Optical element, light source module and warning light

Abstract

An optical element includes a first light entrance surface, a second light entrance surface, a third light entrance surface, a first light exit surface, a second light exit surface, a first reflective surface, a third light exit surface, a second reflective surface and a third reflective surface. A first portion of light sequentially passes through the first light entrance surface and the first light exit surface to travel out of the optical element. A second portion of light sequentially passes through the second light entrance surface, is reflected by the first reflective surface, and passes through the second light exit surface to travel out of the optical element. A third portion of light sequentially passes through the third light entrance surface, is reflected by the third reflective surface, is reflected by the second reflective surface, and passes through the third light exit surface to travel out of the optical element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an optical element, a light source module, and a warning light, particularly to an optical element that simultaneously possesses the characteristics of high light intensity and miniaturization, a light source module equipped with the optical element, and a flexible warning light. Prior Technology

[0002] In recent years, the technology of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has matured significantly, gradually replacing traditional light sources in vehicle headlights and hazard lights. Traditional headlights and hazard lights typically use reflectors placed around the light source to reflect light; however, these reflectors absorb some of the light, reducing the brightness of the headlights and hazard lights. Furthermore, the relative positions of the LEDs and optical elements in LED headlights and hazard lights require high optical precision. Therefore, when LEDs replace traditional light sources and are combined with traditional optical elements, problems such as incorrect light patterns or insufficient brightness of the illuminated target can easily occur. In addition, hazard lights are mostly mounted inside the vehicle using brackets. Therefore, existing hazard lights require the development of dedicated brackets for different vehicle models, leading to a wide variety of brackets and excess inventory, which causes problems for manufacturers. Moreover, because hazard light brackets cannot perfectly fit the windshield, light leakage occurs after installation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides an optical element that can simultaneously have the characteristics of high light intensity and miniaturization, a light source module equipped with the optical element, and a flexible warning light to solve the above problems.

[0004] According to one embodiment, the optical element of the present invention includes a first light-incident surface, a second light-incident surface, a third light-incident surface, a first light-exit surface, a second light-exit surface, a first reflective surface, a third light-exit surface, a second reflective surface, and a third reflective surface. The second light-incident surface is adjacent to the first light-incident surface. The third light-incident surface is adjacent to the second light-incident surface. The first light-exit surface is disposed opposite to the first light-incident surface. The second light-exit surface is adjacent to the first light-exit surface. The first reflective surface is adjacent to the second light-exit surface. The third light-exit surface is adjacent to the first reflective surface. The second reflective surface is adjacent to the third light-exit surface. The third reflective surface is adjacent to both the second reflective surface and the third light-incident surface. A first portion of a light beam sequentially penetrates the first light-incident surface and the first light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element. A second portion of the light beam sequentially penetrates the second light-incident surface, is reflected by the first reflective surface, is reflected by the second reflective surface, and penetrates the second light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element. A third portion of the light beam sequentially penetrates the third light-incident surface, is reflected by the third reflective surface, is reflected by the second reflective surface, and penetrates the third light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the light source module of the present invention includes a light source and optical elements as described above. The light source is adapted to emit a light beam. The optical elements are disposed in the transmission path of the light beam.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the warning light of the present invention includes a housing, a heat sink, a circuit board, a plurality of light sources, and an optical element. The heat sink is disposed within the housing. The circuit board is disposed within the housing and stacked on the heat sink. The plurality of light sources are disposed at intervals on the circuit board. The optical element is disposed within the housing and stacked on the circuit board. A light beam emitted by each light source is emitted through the optical element. The housing, heat sink, circuit board, and optical element are all flexible.

[0007] In summary, the optical element of this invention allows light beams to exit towards the light-emitting surface after passing through the light-incident surface. This efficiently guides the light beam towards the light-emitting direction and provides greater light intensity. Furthermore, through the relative arrangement of the first, second, and third light-incident surfaces, the first and second light-emitting surfaces, the first and third reflecting surfaces, the optical element of this invention simultaneously possesses high light intensity and miniaturization. Moreover, the housing, heat sink, circuit board, and optical element constituting the warning light of this invention are all flexible, making the entire warning light flexible. Therefore, the warning light can perfectly conform to the surface curvature of different windshields, allowing the optical element to adapt to various curved surfaces for a more flexible lighting effect. Furthermore, because the warning light is flexible, it can elastically deform to perfectly conform to the surface curvature of different windshields without adjusting the angle, thus improving light leakage and making it suitable for various vehicle types.

[0008] The advantages and spirit of this invention can be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light source module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the light source module in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the light source module in Figure 1 mounted on the light-transmitting component. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a warning light according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the warning light in Figure 4. The sixth image is an exploded view of the warning light in the fourth image from another perspective. Figure 7 is a combination diagram of the heat sink and optical components shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a side view of the warning light in Figure 4 mounted on a light-transmitting component. Figure 9 is another side view of the warning light in Figure 4, which is mounted on the light-transmitting component. Figure 10 is another side view of the warning light in Figure 4, which is mounted on the light-transmitting component. Implementation

[0010] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light source module 1' according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a side view of the light source module 1' in Figure 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the light source module 1' includes a light source 16 and an optical element 18. The light source 16 is adapted to emit a light beam L. The optical element 18 is disposed on the transmission path of the light beam L. The optical element 18 includes a first light-incident surface N1, a second light-incident surface N2, a third light-incident surface N3, a first light-outceasing surface O1, a second light-outceasing surface O2, a first reflecting surface R1, a third light-outceasing surface O3, a second reflecting surface R2, and a third reflecting surface R3. The second light-incident surface N2 is adjacent to the first light-incident surface N1. The third light-incident surface N3 is adjacent to the second light-incident surface N2. The first light-outceasing surface O1 is disposed opposite to the first light-incident surface N1. The second light-outceasing surface O2 is adjacent to the first light-outceasing surface O1. The first reflecting surface R1 is adjacent to the second light-outceasing surface O2. The third light-outceasing surface O3 is adjacent to the first reflecting surface R1. The second reflecting surface R2 is adjacent to the third light-outceasing surface O3. The third reflecting surface R3 is adjacent to the second reflecting surface R2 and the third incident surface N3. A first portion L1 of the light beam L sequentially passes through the first incident surface N1 and the first exit surface O1 and is emitted by the optical element 18. A second portion L2 of the light beam L sequentially passes through the second incident surface N2, is reflected by the first reflecting surface R1, and passes through the second exit surface O2 and is emitted by the optical element 18. A third portion L3 of the light beam L sequentially passes through the third incident surface N3, is reflected by the third reflecting surface R3, is reflected by the second reflecting surface R2, and passes through the third exit surface O3 and is emitted by the optical element 18. Since the first portion L1, the second portion L2, and the third portion L3 of the light beam L are emitted from the optical element 18 in the same direction, the optical element 18 can significantly redirect and concentrate the light beam L emitted from the light source 16 to be emitted from the optical element 18 in the same direction, so that the light beam L has a greater light intensity.

[0012] In this embodiment, since the refractive index of optical element 18 is greater than that of the medium outside optical element 18 (e.g., air), the second portion L2 of the light beam L can undergo total internal reflection at the first reflecting surface R1 to be reflected to the second emitting surface O2, and the third portion L3 of the light beam L can undergo total internal reflection sequentially at the third reflecting surface R3 and the second reflecting surface R2 to be reflected to the third emitting surface O3. In other words, the second portion L2 and the third portion L3 of the light beam L change their travel direction by total internal reflection, thus reducing energy loss in this process. In this way, optical element 18 can reduce the energy loss of light beam L during the reflection of light, thus efficiently guiding light beam L to the emitting direction D1 of optical element 18 and giving light beam L a larger light intensity.

[0013] In addition, in other embodiments, the optical element 18 may further include a reflective layer disposed on the first reflective surface R1, the second reflective surface R2 and the third reflective surface R3, so that the second part L2 of the light beam L is reflected by the first reflective surface R1 and incident on the second light-emitting surface O2, and the third part L3 of the light beam L is reflected by the third reflective surface R3 and the second reflective surface R2 in sequence and incident on the third light-emitting surface O3.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the first incident surface N1 and the first exiting surface O1 form a first optical path P1; the second incident surface N2, the first reflecting surface R1, and the second exiting surface O2 form a second optical path P2; and the third incident surface N3, the third reflecting surface R3, the second reflecting surface R2, and the third exiting surface O3 form a third optical path P3. Therefore, the first part L1 of the light beam L exits from the optical element 18 along the first optical path P1, the second part L2 of the light beam L exits from the optical element 18 along the second optical path P2, and the third part L3 of the light beam L exits from the optical element 18 along the third optical path P3.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in the direction D2 perpendicular to the light emission direction D1 of the optical element 18, the first light-emitting surface O1 is lower than the second light-emitting surface O2, the second light-emitting surface O2 is lower than the third light-emitting surface O3, and the first reflecting surface R1 is lower than the second reflecting surface R2. Therefore, the second optical path P2 is located between the first optical path P1 and the third optical path P3, and the first optical path P1, the second optical path P2, and the third optical path P3 do not intersect each other. This effectively reduces the overall height of the optical element 18, allowing it to simultaneously possess both high light intensity and miniaturization.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first light-incident surface N1, the second light-incident surface N2, and the third light-incident surface N3 can form a receiving groove C, so that the light source 16 can be disposed in the receiving groove C.

[0017] In this embodiment, the optical element 18 may be made of silicone, plastic, acrylic, glass, or other suitable transparent materials, and the light source 16 may be a light-emitting diode (LED), a high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp, or other suitable light source, depending on the actual application. The color of the light beam L emitted by the light source 16 may be red, blue, yellow, white, green, purple, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a side view of the light source module 1' in Figure 1 mounted on the light-transmitting component 3.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the light source module 1' is adapted to be disposed on a light-transmitting element 3, such that the optical element 18 is configured relative to the light-transmitting element 3. In practical applications, the light source module 1' can be disposed in a housing (not shown in the figure), and the housing can be attached to the surface of the light-transmitting element 3. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting element 3 can be a windshield or other suitable light-transmitting plate, depending on the actual application. When the angle θ1 between the light-transmitting element 3 and the light-emitting direction D1 of the optical element 18 is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, the angle θ2 between the first reflecting surface R1 and the light-emitting direction D1 can be between 70 degrees and 20 degrees, and the angle θ3 between the second reflecting surface R2 and the light-emitting direction D1 can be between 70 degrees and 20 degrees, so that the optical element 18 can more efficiently guide the light beam L to the light-emitting direction D1. In one embodiment, when the angle θ1 between the light-transmitting element 3 and the light-emitting direction D1 of the optical element 18 is 30 degrees, the angle θ2 between the first reflecting surface R1 and the light-emitting direction D1 can be 36 degrees, and the angle θ3 between the second reflecting surface R2 and the light-emitting direction D1 can be 37.39 degrees.

[0020] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the warning light 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the warning light 1 in Figure 4. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the warning light 1 in Figure 4 from another perspective. Figure 7 is a combination diagram of the heat sink 12 and the optical element 18 in Figure 6.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the warning light 1 includes a housing 10, a heat sink 12, a circuit board 14, a plurality of light sources 16, and an optical element 18. The heat sink 12, circuit board 14, the plurality of light sources 16, and the optical element 18 are all housed within the housing 10. In this embodiment, the light sources 16 and the optical element 18 can form the aforementioned light source module 1'. The configuration relationship and operating principle of the light sources 16 and the optical element 18 are as described above and will not be repeated here. The circuit board 14 is stacked on the heat sink 12, the plurality of light sources 16 are spaced apart on the circuit board 14, and the optical element 18 is stacked on the circuit board 14. The housing 10, heat sink 12, circuit board 14, and optical element 18 are all flexible, making the warning light 1 as a whole flexible. Therefore, the warning light 1 can completely conform to the surface curvature of different windshields, allowing the optical element 18 to adapt to various curved surfaces to provide a more flexible lighting effect. Furthermore, since the warning light 1 is flexible, it can elastically deform to perfectly conform to the surface curvature of different windshields without adjusting the angle, and it can also improve the light leakage problem, making it suitable for different vehicle types. In one embodiment, the housing 10 of the warning light 1 can be attached to the windshield with adhesive, but this is not a limitation. In this embodiment, the housing 10 can be made of silicone or other flexible materials, and the circuit board 14 can be a flexible circuit board or other flexible circuit board.

[0022] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the optical element 18 may include a plurality of engaging portions 180, the heat sink 12 may include a plurality of engaging holes 120, and the circuit board 14 may include a plurality of through holes 140, wherein the positions of the plurality of engaging portions 180, the positions of the plurality of engaging holes 120, and the positions of the plurality of through holes 140 correspond to each other. Each engaging portion 180 can pass through one of the plurality of through holes 140 and engage with one of the plurality of engaging holes 120, thereby fixing the optical element 18, the circuit board 14, and the heat sink 12 to each other. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the housing 10 may include a plurality of through holes 100, and the heat sink 12 may include a plurality of fixing holes 122, wherein the positions of the plurality of through holes 100 correspond to the positions of the plurality of fixing holes 122. In one embodiment, a fastener (e.g., a screw, not shown) can pass through the through-hole 100 and be locked in the fixing hole 122, thereby fixing the heat sink 12 to the housing 10. In this way, the heat sink 12, the circuit board 14, the light source 16 and the optical element 18 can be assembled in the housing 10.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a side view of the warning light 1 in Figure 4 mounted on the light-transmitting element 3. Figure 9 is another side view of the warning light 1 in Figure 4 mounted on the light-transmitting element 3. Figure 10 is another side view of the warning light 1 in Figure 4 mounted on the light-transmitting element 3.

[0024] As shown in Figures 8 through 10, the warning light 1 can be mounted on the surface 30 of a light-transmitting element 3 via a housing 10. In this embodiment, the light-transmitting element 3 can be a windshield or other suitable light-transmitting plate, depending on the actual application. In Figure 8, the angle θ1 between the light-transmitting element 3 and the horizontal plane HP is 10 degrees, and the angle θ2 between the mounting portion 102 of the housing 10 and the surface 30 of the light-transmitting element 3 is 12 degrees. In Figure 9, the angle θ1 between the light-transmitting element 3 and the horizontal plane HP is 30 degrees, and the angle θ2 between the mounting portion 102 of the housing 10 and the surface 30 of the light-transmitting element 3 is 22 degrees. In Figure 10, the angle θ1 between the light-transmitting element 3 and the horizontal plane HP is 80 degrees, and the angle θ2 between the mounting portion 102 of the housing 10 and the surface 30 of the light-transmitting element 3 is 82 degrees. In other words, when the angle θ1 between the light-transmitting element 3 and the horizontal plane HP is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, the angle θ2 between the fitting part 102 of the housing 10 and the surface 30 of the light-transmitting element 3 can be between 12 degrees and 82 degrees. Since the warning light 1 is flexible as a whole, when the warning light 1 is attached to the surface 30 of the light-transmitting element 3 with the housing 10 attached, the housing 10 can elastically deform as the angle between the light-transmitting element 3 and the horizontal plane HP changes, so that the housing 10 can be completely attached to the surface 30 of the light-transmitting element 3, thereby improving the light leakage problem.

[0025] In summary, the optical element of this invention allows light beams to exit towards the light-emitting surface after passing through the light-incident surface. This efficiently guides the light beam towards the light-emitting direction and provides greater light intensity. Furthermore, through the relative arrangement of the first, second, and third light-incident surfaces, the first and second light-emitting surfaces, the first and third reflecting surfaces, the optical element of this invention simultaneously possesses high light intensity and miniaturization. Moreover, the housing, heat sink, circuit board, and optical element constituting the warning light of this invention are all flexible, making the entire warning light flexible. Therefore, the warning light can perfectly conform to the surface curvature of different windshields, allowing the optical element to adapt to various curved surfaces for a more flexible lighting effect. Furthermore, because the warning light is flexible, it can elastically deform to perfectly conform to the surface curvature of different windshields without adjusting the angle, thus improving light leakage and making it suitable for various vehicle types. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims of the present invention shall be covered by the present invention.

[0026] 1: Warning light 1': Light source module 3: Light-transmitting components 10: Shell 12: Heatsink 14: Circuit Board 16: Light source 18: Optical Components 30: Surface 180: Card Section 100, 140: Through holes 102: Fitting Part 120: Locking hole 122: Fixing hole C: Receiving groove D1, D2: Direction L: Beam L1: Part 1 L2: Part Two L3: Part Three N1: First incident light surface N2: Second incident light surface N3: Third light-attribute surface O1: First light-emitting surface O2: Second light-emitting surface O3: Third light-emitting surface P1: First optical path P2: Second optical path P3: Third optical path R1: First reflecting surface R2: Second reflecting surface R3: Third reflecting surface θ1, θ2, θ3: included angles

Claims

1. An optical element comprising: a first light-incident surface; a second light-incident surface adjacent to the first light-incident surface; a third light-incident surface adjacent to the second light-incident surface; a first light-exiting surface disposed opposite to the first light-incident surface; a second light-exiting surface adjacent to the first light-exiting surface; a first reflecting surface adjacent to the second light-exiting surface; a third light-exiting surface adjacent to the first reflecting surface; a second reflecting surface adjacent to the third light-exiting surface; and a third reflecting surface adjacent to the second reflecting surface and the third light-incident surface; wherein, A first portion of a light beam sequentially passes through the first light-incident surface and the first light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element; a second portion of the light beam sequentially passes through the second light-incident surface, is reflected by the first reflective surface, and passes through the second light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element; a third portion of the light beam sequentially passes through the third light-incident surface, is reflected by the third reflective surface, is reflected by the second reflective surface, and passes through the third light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element.

2. The optical element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion of the light beam is emitted from the optical element along a first optical path, the second portion of the light beam is emitted from the optical element along a second optical path, the third portion of the light beam is emitted from the optical element along a third optical path, and the second optical path is located between the first optical path and the third optical path.

3. The optical element as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first optical path, the second optical path and the third optical path do not intersect each other.

4. The optical element as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a direction perpendicular to a light-emitting direction of the optical element, the first light-emitting surface is lower than the second light-emitting surface, the second light-emitting surface is lower than the third light-emitting surface, and the first reflective surface is lower than the second reflective surface.

5. The optical element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical element is disposed relative to a light-transmitting element; when the angle between the light-transmitting element and a light-emitting direction of the optical element is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, the angle between the first reflective surface and the light-emitting direction is between 70 degrees and 20 degrees, and the angle between the second reflective surface and the light-emitting direction is between 70 degrees and 20 degrees.

6. A light source module comprising: a light source adapted to emit a light beam; and an optical element as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, disposed on the transmission path of the light beam.

7. A warning light, comprising: a housing; a heat sink disposed in the housing; a circuit board disposed in the housing and stacked on the heat sink; a plurality of light sources disposed at intervals on the circuit board; and an optical element disposed in the housing and stacked on the circuit board, wherein a light beam emitted by each of the light sources is emitted through the optical element, the optical element comprising: a first light-incident surface; a second light-incident surface adjacent to the first light-incident surface; a third light-incident surface adjacent to the second light-incident surface; a first light-exiting surface disposed opposite to the first light-incident surface; a second light-exiting surface adjacent to the first light-exiting surface; a first reflective surface adjacent to the second light-exiting surface; a third light-exiting surface adjacent to the first reflective surface; a second reflective surface adjacent to the third light-exiting surface; and a third reflective surface adjacent to the second reflective surface and the third light-incident surface; wherein... The housing, the heat sink, the circuit board, and the optical element are all flexible; wherein, a first portion of the light beam sequentially penetrates the first light-incident surface and the first light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element; a second portion of the light beam sequentially penetrates the second light-incident surface, is reflected by the first reflective surface, and penetrates the second light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element; a third portion of the light beam sequentially penetrates the third light-incident surface, is reflected by the third reflective surface, is reflected by the second reflective surface, and penetrates the third light-exit surface and is emitted from the optical element.

8. The warning light as claimed in claim 7, wherein the housing includes a plurality of through holes, the heat sink includes a plurality of fixing holes, and the positions of the plurality of through holes correspond to the positions of the plurality of fixing holes.

9. The warning light as claimed in claim 8, wherein the optical element includes a plurality of engaging portions, the heat sink includes a plurality of engaging holes, and each engaging portion engages with one of the plurality of engaging holes.

10. The warning light as claimed in claim 7, wherein the warning light is attached to a surface of a light-transmitting element with the housing attached thereto; when the angle between the light-transmitting element and a horizontal plane is between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, the angle between the attached portion of the housing and the surface of the light-transmitting element is between 12 degrees and 82 degrees.

11. The warning light as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first portion of the light beam is emitted from the optical element along a first optical path, the second portion of the light beam is emitted from the optical element along a second optical path, the third portion of the light beam is emitted from the optical element along a third optical path, and the second optical path is located between the first optical path and the third optical path.

12. The warning light as described in claim 11, wherein the first light path, the second light path, and the third light path do not intersect each other.

13. The warning light as claimed in claim 7, wherein in a direction perpendicular to a light emission direction of the optical element, the first light-emitting surface is lower than the second light-emitting surface, the second light-emitting surface is lower than the third light-emitting surface, and the first reflective surface is lower than the second reflective surface.

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