ES2464641A1 - Lighting device for a vehicle (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Illumination device for a vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources, a reflector of the light emitted by said plurality of light sources and a filter, wherein said reflector comprises a curved surface such that a distribution on a surface of the intensity the light output from the filter is essentially constant. In this way, a greater design flexibility is offered, allowing to overcome the space restrictions that oblige to place the filter near the diffuser, while maintaining an acceptable aspect in the emission of light. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Lighting device for a vehicle

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present patent application is a lighting device for a vehicle according to claim 1, which incorporates notable innovations and advantages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are in the state of the art headlights, and specifically flashing lights, whose light sources are composed of LED devices. For this, it is necessary, first, to have a plate for the integrated circuits, and to serve as a support for the LEDs, then a diffuser, or collimator, of light (optics that it generates from the beam of divergent rays of the source of light a beam of parallel rays), and, finally, a filter (an optic that opens the parallel and horizontal beam of light with the appropriate opening angles), homogenizing the appearance, and occasionally staining the light yellow.

Normally the diffuser, or collimator, of light is very close to the LEDs. It consists of a lens or a piece of transparent plastic with lens shapes coinciding with the LEDs, and concentrates the beam of light from the LED (point source).

The filter is a semi-transparent piece (white, or colored, preferably yellow) that receives the light that passes through the diffuser, or collimator, and opens the beam of light horizontally and vertically with the appropriate opening angles, homogenizing it in addition to giving it color . This homogeneous appearance is obtained when the filter is at a distance of approximately 3 cm from the diffuser. If the filter is too far from the diffuser, less light will come, while if it is too close, there is not enough space for the light rays that pass through the diffuser to disperse and the homogeneity effect disappears, maintaining the unwanted appearance of sources of specific light.

On the other hand, in the document of the state of the art EP1240053, a mirror is described exterior mirror for a motor vehicle comprising a mirror housing and a mirror base The mirror housing comprises a mirror on its back side, and at the less a lamp device, with at least one light source, which has an opening of 5 light output with a screen as a cover, for the light source arranged in the mirror housing According to the invention, the at least one light source comprises Several distributed light diodes. Thus, the patent describes an intermittent, in this case installed in a rearview mirror, whose light sources are LEDs. In this case the disposition of the LEDs is the traditional one, with diffuser and filter, without facing the problem of the homogeneous aspect

10 of the resulting light.

Thus, there is still a need to have a lighting device for a vehicle that offers greater design flexibility, allowing to overcome the space constraints that force the filter to be placed near the diffuser, while maintaining

15 an acceptable aspect in the emission of light.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, this task is solved by means of a lighting device for a vehicle according to independent claim 1. Additional advantages of the invention are presented in the claims dependent on the description that follows.

The system of the present invention has as its object a lighting device, in particular a flashing light, for vehicles that emit light with a uniform appearance. The problem that exists is that in cases where there are restrictions on space and design, it is forced to place the filter so close to the diffuser, or collimator, that the resulting aspect would be undesirable and unacceptable.

Thus, the present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources, a reflector of the light emitted by said plurality of light sources and a filter, wherein said reflector comprises a curved geometry. such that a distribution on a surface of the intensity of the outgoing light of the filter is

35 essentially constant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light sources

LEDs point in a vertical direction. The reflector, which acts as a diffuser, given its geometry, redirects the light beams to the desired horizontal direction. Additionally, it assembles an already known filter, but without the need to maintain a minimum horizontal distance with the reflector, since the effect of light scattering that is obtained with the reflector is sufficient. The result is a homogeneous and acceptable appearance with a much more compact arrangement, especially in its horizontal dimension. By diffuser, or collimator, is meant an optical device that concentrates the light, and by filter, an optical element that opens the beam of light horizontally and vertically to properly configure the light distribution.

Advantageously, the plurality of light sources, the reflector, and the filter are arranged such that the light emitted by the plurality of light sources crosses the filter after reflection in the reflector. Said reflector has a reflective surface, as the name implies, which changes the direction of the light rays, which preferably come vertically and "rotate" them, preferably, to a horizontal direction. The parabolic geometry of the reflector is such that the radial rays of light coming out of the LED as a point light source become essentially all parallel to each other, as a halogen lamp. Thanks to this it replaces the action of the collimator.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of light sources is arranged in relation to the reflector such that the direction of the light emission of the plurality of light sources, especially the optical axis of maximum light intensity, It is essentially perpendicular to the main light emission direction of the device. In this way, if there is a dimensional restriction in one direction, for example horizontally, the design flexibility is extended by moving the direction in which to position the position of said light sources to 90 °, in the example a vertical.

It should be mentioned that the plurality of the light sources are arranged in such a way that they are not visible from the outside of the lighting device. Thus, with the headlight or flashing off, there are no interior shapes observable from the outside, maintaining the aesthetics of the vehicle.

More particularly, the plurality of light sources are LED diodes, with consequent energy savings and greater durability benefits.

Advantageously, the filter is semi-transparent, in a degree that allows the light to exit, but does not observe from the outside the existing components inside.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the points furthest from the

5 reflector and the filter is less than 35 mm, without representing a decrease in the properties homogeneous of the light emission, which implies a lower design restriction than in other known embodiments.

More particularly, the curved geometry of the reflector is shaped like a parabola, this being a

10 known form, and reproducible being determined the position of its foci, as if, alternatively, the curved geometry of the reflector is in the form of a segment of a circle with a known radius and center.

Advantageously, the reflector surface is faceted, understood as a surface

15 faceted which is composed of many small surfaces. These small surfaces are oriented so that the greatest amount of light (all, if possible) comes out through the filter.

According to another aspect of the invention, the surface of the reflector has a reflection index of

20 essentially 100%, which leads to an outward transmission of the optimal generated light.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the light emitted by the at least one LED is colored, and also, and / or in addition, the semi-transparent filter of a

25 colored hue. Thus, in addition to the provision of emitting a homogeneous light, the color of the emitted light is suitable for the specific lighting and / or signaling function of the light device.

The invention also comprises a vehicle flasher comprising a lighting device 30 as described above.

The attached drawings show, by way of non-limiting example, a lighting device for a vehicle, constituted according to the invention. Other features and advantages of said lighting device for a vehicle, object of the present invention, will be apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment, but

non-exclusive, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the drawings that are accompany, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.-It is a sectional side view of the lighting device for a vehicle, of according to the present invention; Figure 2.- It is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device assembly for a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3.- It is a detailed view of the homogeneous light effect of the device lighting for a vehicle, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3.- It is a detailed view of the non-homogeneous light effect of a device lighting for a vehicle;

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In view of the aforementioned figures and, according to the numbering adopted, you can observe in them a preferred embodiment of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as seen in figures 1, 2 and 3, the lighting device for a vehicle it comprises a plurality of light sources 1, a reflector 2 of the light emitted by said plurality of light sources 1 and a filter 3, wherein said reflector 2 comprises a curved geometry such that a distribution on a surface of the intensity of the outgoing light of filter 3 is essentially parallel (the faceted surface has not been represented in the figure for simplicity). In a particular embodiment the device of illumination does not consist of a filter 3 but the beam of outgoing light of the reflector 2 has the angle of divergence adequate to fulfill its function, there being only one protective coverage without any associated optical property, only with a greater or lesser degree of transparency

More specifically, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the plurality of light sources 1, the reflector 2, and the filter 3 are arranged such that the light emitted by the plurality of light sources 1 passes through the filter. 3 after reflection in reflector 2.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the plurality of light sources 1 is arranged in relation to the reflector such that the direction of the light emission of the plurality of light sources light, especially the optical axis of maximum light intensity, is essentially perpendicular to the main direction of light emission of the device. Thus, the orientation of the light output of the filter 3 is essentially perpendicular to the orientation of the optical axis of maximum light intensity of at least one of the light sources 1. The alignment between the light source 1 and the reflector 2 is essentially perpendicular to the alignment between reflector 2 and filter 3 (following the light path)

It should be mentioned, as seen in Figure 3, that the plurality of the light sources 1 are arranged in such a way that they are not visible from the outside of the lighting device. Preferably the light source is LED diodes, although in an alternative embodiment they can be of any other type.

According to another aspect of the invention, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the filter 3 is semi-transparent, and the distance between the points furthest from the reflector 2 and the filter 3 is less than 35 mm.

More particularly, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the curved geometry of the reflector 2 preferably has a parabola shape.

On the other hand, said surface 21 of the reflector 2 is faceted (not represented in the figures for simplicity), in a preferred embodiment having a set of individual microreflectors that give the light function a uniform appearance.

According to another aspect of the invention, the surface 21 of the reflector 2 has a reflection rate of essentially 100%. Said mirror effect is essentially achieved by a silver coating.

It should be mentioned, as shown in Figure 2, that at least one of the light sources 1 is mounted on a printed circuit 11, and that it comprises a radiator 12.

On the other hand, the light emitted by the at least one LED is colored, and can be

5 yellow for turn signals, red for brakes or even blue for police vehicles. Additionally, also the semi-transparent filter 3 is of a colored hue, it can also be yellow for turn signals, red for brakes or even blue for police vehicles.

10 It is also the object of the invention a vehicle flasher comprising a lighting device as described above.

The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the components used in the implementation of said lighting device for a

The vehicle may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent, and do not depart from the essentiality of the invention or the scope defined by the claims that are included below the following list.

List references:

1 light sources 11 printed circuit

5 12 radiator 2 reflector 21 surface 3 filter

Claims (2)

1-Lighting device for a vehicle comprising a plurality of sources of 5 light (1), a reflector (2) of the light emitted by said plurality of light sources (1) and a filter (3), characterized in that said reflector (2) comprises a surface (21) such that a distribution on a surface of the intensity of the outgoing light of the filter (3) is essentially constant. 10 2-Lighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the plurality of light sources (1), the reflector (2), and the filter (3) are arranged such that the light emitted by the plurality of light sources (1) passes through the filter (3) after reflection in the reflector (2). A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of light sources (1) is arranged in relation to the reflector such that the direction of the light emission of the plurality of light sources , especially the optical axis of maximum light intensity, is essentially perpendicular to the main direction of light emission of the device. 20 4-Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the plurality of the light sources (1) are arranged in such a way that they are not visible from the outside of the lighting device. 25 5-Lighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the plurality of light sources (1) are LED diodes. 6-Lighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the filter (3) is semi-transparent. 30 7-Lighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that a distance between the points furthest from the reflector (2) and the filter (3) is less than 35 mm. 8-Lighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the surface 35 (21) of the reflector (2) is shaped like a parabola. 9-Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 or 8, characterized in that the surface (21) of the reflector (2) is faceted. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1, 8 or 9, characterized in that the surface (21) of the reflector (2) has a reflection index of essentially 100%. 11-Lighting device according to claim 5 characterized in that the light emitted by the at least one LED is colored. 12-Lighting device according to claim 1 characterized in that the semi-transparent filter (3) is of a colored hue. 13 13-Vehicle flasher comprising a lighting device according to claim 1. FIG. one FIG. 2 13 FIG. 3 FIG. 3 14 SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 201331824 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 13.12.2013 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: See Additional Sheet RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

56 Documents cited Claims Affected

X

DE 202004001110 U1 (DURLUM LEUCHTEN) 04/29/2004, summary; figures. Extracted from the EPODOC database in EPOQUE. 1-13

Y

JP 2006032045 A (KOITO MFG CO LTD) 02.02.2006, summary; figures. Extracted from the EPODOC database in EPOQUE. 1-13

Y

WO 2008023313 A1 (KONINKL PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV et al.) 28.02.2008, page 3, line 16 - page 6, line 19; Figures 1-4. 1-13

TO

FR 2641364 A1 (CARELLO SPA) 06.07.1990, page 3, line 15 - page 5, line 29; figures. 1-13

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 05.26.2014

Examiner P. Pérez Fernández Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201331824 CLASSIFICATION OBJECT OF THE APPLICATION B60Q1 / 34 (2006.01) F21V13 / 08 (2006.01) F21V7 / 04 (2006.01) Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) B60Q, F21V Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC, WPI, PAJ State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201331824 Date of Completion of Written Opinion: 05.26.2014 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 3-13 1.2 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-13 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201331824 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

DE 202004001110 U1 (DURLUM LIGHTHOUSE) 04/29/2004

D02

JP 2006032045 A (KOITO MFG CO LTD) 02.02.2006

D03

WO 2008023313 A1 (KONINKL PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV et al.) 02.28.2008

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement Lack of Novelty Claim No. 1 Document D01 is established as the closest to the State of the Art. Said document D01 refers to a multifunction lamp that provides a constant light distribution and contains: - two light sources (2) (see summary; figure 1). -a reflector (6) (see summary; figure 1). -a transparent filter (3) (see summary; figure 1). -In addition, the intensity of the outgoing light of the filter (3) is constant (see summary; Figure 1). Therefore, claim 1 lacks Novelty in view of document D01 (Art 6.1 LP). Claim 2 Document D01 shows that the light emitted by the light source passes through the filter (3) after being reflected in the reflector (6). Accordingly, claim 2 is not new (Art 6.1 LP). Lack of Inventive Activity Claim 3 The provision set forth in claim 3 is a mere obvious particular execution for a person skilled in the art. However, and to illustrate this obvious criterion, document D02 can be seen (figure 2). Consequently, claim 3 lacks Inventive Activity (Art 8 LP). Claims 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 The characteristics of claims 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 are considered mere normal design options, therefore obvious to the person skilled in the art. Accordingly, claims 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 lack Inventive Activity (Art 8 LP). Claims 5, 8, 11, 12 The fact that the light sources are colored LEDs, that the reflector has a parabolic shape and that the filter is colored are well known techniques and therefore obvious to the person skilled in the art. However, and to illustrate this obvious criterion, document D03 (page 4, lines 16-23) can be seen. Consequently, claims 5, 8, 11, 12 lack Inventive Activity (Art 8 LP). Claim 13 The use of the lighting device as a vehicle flasher is a particular obvious execution for a person skilled in the art. Therefore, claim 13 lacks Inventive Activity (Art 8 LP). State of the Art Report Page 4/4