Projection device for a vehicle and method for projecting optically perceptible elements

Abstract

A projection device (1) for a motor vehicle for projecting optically perceptible patterns onto a surface, having a light source (2) suitable and for emitting a light beam and a pattern-generating element onto which at least a portion of the light beam emitted by the light source impinges, wherein the pattern-generating element has a first light-transmissive region (B1) which at least partially transmits the light beam emitted by the light source (2) and impinging onto the pattern-generating element and a second light-blocking region (B2) which blocks the light beam emitted by the light source and impinging onto the pattern-generating element. According to the invention, the second region is scattering and / or reflective for the light beam emitted from the light source and impinging onto the pattern-generating element (4), and the projection device (1) has a light guide device (6) which is suitable and / or for inputting at least a portion of the light beam reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the pattern-generating element into a further light system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a projection device for projecting optically perceptible elements, and more particularly to a sign projector for automobiles. A sign projector with an imaging element, also known as a Gobo (graphical optical blackout) projector or MLA (Micro Lens Array), creates graphics by projecting onto a projection surface. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, light is imaged and used by a single optical element. A portion of the light passes through the imaging element; this portion forms the image. Another portion is disrupted or absorbed within the optical module, or, in the worst case, even produces (multiple) reflections, scattered light, and ghosting within the housing. However, in any case, a portion of the light output is lost and unused.

[0003] As is well known, Gobo projectors have been used by various car manufacturers in the automotive industry. For example, they are often used as part of exterior lighting and project graphics and signs into the vehicle's entry area.

[0004] Because only a portion of the light that produces the image is allowed to pass through (based on the principle of projection through a light-transmitting sheet), most of the light produced is not used.

[0005] A vehicle lamp and a vehicle equipped with a vehicle lamp are known from DE 10 201 7 206 325 A1. A light distribution pattern is projected onto a road. US 2016 / 0161913A1 describes an optical device for reproducing a three-dimensional light image. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this invention is that a large portion of the (output) light required for sign projection is utilized. According to the invention, this is achieved through the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and extended designs are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] The projection device for automobiles according to the invention is used to project optically perceptible graphics (e.g., logos, badges, notices, characters, information, warnings, and / or one or more similar graphics) onto a surface. The projection device has a light source adapted for emitting a light beam. Additionally, a graphics generating element is provided, on which at least a portion of the light beam emitted by the light source is incident (that is, in particular, the light source and the graphics generating element are arranged such that the light beam emitted from the light source incident on the graphics generating element). The graphics generating element has a first light-transmitting region that at least partially transmits the light beam emitted from the light source and incident on the graphics generating element, and a second region, and in particular a light-blocking region, that blocks the light beam emitted from the light source and incident on the graphics generating element (wherein the term "blocking" is understood herein as particularly the opposite of the term "transmission").

[0008] According to the invention, the second region is for scattering and / or reflecting light (or beams) emitted from the light source and incident on the graphics generating element, and the projection device has a light guide that is adapted to and used to input at least a portion of the beams of light reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the graphics element (especially beams transmitted by the first region or beams scattered and / or reflected by the second region) into another optical system.

[0009] Instead of the term "graphics generation element" used in the context of this application, the term "imaging element" may also be used. These terms should be considered synonyms.

[0010] Therefore, it is proposed that, unlike existing technologies, beams not used for projection are not lost but can be used by another optical system. This allows for higher utilization of the original light output.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the pattern-generating element itself can also be used as a light guide (or as part of such a light guide), for example, by arranging the pattern-generating element in the beam path of light emitted from the light source, such that a certain proportion of the light is deflected in one direction, for example, reflected, in which it can be used for another purpose. The principle of creating patterns through reflective surfaces and guiding transmitted light into another system can also be reversed. In the prior art, unused light is either absorbed or substantially reflected back to the light source.

[0012] Preferably, the pattern generating element can also be used as a light guide by being positioned at an angle in the beam path of the light emitted from the light source. The pattern generating element is preferably arranged such that the surface forming the second region forms an angle with the direction of illumination of the light from the light source, which is between 70° and 90°, preferably between 80° and 89°, preferably between 85° and 89°, and particularly preferably between 88° and 89°.

[0013] Additionally, the graphics generating element can also be used as a light guide, allowing it to transmit light beam components not intended for projection, and thus particularly permitting its use in other applications. Generally, a light guide may also be referred to as a light-guiding device, but in the context of this application, the term "light guide" will continue to be used consistently, where guiding a light beam does not necessarily mean deflecting it.

[0014] Therefore, the light emitted from the light source, or generally the beam emitted from the light source, is preferably used for two different illumination purposes, wherein the light used for the first illumination purpose and the second illumination purpose is preferably separated by the pattern generating element. Therefore, the pattern generating element is preferably used as a beam splitter, although the beam splitting is caused by different regions.

[0015] The light source is preferably a white light source. In particular, the light source has at least one, and preferably multiple, LEDs.

[0016] The light source can be monochromatic or polychromatic. Parallel light is preferred. The light source can be one or more LEDs, but other light sources are also conceivable, such as lasers, incandescent lamps, mercury lamps, halogen lamps, displacement elements, etc.

[0017] The graphic generating element is preferably designed as a flat element. This means that the graphic generating element preferably extends in the longitudinal direction, in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and in the thickness direction, with the extension in the thickness direction being significantly smaller than the extension in the longitudinal and width directions, and preferably less than 10% of the extension in the longitudinal and width directions. Generally, the light-shielding sheet can also have concave or convex surfaces, inclined or freeform surfaces. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0018] Particularly preferably, at least one optical element is also provided, which is arranged between the light source and the pattern generating element. This element may be, for example, a lens.

[0019] The graphics (which are generated or can be generated by graphics generating elements) can be, in particular, letters, numbers, symbols, shapes, combinations of several elements, etc. The graphics generating device can be, for example, an MLA, a (glass) Dia, or a so-called Gobo (patterned light-blocking sheet). It can be applied to a glass or plastic carrier, or consist of metal elements with exposed areas.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the light guide device is adapted and used to input a light beam passing through (or transmitted through) a first region or a light beam reflected and / or scattered by a second region into another optical system.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the light beam passing through the first region reaches the surface, while the light beam incident on the second region does not reach the surface.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the light beam passing through the first region does not reach the surface, while the light beam incident on the second region reaches the surface.

[0023] These proposed variations are possible variations in which, on the one hand, transmitted light is not used to generate the sign, and on the other hand, reflected light is used to generate the sign (or generally, graphic generation). The light beam emitted by the light source is particularly preferably light in the visible wavelength range. It can also be used with light in the invisible wavelength range (e.g., ultraviolet or infrared light invisible to the human eye, used for communication between vehicles).

[0024] MLA and / or Glassia (glass translucent sheet) or Gobo preferably consist of a carrier element that is particularly opaque in those portions where light should not pass through, by means of a coating. For example, the coating may be a chromium layer. Preferably, the pattern is cut out so that light can pass through these cut-out areas.

[0025] The coating, such as a chromium layer (a so-called light-shielding film), forms a mirror and reflects light back to the light module or light source in the prior art, where the light is absorbed by light-absorbing materials in the prior art.

[0026] The present invention proposes, instead of reflecting light back into the housing, to guide it into a second optical path and input it into a new parallel optical system through a clever arrangement of optical elements (and especially the graphics generating element itself). For example, this could be another sign projector, video projector, light guide or lamp for vehicle ambient lighting (as known in the prior art), as described below. Additional projectors can also be connected through this clever arrangement. The controllable aperture can also be switched between the various optical systems, controlling, limiting, or interrupting the luminous flux according to time or as needed.

[0027] Additional mirrors, light guides, prisms, lenses, etc., can be used to guide the light path to another light-emitting surface. In this case, the light guiding device used preferably has at least one such element.

[0028] Conversely, this principle can also be implemented in the following way: In Gobo, instead of allowing the light to be projected to pass through a transparent sheet, a pattern is formed using chromium or other reflective materials, and the light is reflected, thus guiding the image (i.e., the reflected image) onto the projection surface by the imaging optics (projection optics). The light that passes through the mirror or pattern-generating element is then preferably guided into the second system.

[0029] In this way, a combination of static imagers (MLA, Dia, Gobo) and the reflective properties of the “darkened” region can be provided to input light into a second optical system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the light guide directs the light beam to at least one additional light-emitting surface. This light-emitting surface may be part of the other optical system. In this way, the other light-emitting surface can also serve as another light source for the other optical system.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the light guiding device has at least one light refraction and / or light conduction and / or light reflection element. This light refraction and / or light conduction and / or light reflection element is particularly preferably selected from a group of elements including mirrors, light guides, prisms, or lenses.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the projection device has an optical imaging unit disposed between the pattern generating element and the surface. This optical imaging unit is preferably used to image a pattern on the surface.

[0033] Particularly preferably, the other light system is selected from a group of light systems that includes another projection device, a video projector, lighting, and vehicle cab lighting. For example, the lamp can be used to illuminate another component of the vehicle.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a car having a projection device of the type described above.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a method for projecting an optically perceptible pattern onto a vehicle surface, the method utilizing a light source emitting a light beam and a pattern generating element, wherein at least a portion of the light beam emitted by the light source illuminates the pattern generating element, the pattern generating element having a first light-transmitting region and a second light-blocking region, the first light-transmitting region at least partially (and preferably completely) transmitting the light beam emitted by the light source and incident on the pattern generating element, and the second light-blocking region blocking the light beam emitted by the light source and incident on the pattern generating element.

[0036] According to the invention, the second region is scattering and / or reflecting, and in particular is reflecting the light beam emitted from the light source and incident on the pattern generating element, and the projection device has a light guide that allows at least a portion of the light beam reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the pattern generating element to be input into another optical system.

[0037] The reflective design should be understood in particular to mean that at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 90% of the incident beam is reflected.

[0038] The method also proposes that at least a portion of the beam incident on the graphics generating element is used for further applications.

[0039] The projection device is preferably configured, adapted, and / or used to perform the above-described method and all the method steps already described above in conjunction with the method, either individually or in combination with each other. Conversely, the method may be equipped with all the features described in the context of the projection device, either individually or in combination with each other.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a means of transportation, particularly an automobile, which includes the projection device for a means of transportation described above according to an embodiment. This means of transportation may, in particular, be a (motorized) road vehicle.

[0041] The means of transport can be a car, especially a car controlled by a driver (“driver-only”), a semi-autonomous car, an autonomous car (e.g., Level 3, 4, or 5 of autonomy (standard SAE J3016)), or an autonomous vehicle. In addition to road vehicles, the means of transport can also be flying taxis, airplanes, and other transport vehicles or other types of vehicles, such as air, water, or rail vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Further advantages and embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

[0043] In the attached diagram:

[0044] Figure 1 The projection device in the first embodiment is shown to explain the principle of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This illustrates how luminous flux is divided into a primary system and a secondary system using reflective elements.

[0046] Figure 3 The structure of a pattern generating element in the form of a patterned light-blocking plate (GOBO) is shown;

[0047] Figure 4a b shows how luminous flux is divided into a primary system and a secondary system (negative and positive images) using GOBO.

[0048] Figure 5 This demonstrates how luminous flux is divided into a main system and subsequent systems 2, 3, etc., using GOBO.

[0049] Figure 6a b shows another embodiment of the projection device according to the invention using a reflective surface;

[0050] Figure 7a b shows another embodiment of the projection device according to the invention using a reflective surface;

[0051] Figure 8a b shows another embodiment of the projection device using a lens according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 9a , 9b Another embodiment of the projection device using a reflective surface according to the present invention is shown;

[0053] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the projection device according to the present invention is shown;

[0054] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the projection device according to the present invention is shown;

[0055] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the projection device according to the present invention is shown;

[0056] Figure 13 A schematic diagram showing another possible embodiment; and

[0057] Figure 14 Showing has Figure 13 The projection device shown in the embodiment is according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A view of the projection device is shown. In particular, the image generating element 4 is shown, which transmits a portion of the light, which then reaches the imaging optics 12 and projects an image. Therefore, Figure 1 The principles upon which the invention according to one embodiment is based are explained. The portion reflected by the pattern generating element 4 reaches system 2 and can be used there. The transmissive portion enters system 1 and is preferably imaged by the imaging optics 12.

[0059] Figure 2 It shows the use of Figure 2 A more detailed example of the principle of the graphics generating element 4 is shown below. In this case, the graphics generating element 4 has a light-transmitting carrier (e.g., glass or plastic), shown here as unfilled, and a light-shielding sheet, i.e., a mask for generating the image. Figure 3 B2), in this embodiment, is implemented in the form of a reflective layer (e.g., using chromium material), and is shown in a grid form. The pattern generating element 4 is preferably composed of the aforementioned light-transmitting carrier and light-shielding sheet. The pattern generating element 4 masks the light beam so that only a portion of the light B1 can pass through (transmit), and this portion of the light is subsequently imaged. The light that does not pass through the mask is deflected into a second light beam B2, which can be further utilized in a separate system 20. In this embodiment, the pattern generating element 4 also functions as a light guiding device, and its light guiding effect is specifically manifested in: reflecting the light to be further utilized and guiding it to the subsequent system 20 (i.e., the deflection is completed by the pattern generating element).

[0060] Therefore, the luminous flux is divided into a primary system and a secondary system using a reflective patterned shield (GOBO) or a graphic MLA.

[0061] Figure 3 A view of a pattern generating element 4 in the form of a reflective pattern light-blocking sheet (GOBO) is shown. This pattern generating element has a first region B1 that transmits illuminating light. Thus, for example, it can be used to generate... Figure 5 The graphic shown is projected onto the projection surface. Reference numeral B2 indicates the reflective portion of the graphic generating element 4, which scatters or preferably reflects scattered light.

[0062] In this way, Figure 5 The mask shown is projected onto the projection surface. The light reflected from the reflection region B2 can be used for other applications. This method can also be reversed so that the reflecting portion of the light is used to image the pattern, while the transmitting portion is used for a second system. The principle is as follows: Figure 4a and 4b As shown.

[0063] Figure 4a and 4b The simplified illustration shows the case where the graphics generating element 4 also functions as a light guide device 6. Light is transmitted through region B1 and can therefore be used for projection. Light is reflected through region B2 and can therefore be used for further applications. Conversely, it is also conceivable that the light reflected from region B2 is used for projection and the transmitted light is input into another optical system.

[0064] This means that the luminous flux is divided into a primary system and a secondary system using a patterned reflective shield (GOBO) or a patterned MLA. Figure 4a In the scenario shown, System 1 uses the negative of the light-blocking plate to perform the graphic representation. The remaining light is used for System 2. Figure 4b In the case shown, System 1 uses the front face of GoBo to perform the graphical representation. The remaining light is used for System 2.

[0065] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the projection device is shown. Here, two projection surfaces 20 and 28 are again provided, and two image generating elements 4 can be used to image a graphic onto these two projection surfaces. Another portion of the illumination light is reflected along arrow P3 to another application 32.

[0066] In this embodiment, the two pattern generating elements 4 also function as light guides, as they each direct the reflected light beam to another application 28, 32. In this way, light beams can also be provided for other lighting applications.

[0067] Therefore, reflective patterned light shields (GOBO) or graphic MLAs are used to divide the luminous flux into the main system and subsequent systems 2, 3, etc.

[0068] Figure 6a and 6b Two other embodiments of the invention are shown. Projection is performed here using a light-shielding plate with a reflective surface to utilize the remaining light. Illumination is provided from the left side. Two prisms 44 and 42 are provided, with an air gap 46 formed between them. Reference numeral 40 refers to the entire optical system. Here, a portion of the light is also guided for imaging, i.e., guided to system 1. Another portion reaches system 2. The air gap preferably has a width greater than 2 μm, preferably greater than 3 μm, preferably greater than 4 μm, and particularly preferably greater than 5 μm. The air gap preferably has a width less than 30 μm, preferably less than 20 μm, preferably less than 15 μm, and particularly preferably less than 10 μm.

[0069] exist Figure 6a In this system, the graphic display is accomplished using a negative film with a light-blocking plate in System 1 and the use of residual light in System 2. Figure 6b In the diagram, the graphic representation is accomplished by System 1 using a positive image of a light-blocking plate and System 2 using the remaining light.

[0070] Figure 7a and 7b It shows the relationship with Figure 6a , 6b A similar situation. In Figure 7a , 7b In the case shown, the light shines from the upper right.

[0071] Figure 8a and 8b Another process is shown. Here, lens 52, preferably field lens 52, is used as an additional element.

[0072] exist Figure 9a and 9b In the case shown, GOBO 4 is used again to provide light to both systems.

[0073] Figure 10 A projection device 2 according to the invention is shown in another embodiment. A light beam source or light source 2 is provided, which emits light to the left along the arrow.

[0074] Reference numeral 4 in the attached figure indicates the pattern generating element. It can be seen that a portion of the emitted light passes through the pattern generating element and is imaged onto the projection surface 10 via the imaging optics 12. The imaging optics here have three lenses, but a different number of lenses can also be used.

[0075] This means that a pattern is formed on the projection surface 10 by transmitting light.

[0076] Another portion of the light is reflected and fed into light guide 62. This light guide can then be used for other applications. By arranging the pattern generating element 4 at a 45° angle relative to the light it emits (preferably as perpendicular as possible, but not perpendicular, for example, between 85° and <90°), the back-side generating element of the pattern or its reflective portion also serves as a light guide, meaning that a portion of the light emitted by the light source 2 can be used in other optical systems. Here, light guide 62 is also preferably a component of a light guiding device or a light-guiding device. However, generally, it is preferable if the light shield is approximately orthogonal to the light path.

[0077] This can be different types of light systems, but especially other lighting fixtures, etc.

[0078] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the projection device 1 is shown, again providing a light source 2, which images a graphic onto the projection surface 10 via a graphic generating element 4.

[0079] Another portion of the light is reflected by the back side of the pattern generating element, which in turn serves as part of the light guiding device 6, and travels via the light mixing device 24 (e.g., a light tunnel; a tube with reflective walls, a light guide, a curved / straight / expanding diffuser, etc., or a fly-eye array; a multi-lens array on one or both sides, etc.) and, if necessary, additional optics for optimizing illumination / light distribution (*refer to the figures) to another pattern generating element 4, and from there sequentially to another imaging optics 26 to be imaged on the projection surface. Reference numeral 25 indicates an illumination device or illumination optics. Reference numeral 13 indicates an imaging optics.

[0080] In this case, light is used to image two graphic elements on two projection surfaces.

[0081] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the projection device 1 is shown. In this embodiment, light from a light source (not shown) is also partially transmitted or imaged onto the projection surface 10, but partially reflected back to another optical system 20, which may be, for example, another graphics generating element, an illumination element, or a video projection device. Reference numeral 6 indicates a reflector.

[0082] Figure 13 Another principle applicable to this invention is explained. The light-transmitting sheet (or GOBO) does not necessarily have to be designed as the thinnest element in the imaging plane; it can also be an image on a highly reflective block. A negative image of the projection is shown here. Light is guided into a second optical system through one or more openings in the light-transmitting sheet. The shape of the light-transmitting sheet can be designed as concave, convex, freeform, or "tilted" depending on the subsequent transmission requirements of the light.

[0083] Figure 14 Showing Figure 13The principle illustrated is applicable here. In principle, a pattern can also be displayed based on transmitted light, which is projected into system 2 via imaging optics. The remaining light can then be further utilized in system 1.

[0084] Several feasible solutions can be considered. "GOBO" can also be constructed from independent light guides, independent glass optical fibers, or light guide tunnels with reflective surfaces. It can achieve light transmission through independent micro-graphic points (pixels) or employ a continuous shape element structure. The "light guide tunnel" does not necessarily have to be a straight channel; its direction can be arbitrarily changed, as long as the light does not reflect back to System 1. However, all light entering the opening must continue to propagate within the opening and ultimately be guided into the second system.

[0085] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential features of the invention, provided that they are novel, individually or in combination, compared with the prior art. It should also be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves have also been described in the various figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that certain features described in the figures may be advantageous even without employing further features shown in those figures. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that combinations of several features shown in single or different figures can also produce advantages.

[0086] List of reference numerals

[0087] 1 Projection device

[0088] 2 light sources

[0089] 4 Graphics generation elements

[0090] 6 light guide devices

[0091] 10 Projection Surfaces

[0092] 12 Imaging Optical Devices

[0093] 20 Another application or optical device

[0094] 24 Mixing Device

[0095] 28 Imaging Optics / Additional Light Systems

[0096] 26 Imaging Optics

[0097] 62 optical guide

[0098] B1 First Area

[0099] B2 Second Zone

Claims

1. A projection device (1) for an automobile for projecting preferably optically perceptible graphics onto a surface, the projection device (1) having a light source (2) suitable for emitting a light beam and / or for emitting a light beam and a graphics generating element (4), at least a portion of the light beam emitted by the light source irradiating the graphics generating element, the graphics generating element (4) having a first light-transmitting region (B1) which at least partially transmits the light beam emitted by the light source (2) and irradiates the graphics generating element (4), and a second light-blocking region (B2) which blocks the light beam emitted by the light source and incident on the graphics generating element (4), Its features are, The second region is scattered and / or reflected by the light beam emitted from the light source and incident on the graphics generating element (4), and the projection device (1) has a light guide (6) adapted to and / or used to input at least a portion of the light beam reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the graphics generating element into another optical system.

2. The projection device (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The light guide device (6) is suitable and / or used to input a beam of light passing through the first region or a beam of light reflected and / or scattered by the second region into another optical system.

3. The projection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, A light beam passing through the first region (B1) reaches the surface and a light beam incident on the second region (B2) does not reach the surface, or a light beam passing through the first region (B1) does not reach the surface and a light beam incident on the second region (B2) reaches the surface.

4. The projection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The light guide device (6) guides the light beam to at least one other light-emitting surface.

5. The projection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The light guiding device (6) has at least one light refraction and / or light conduction and / or light reflection element, which is preferably selected from a group of elements including mirrors, light guides, prisms or lenses.

6. The projection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The graphics generating element (4) also serves as part of the light guide device (6), and / or, The light guide device (6) includes a graphics generating element (4).

7. The projection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The projection device (1) has an optical imaging unit (12) arranged between the graphics generating element (4) and the surface (10).

8. The projection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The other optical system is selected from a group of optical systems, which includes another projection device, a video projector, a lighting device, and a vehicle ambient lighting device.

9. An automobile having a projection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A method for projecting an optically perceptible pattern onto a surface for an automobile, the method utilizing a light source (2) emitting a light beam and a pattern generating element (4), wherein at least a portion of the light beam emitted by the light source is incident on the pattern generating element, the pattern generating element having a first light-transmitting region (B1) that at least partially transmits the light beam emitted by the light source (2) and incident on the pattern generating element, and a second light-blocking region (B2) that blocks the light beam emitted by the light source and incident on the pattern generating element (4). Its features are, The second region (B2) is scattered and / or reflected by the light beam emitted from the light source and incident on the graphics generating element (4), and the projection device (1) has a light guide (6) that inputs at least a portion of the light beam reflected and / or scattered and / or transmitted by the graphics generating element into another optical system.

Images