical or similar elements.
  • Fig. 1 shows schematically a sectional view of a lighting and/or signal apparatus for a vehicle.
  • The lighting and/or signal apparatus concerned here is for example a headlamp 100 of a vehicle. The headlamp 100 mainly comprises a housing 11 and a cover 12 covering a front opening of the housing 11. The housing 11 and the cover 12 together form an internal space 13, in which internal space an optical assembly 10 is accommodated. The  optical assembly 10 is for example used to generate at least one of a low beam distribution or high beam distribution, or used to generate another light distribution. For this purpose, an adjusting module 50 for adjusting the optical assembly 10 is also disposed in the internal space 13, in order to adjust an optical axis of the optical assembly 10, and thereby generate a light distribution meeting regulatory requirements. The adjusting module may employ various existing known structures, which are not expounded in detail here.
  • An optical assembly 10 according to the present invention is explained below by means of Figs. 2 -5; this is likewise installed in an internal space formed by a housing 11 and a cover 12, and comprises a heat dissipating module 20, a light emitting module 30 and a reflecting module 40.
  • Here, the light emitting module 30 and the reflecting module 40 are both connected to and positionally fixed to the heat dissipating module 20. The heat dissipating module 20 is further provided with joint parts of an adjusting module 50 for adjusting the optical assembly 10, wherein three joint parts 23a, 23b and 23c are shown demonstratively; one of these may take the form of a ball socket of a ball joint, the other two are engaged with corresponding adjustment means of the adjusting module, such that the entire optical assembly 10 can tilt under the adjusting action of the adjustment means with the ball joint as a pivot point, in order to adjust the optical axis.
  • The light emitting module 30 may take the form of a printed circuit board assembly having a printed circuit board 32, a light source and other electrical elements, e.g. a connector 33 connected to an onboard power supply, a capacitor or a resistor, etc., which are mounted on the printed circuit board.
  • At least a part of light emitted by the light source can reach a reflecting surface of the reflecting module 40, and exit in the direction of a housing opening after reflection by the reflecting surface, as shown by the arrow H in Fig. 1. The light source may take the form of a light emitting diode LED. A first light source 31a and a second light source 31b arranged above the reflecting module 40 are shown demonstratively here. Of course, the quantity and type of the light source may be selected as required, and the light source could also be arranged at another suitable position of the reflecting module 40, e.g. a left side and/or a right side.
  • The printed circuit board 32 is layed on the heat dissipating module 20 by means of a side, which is opposite to the side on which the light source is arranged. In order to achieve good heat dissipation, a heat transfer material such as a flexible heat transfer sheet or heat dissipating silicone rubber may be provided between the printed circuit board 32 and the heat dissipating module 20, in order to ensure good thermal conductivity between the light emitting module 30 and the heat dissipating module 20.
  • In order to ensure precise positioning of the light source relative to the reflecting module 40, the printed circuit board 32 and the reflecting module 40 may have locating structures which act together. For example, the reflecting module 40 may have locating bosses 43a and 43b, and the printed circuit board 32 may have mating locating holes 33; the locating bosses are inserted into the mating locating holes to form a shape-fitted connection. The mating locating holes can also be disposed on the heat dissipating module 20 to simplify assembly.
  • Alternatively, the light source of the light emitting module 30 may be arranged directly on the heat dissipating module 20. In this case, mating locating structures which act together with locating structures of  the reflecting module 40 are disposed directly in the heat dissipating module 20, and for example take the form of mortise-and-tenon structures.
  • The reflecting module 40 takes the form of a reflector; the reflecting surface thereof is a curved surface and faces the light source. The reflecting surface may be a parabolic reflector, or formed by combining multiple surface sheets. In the former case, the basic surface of the reflecting surface is a paraboloid of revolution; a central axis of revolution thereof forms an optical axis of the reflecting module, the optical axis corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a positional relationship between the reflecting surface of the reflecting module 40 and the light source is set such that a focus of the reflecting surface coincides with the light source. In the latter case, a corresponding surface sheet combination is allocated to an associated light source, in order to generate the desired light distribution. As shown in Fig. 3, a first surface sheet combination 41a is allocated to the first light source 31a, and a second surface sheet combination 42a is allocated to the second light source 31b, finally generating for example a low beam distribution or high beam distribution.
  • The reflecting module 40 may be formed by plastic injection moulding, and the reflecting surface thereof is formed by a metal plated layer, e.g. a plated aluminium layer.
  • The heat dissipating module 20 is for example integrally formed by casting of a metal, in particular aluminium, and has the function of dissipating heat generated by the light source. In order to further improve the heat dissipating function of the heat dissipating module 20, multiple protruding fins may be provided on a side of the heat dissipating module, which faces away from the reflecting module.
  • The heat dissipating module 20 may have a first section 20a and a second section 20b. The light emitting module 30 is arranged on a side of the first section 20a, which faces the reflecting surface. Through-holes 24a, 24b and 24c are also disposed in the first section 20a, and act together with openings 44a, 44b and 44c disposed in the reflecting module 40. The through-holes 24a, 24b and 24c and the openings 44a, 44b and 44c are aligned with each other in a corresponding manner. Here, the openings 44a, 44b and 44c may take the form of threaded holes, and screws 60 may be screwed into aligned holes, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the heat dissipating module and the reflecting module. The quantity and positions of the through-holes and openings may be set as required. The openings 44a, 44b and 44c are disposed at an edge of the reflecting module 40 which abuts against the heat dissipating module 20.
  • In particular, when the light emitting module 30 takes the form of a circuit board assembly, the light emitting module 30 is arranged between the first section 20a of the heat dissipating module 20 and the reflecting module 40.
  • The first section of the heat dissipating module 20 may be provided with a rib 21; the height of the rib is at least equal to the height of a section of the light emitting module 30, which protrudes beyond an upper edge of the reflecting surface of the reflecting module 40. Preferably, a pair of ribs 21 is provided, and the abovementioned section of the light emitting module 30 is arranged between the ribs, thereby protecting associated electronic elements, and preventing lateral light leakage.
  • At least one pair of plates 25 protrude from a side of the second section 20b of the heat dissipating module 20, which faces the reflecting module, and a cylindrical pivot 26 is constructed between the plates. An outer profile of the second section 20b approximately corresponds to the  extension of an outer profile of the reflecting module. More specifically, in the direction of the optical axis, an end of the second section which adjoins the first section is offset with respect to an end of the second section which is provided with the plates 25. This can reduce the length of the plates and achieve a compact structure.
  • A connecting plate 45 is formed on a side of the reflecting module 40, which is opposite the reflecting surface, the connecting plate having a slot 46 which is open at one end. Only one connecting plate is shown here, but multiple connecting plates which correspondingly have slots could of course also be provided. The width of the slot is equal to the diameter of the cylindrical pivot 26. The pivot 26 of the heat dissipating module 20 is inserted into the slot 46, as can be seen from Figs. 4 and 5.
  • Figs. 6a -6c show schematically an assembly process of the optical assembly; first of all, the pivot 26 of the heat dissipating module 20 having the light emitting module 30 is inserted into the slot 46 of the connecting plate 45 of the reflecting module 40. Preferably, the pivot 26 is pushed into the bottom of the slot 46; the heat dissipating module is then rotated relative to the reflecting module in a direction R, such that the light source of the light emitting module arranged on the heat dissipating module faces the reflecting surface of the reflecting module; the pivot is then immediately guided in the slot towards the open end of the slot, and the positions of the heat dissipating module 20 and the reflecting module 40 are adjusted at the same time, such that the locating bosses of the reflecting module 40 are inserted into the associated mating locating holes, and the through-holes and openings for the screws 60 are aligned with each other; and finally the screws are screwed in.
  • By providing, on a side of the heat dissipating module 20 which faces the reflecting surface, ribs of a height at least corresponding to the height of the section of the light emitting module, which protrudes  beyond the upper edge of the reflecting surface of the reflecting module 40, damage to associated electrical elements during assembly is advantageously prevented. In addition, the continuously extending ribs can also prevent unwanted lateral leakage of light.
  • When the abovementioned modules are in the correct positions relative to each other, besides using a threaded connection, another suitable connection method could also be used, e.g. snap-fit connection, riveting, welding, etc.
  • The present invention is not limited to the structure described above; various other variants could also be used. Although the present invention has already been described by means of a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art could, drawing benefit from this disclosure, design other embodiments which do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention disclosed herein. Thus, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the attached claims alone.

Claims (14)

  1. Optical assembly (10) for a lighting and/or signal apparatus of a vehicle, comprising a heat dissipating module (20) , a light emitting module (30) and a reflecting module (40) , the light emitting module (30) having a light source (31) and being arranged on the heat dissipating module (20) , with at least a part of light emitted by the light source (31) reaching a reflecting surface of the reflecting module (40) , characterized in that a connecting plate (45) is disposed on a side of the reflecting module (40) which is opposite to the reflecting surface, the connecting plate has a slot (46) , the heat dissipating module (20) correspondingly has a pivot (26) accommodated in the slot (46) , and the reflecting module (40) is positionally fixed and connected to the heat dissipating module (20) .
  2. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 1, characterized by being provided with multiple connecting plates (45) having slots (46) .
  3. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the width of the slot (46) corresponds to the diameter of the pivot (26) .
  4. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that a joint part of an adjusting module (50) for adjusting the optical assembly (10) is disposed on the heat dissipating module (20) .
  5. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 2, characterized in that a rib (21) is disposed on the heat dissipating module (20) , and the height of the rib (21) is at least equal to the height of a section of the light emitting module (30) , which protrudes beyond an upper edge of the reflecting surface of the reflecting module (40) .
  6. Optical assembly (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -5, characterized in that the light emitting module (30) is a printed circuit board assembly, which has a printed circuit board (32) with the light source arranged thereon.
  7. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that a heat transfer material is disposed between the heat dissipating module (20) and the light emitting module (30) .
  8. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the reflecting module (40) is provided with a locating structure which acts together with a mating locating structure of the light emitting module (30) .
  9. Optical assembly (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -5, characterized in that the heat dissipating module (20) is integrally formed.
  10. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the heat dissipating module (20) is made of aluminium.
  11. Optical assembly (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -5, characterized in that the optical assembly (10) has at least one light source, in order to realize one or more light functions.
  12. Optical assembly (10) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the light source is a light emitting diode.
  13. Lighting and/or signal apparatus, having an optical assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  14. Vehicle, having the optical assembly (10) according to any one of Claims 1 -12 or the lighting and/or signal apparatus according to Claim 13.
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EP3887715A4 (en) 2022-08-24
EP3887715B1 (en) 2024-07-24
CN111237715B (en) 2023-08-15
WO2020108511A1 (en) 2020-06-04
CN111237715A (en) 2020-06-05

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