Optical Element, Lighting Module and Vehicle Headlamp

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of optical components and provides an optical element, a lighting module, and a vehicle lamp. The optical element includes a first optical unit and a second optical unit. The first optical unit includes a first light incident surface, a first light guide portion, and a first light exit surface connected in sequence. At least one first light focusing element is provided on the first light incident surface. The second optical unit includes a second light incident surface, a second light guide portion, and a second light exit surface connected in sequence. At least one second light focusing element is provided on the second light incident surface. The first light exit surface corresponds to an optical surface on the second light guide portion so that light projected from the first light exit surface can enter the second light guide portion through the optical surface and be emitted toward the second light exit surface. An air gap is formed between the first light exit surface and the optical surface so that light projected from the second light focusing element can be reflected toward the second light exit surface. The optical element of the present invention enables lamps with various functions to share the same light exit surface, reducing the height of the light exit surface and making the lamp design more compact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optical components, and in particular to an optical element, a lighting module and a vehicle lamp. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry and the continuous improvement of people's living conditions, cars have become an indispensable means of transportation. As a crucial and crucial component of automobiles, headlights have seen their development trends closely aligned with these broader trends. As headlights play a significant role in both styling and functionality, they face increasingly challenging design challenges to meet styling trends, regulations, and functionality. Consumers and automakers are placing increasing demands on space, lighting methods, uniform lighting, and cost.

[0003] Currently, the market demand for narrow and long headlights is increasing. At the same time, headlight designs use functional reuse, for example, integrating daytime running lights with high beams and / or low beams. However, the height of the light output end of the high / low beam module is approximately 40 mm, while the height of the light output end of the daytime running light is 6 to 20 mm. Moreover, the light output ends of the high / low beam module and the daytime running light are separate and independent optical surfaces, making the combined height of the two exceed 40 mm. This fails to meet the needs of consumers and vehicle manufacturers who want to reduce the height and size of the lamps.

[0004] Therefore, a new optical element needs to be designed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide an optical element, so as to enable lamps with various functions to share the same light-emitting surface, reduce the height of the light-emitting surface, and make the lamp design more compact.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0007] An optical element includes a first optical unit and a second optical unit, the first optical unit including a first light incident surface, a first light guide portion and a first light exit surface connected in sequence, at least one first light focusing element is arranged on the first light incident surface, the second optical unit including a second light incident surface, a second light guide portion and a second light exit surface connected in sequence, at least one second light focusing element is arranged on the second light incident surface, the first light exit surface corresponds to the optical surface on the second light guide portion so that the light projected by the first light exit surface can enter the second light guide portion through the optical surface and be emitted toward the second light exit surface, and an air gap is formed between the first light exit surface and the optical surface so that the light projected by the second light focusing element can be reflected toward the second light exit surface.

[0008] Furthermore, the second light guide portion is provided with a total reflection surface opposite to the optical surface, so that the light projected by the second focusing element can be reflected by the total reflection surface and the optical surface in sequence and then emitted to the second light output surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the second light-guiding portion includes a first bending section, a second bending section and a third bending section, the second light incident surface is located at one end face of the first bending section, the other end face of the first bending section is connected to one end face of the second bending section, the other end face of the second bending section is connected to one end face of the third bending section, the second light emitting surface is located at the other end face of the third bending section, and the two opposite side faces of the second bending section are the optical surface and the total reflection surface respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, the second light focusing element and the second light emitting surface are located on the same side of the optical surface.

[0011] Furthermore, a cut-off line forming structure is provided at the bottom of the first light guiding portion.

[0012] Furthermore, the first light-emitting surface matches the optical surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the first concentrating element and the second concentrating element are both concentrators or concentrating cups.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the optical element of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0015] The optical element described in the present invention is divided into a first optical unit and a second optical unit. The first light-emitting surface of the first optical unit corresponds to the optical surface of the second light-guiding portion of the second optical unit, so that light incident from the first light-concentrating element sequentially passes through the first light-incident surface, the first light-guiding portion, the first light-emitting surface, and the optical surface into the second light-guiding portion, where it is projected by the second light-emitting surface to form a light pattern. An air gap is formed between the first light-emitting surface and the optical surface, enabling the optical surface to reflect light projected by the second light-concentrating element toward the second light-emitting surface, where it is projected by the second light-emitting surface to form a light pattern. The first and second light-concentrating elements are respectively configured to converge light from light sources with different functions. For example, the first light-concentrating element converges light from a low-beam light source to achieve the low-beam lighting function, while the second light-concentrating element converges light from a daytime running light source to achieve the daytime running light lighting function. The various lighting functions share the same light-emitting surface, allowing the height of the light-emitting surface to be reduced to a relatively small size, such as 15 mm, resulting in a more compact design.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lighting module that can reduce the height of the light-emitting surface of the lighting module to a smaller size while integrating lamps with various functions.

[0017] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0018] A lighting module is provided with the optical element described in any one of the above technical solutions.

[0019] Furthermore, it includes at least one first light source and at least one second light source, each of the first light sources is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the first focusing elements, and each of the second light sources is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the second focusing elements.

[0020] The advantages of the lighting module and the above-mentioned optical element over the prior art are the same and will not be described in detail here.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lamp having a narrow and long appearance.

[0022] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0023] A vehicle lamp is provided with the lighting module described in any one of the above technical solutions.

[0024] The advantages of the vehicle lamp and the above-mentioned lighting module over the prior art are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is one of the isometric views of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second optical unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 A front view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 A rear view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6It is a left side view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a right side view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 A top view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 A bottom view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 FIG2 is a second isometric view of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the light shape of the daytime running light according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the low beam light shape according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 13 is one of the isometric views of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of the first optical unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the structure of the second optical unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 16 A front view of an optical element according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 17 A rear view of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 18 It is a left side view of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 19 It is a right side view of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 20 A top view of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 21 A bottom view of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 22 FIG2 is a second isometric view of the optical element according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 23 Schematic diagram of the optical path of the optical element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the light shape of the daytime running light according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the low beam light shape according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Description of reference numerals:

[0053] 1. First light guide portion 11 cut-off line forming structure

[0054] 2 first light emitting surface 3 first light concentrating element

[0055] 4 second light guide portion 5 second light emitting surface

[0056] 6 Second concentrating element 7 Optical surface

[0057] 8 Total reflection surface DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0059] In addition, in order to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description, the terms "front" and "rear" refer to the front and rear directions of the optical element along the light emitting direction, which are generally substantially the same as the front and rear directions of the vehicle. For example, the second light emitting surface 5 is located in the front, and the second focusing element 6 is located in the rear. The terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower directions of the optical element itself, which are generally substantially the same as the upper and lower directions of the vehicle during use. For example, the cut-off line forming structure is located at the bottom. The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the inner and outer directions of the optical element itself. For example, referring to Figure 15 and Figure 20 , the total reflection surface 8 is located on the outside, and relatively, the optical surface 7 is located on the inside; the terms are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention; moreover, the orientation terms for the lighting module of the present invention should be understood in conjunction with the actual installation status.

[0060] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 25As shown, the optical element of the basic technical solution of the present invention includes a first optical unit and a second optical unit, the first optical unit includes a first light incident surface, a first light guiding part 1 and a first light exiting surface 2 connected in sequence, at least one first light focusing element 3 is arranged on the first light incident surface, the second optical unit includes a second light incident surface, a second light guiding part 4 and a second light exiting surface 5 connected in sequence, at least one second light focusing element 6 is arranged on the second light incident surface, the first light exiting surface 2 corresponds to the optical surface 7 on the second light guiding part 4, so that the light projected by the first light exiting surface 2 can enter the second light guiding part through the optical surface 7 and be emitted toward the second light exiting surface 5, and an air gap is formed between the first light exiting surface 2 and the optical surface 7, so that the light projected by the second light focusing element 6 can be reflected toward the second light exiting surface 5.

[0062] The optical element of the present invention is composed of a first optical unit and a second optical unit. The first optical unit and the second optical unit are arranged front to back. The first light emitting surface 2 of the first optical unit is matched with the optical surface 7 of the second optical unit. Figures 1 to 3 or Figures 13 to 15 , an air gap is formed between the first light-emitting surface 2 and the optical surface 7, referring to Figure 23 This structural design bends the light propagation path between the second focusing element 6 and the second light-emitting surface 5. In the light propagation path, the air gap makes the optical surface 7 form a reflective surface, which reflects the light emitted by the second focusing element 6 into the second light guide part 4 toward the second light-emitting surface 5, thereby forming light shapes of various functional lights, such as daytime running lights, position lights, turn signals, etc.; at the same time, the light propagation path between the first light-emitting surface 2 and the second light-emitting surface 5 is not bent, and the optical surface 7 will not prevent the light projected by the first light-emitting surface 2 from entering the optical surface 7, so that the light projected by the first light-emitting surface 2 can directly pass through the optical surface 7 and the second light-emitting surface 5 in sequence, and then be emitted to form a light shape. Therefore, the optical element of the present invention integrates various functional lights together. For example, the second focusing element 6 is used to realize the function of the daytime running light, and the first focusing element 3 is used to realize the function of the low beam light. The various functional lights share one light-emitting surface, which reduces the light-emitting area and can reduce the height dimension of the second light-emitting surface 5 to a smaller size, such as 15 mm. The lamp design is more compact, effectively reducing the size of the lamp, and giving the car lamp a narrow and long appearance.

[0063] For the convenience of description, the following description is made by taking an example in which the second focusing element 6 is used to realize the function of the daytime running light and the first focusing element 3 is used to realize the function of the low beam light.

[0064] The optical element of the present invention has a variety of specific structural forms. As a specific structural form of the optical element, refer to Figures 1 to 3The first optical unit includes a first light incident surface, a first light guide portion 1, and a first light exit surface 2. The first light incident surface, the first light guide portion 1, and the first light exit surface 2 are connected in sequence. First light concentrating elements 3 are provided on the first light incident surface. The number of first light concentrating elements 3 is selected according to design requirements. The first light concentrating elements 3 are arranged in a linear or array manner on the first light incident surface. Light incident on the first light incident surface is directly directed toward the first light exit surface 2. A cutoff line forming structure 11 may also be provided on the first light guide portion 1, so that light passing through the cutoff line forming structure 11 can be used to form a low-beam light pattern. The second optical unit includes a second light incident surface, a second light guide portion 4, and a second light exit surface 5. Second light concentrating elements 6 are provided on the second light incident surface. The number of second light concentrating elements 6 is selected according to design requirements. The second light concentrating elements 6 are arranged in a linear or array manner on the second light incident surface. The side surface of the second light guide portion 4 is an optical surface 7. The second light exit surface 5 and the second light concentrating elements 6 are located on the same side of the optical surface 7, causing the light propagation path between the second light exit surface 5 and the second light concentrating elements 6 to bend. The second optical unit is located in front of the first optical unit, and the optical surface 7 is matched with the first light-emitting surface 2. "matched" means that the optical surface 7 is close to the first light-emitting surface 2, and there is an air gap between the two. Moreover, the shape and size of the optical surface 7 and the first light-emitting surface 2 are the same; in the light propagation path between the second light-emitting surface 5 and the second light-concentrating element 6, the air gap makes the optical surface 7 form a reflecting surface, so that the light projected by the second light-concentrating element 6 can be reflected toward the second light-emitting surface 5; at the same time, in the light propagation path between the first light-concentrating element 3 and the second light-emitting surface 5, the light projected by the first light-concentrating element 3 can directly pass through the optical surface 7 and toward the second light-emitting surface 5; therefore, the daytime running light and the low beam share a second light-emitting surface 5, which enables the height of the second light-emitting surface 5 to be designed to be smaller, making the lamp design more compact.

[0065] It should be noted that in Figure 1 In the embodiment, the second focusing element 6 is located below the second light guide portion 4. A simple structural change can be made thereto. For example, the second focusing element 6 can be arranged above the second light guide portion 4 to achieve the same function.

[0066] As another specific structural form of optical elements, refer to Figures 13 to 15The first optical unit includes a first light incident surface, a first light guide portion 1, and a first light exiting surface 2. The first light incident surface, the first light guide portion 1, and the first light exiting surface 2 are connected in sequence. A first light concentrating element 3 is provided on the first light incident surface. The number of the first light concentrating elements 3 is selected according to design requirements. The first light concentrating elements 3 are arranged in a linear or array manner on the first light incident surface. Light incident on the first light incident surface can be directly directed toward the first light exiting surface 2. A cutoff line forming structure 11 can also be provided on the first light guide portion 1, so that the light can be used to form a low-beam light shape after passing through the cutoff line forming structure 11. The second optical unit includes a second light incident surface, a second light guide portion 4, and a second light exiting surface 5. A second light concentrating element 6 is provided on the second light incident surface. The number of the second light concentrating elements 6 is selected according to design requirements. The second light concentrating elements 6 are arranged in a linear or array manner on the second light incident surface. The opposite side surfaces of the second light guide portion 4 are an optical surface 7 and a total reflection surface 8, which bend the light propagation path between the second light exiting surface 5 and the second light concentrating element 6. The second optical unit is located in front of the first optical unit, and the optical surface 7 is matched with the first light-emitting surface 2. "matched" means that the optical surface 7 is close to the first light-emitting surface 2, and there is an air gap between the two. Moreover, the optical surface 7 and the first light-emitting surface 2 are the same in shape and size; in the light propagation path between the second light-emitting surface 5 and the second light-concentrating element 6, the air gap makes the optical surface 7 form a reflective surface, so that the light projected by the second light-concentrating element 6 can be reflected twice by the total reflection surface 8 and the optical surface 7 in sequence and then emitted to the second light-emitting surface 5; at the same time, in the light propagation path between the first light-concentrating element 3 and the second light-emitting surface 5, the light projected by the first light-concentrating element 3 can directly pass through the optical surface 7 and emit to the second light-emitting surface 5; therefore, the daytime running light and the low beam share a second light-emitting surface 5, which can make the height of the second light-emitting surface 5 designed to be smaller, making the lamp design more compact.

[0067] It is understandable that a light shielding plate may be used instead of the cut-off line forming structure 11 and provided in front of the second light emitting surface 5 to selectively shield the light, thereby realizing the low beam function.

[0068] In a specific embodiment, the second light guiding portion 4 is composed of three parts: a first bending section, a second bending section and a third bending section. The second light incident surface is located at one end face of the first bending section, the other end face of the first bending section is connected to one end face of the second bending section, and the other end face of the second bending section is connected to one end face of the third bending section. The second light emitting surface 5 is located at the other end face of the third bending section. The first bending section, the second bending section and the third bending section are connected in sequence to form a bending structure. The two opposite side faces of the second bending section are the optical surface 7 and the total reflection surface 8, respectively, and the total reflection surface 8 is located on the outside relative to the optical surface 7. The light projected by the second focusing element 6 is directed toward the total reflection surface 8, and then reflected toward the optical surface 7 by the total reflection surface 8, and then reflected twice by the optical surface 7 and directed toward the second light emitting surface 5.

[0069] Generally, the first concentrating element 3 and the second concentrating element 6 can be existing concentrating structures, such as concentrators, concentrating cups, etc., which can converge and collimate light.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical element comprises a first optical unit and a second optical unit, such as Figures 1 to 12 As shown, the first optical unit includes a first light incident surface, a first light guiding part 1 and a first light emitting surface 2, the first light incident surface, the first light guiding part 1 and the first light emitting surface 2 are connected in sequence, and a first light focusing element 3 is provided on the first light incident surface; the second optical unit includes a second light incident surface, a second light guiding part 4 and a second light emitting surface 5, the second light incident surface, the second light guiding part 4 and the second light emitting surface 5 are connected in sequence, a second light focusing element 6 is provided on the second light incident surface, and the side surface of the second light guiding part 4 is formed as an optical surface 7, the second light emitting surface 5 and the second light focusing element 6 are located on the same side of the optical surface 7, thereby bending the light propagation path between the second light emitting surface 5 and the second light focusing element 6; the second optical unit is located in front of the first optical unit, and an air gap is formed between the optical surface 7 and the first light emitting surface 2; or, referring to Figures 13 to 25 The second optical unit includes a second light incident surface, a second light guiding part 4 and a second light emitting surface 5, which are connected in sequence. A second light incident surface is provided with a second light focusing element 6, and the second light guiding part 4 is divided into a first bending section, a second bending section and a third bending section. The first bending section, the second bending section and the third bending section are connected in sequence to form a bending structure. The second light incident surface is located at the end face of the first bending section, and the second light emitting surface 5 is located at the end face of the third bending section. The two opposite side faces of the second bending section are an optical surface 7 and a total reflection surface 8, respectively. The total reflection surface 8 is located on the outer side face of the second light guiding part 4, and the optical surface 7 is located on the inner side face of the second light guiding part 4, thereby bending the light propagation path between the second light emitting surface 5 and the second light focusing element 6; the second optical unit is located in front of the first optical unit, and an air gap is formed between the optical surface 7 and the first light emitting surface 2.

[0071] The optical element of the present invention is combined with a light source to form a lighting module, specifically, including a first light source and a second light source, each first light source corresponds to each first focusing element 3, and the first focusing element 3 can focus the light emitted by the corresponding first light source. Similarly, each second light source corresponds to each second focusing element 6, and the second focusing element 6 can focus the light emitted by the corresponding second light source. The first light source can be the light source of the low beam, which can form a low beam. Figure 12 or Figure 25 The second light source can be a light source of a daytime running light, which can form a low beam light shape as shown in FIG. Figure 11 or Figure 24 The concentric circle-like light shape shown integrates the low beam and the daytime running light together, sharing a light-emitting surface.

[0072] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the integration of low beam and daytime running light, but can also integrate high beam and daytime running light, that is, the first light source can be used as the light source of high beam; or, low beam, high beam and daytime running light can be integrated, and multiple first light sources are set, with some of the first light sources serving as the light source of low beam and other part of the first light sources serving as the light source of high beam; or, by analogy, multiple functional lights such as low beam, high beam, daytime running light, position light, turn signal, etc. can be integrated, and the first light source and the second light source can be used as the light sources of various functional lights.

[0073] The embodiment of the vehicle lamp of the present invention may have the optical elements described in the above embodiments, that is, adopt all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments of the optical elements, and therefore at least have the beneficial effects brought by all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments of the optical elements.

[0074] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical element, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first optical unit and a second optical unit, wherein the first optical unit comprises a first light incident surface, a first light guide portion (1) and a first light exit surface (2) connected in sequence, and at least one first light focusing element (3) is provided on the first light incident surface; the second optical unit comprises a second light incident surface, a second light guide portion (4) and a second light exit surface (5) connected in sequence, and at least one second light focusing element (6) is provided on the second light incident surface; the first light exit surface (2) corresponds to an optical surface (7) on the second light guide portion (4) so that light projected by the first light exit surface (2) can enter the second light guide portion through the optical surface (7) and be emitted toward the second light exit surface (5); an air gap is formed between the first light exit surface (2) and the optical surface (7) so that light projected by the second light focusing element (6) can be reflected toward the second light exit surface (5); The second light-guiding portion is provided with a total reflection surface (8) opposite to the optical surface (7), so that the light projected by the second light-concentrating element is reflected in sequence by the total reflection surface (8) and the optical surface (7) and then emitted toward the second light-emitting surface (5); Wherein, the first light incident surface, the first light exiting surface, the optical surface (7) and the second light exiting surface (5) are arranged along the front-to-back direction; The second light incident surface, the optical surface (7) and the second light exit surface (5) are arranged along the front-to-back direction.

2. The optical element according to claim 1, wherein The second light-guiding portion (4) comprises a first bending section, a second bending section and a third bending section, the second light incident surface is located at one end face of the first bending section, the other end face of the first bending section is connected to one end face of the second bending section, the other end face of the second bending section is connected to one end face of the third bending section, the second light emitting surface (5) is located at the other end face of the third bending section, and the two opposite side faces of the second bending section are the optical surface (7) and the total reflection surface (8), respectively.

3. The optical element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A cut-off line forming structure (11) is provided at the bottom of the first light guide portion (1).

4. The optical element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first light-emitting surface (2) matches the optical surface (7).

5. The optical element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first concentrating element (3) and the second concentrating element (6) are both concentrators or concentrating cups.

6. A lighting module, characterized in that: An optical element according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided.

7. The lighting module according to claim 6, characterized in that: It comprises at least one first light source and at least one second light source, wherein each of the first light sources is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the first light-concentrating elements (3), and each of the second light sources is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with each of the second light-concentrating elements (6).

8. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: A lighting module according to claim 6 or 7 is provided.

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