Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a light emitting means (2), a light guide (3) having a first region (3a) and a curved region (3b), a first optical element (4) having a light entry face with a first section (4a) and a second section (4b), wherein the first optical element (4) is arranged relative to the light guide (3) such that light coupled out of the first region (3a) of the light guide (3) impinges on the first section (4a) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4) and light coupled out of the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) impinges on a subregion of the second section (4b) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4), wherein the lighting device (1) has a second optical element (5) arranged between the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) and the second section (4b) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4) and designed for diverting light coupled out of the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) such that the light impinges on the entire second section (4b) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4) after passing through the second optical element (5).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle headlamp system, wherein the lighting device comprises the following parts:

[0002] - a light-emitting mechanism for generating and emitting light,

[0003] - a light guide, wherein the light of the light-emitting mechanism is coupled in and coupled out at a coupling-out face of the light guide, wherein the light guide has a first region and a curved region next to the first region, wherein the coupling-out face extends over the first region and the curved region and is configured such that the light beams are oriented parallel to one another after being coupled out of the first region,

[0004] - a first optical element having a light entry face with a first section and a second section adjoining the first section, wherein the first optical element is arranged relative to the light guide such that the light coupled out of the first region of the light guide falls onto the first section of the light entry face of the first optical element and the light coupled out of the curved region of the light guide falls onto a subregion of the second section of the light entry face of the first optical element.

[0005] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle headlamp system.

[0006] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a lighting device or a motor vehicle headlamp system. BACKGROUND

[0007] A lighting device is known from DE 10 2018 130 425 A1, which comprises straight and curved light guides, wherein a light-emitting mechanism is associated with each light guide and light falls into the respective light guide. If a region is now to be illuminated with the lighting device, a first light-emitting mechanism illuminates a first section of the region by means of the straight light guide and a second light-emitting mechanism illuminates a second section of the region by means of the curved light guide.

[0008] It is disadvantageous in DE 10 2018 130 425 A1 that two light-emitting mechanisms and two light guides are used in order to illuminate the entire region completely. This results in a high cost and a complex configuration of the lighting device. SUMMARY

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to realize a lighting device in which the disadvantages of the prior art are reduced.

[0010] The object is achieved by a lighting device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the invention, the lighting device has a second optical element, which is configured and designed between a curved region of a light conductor and a second segment of the light incident surface of a first optical element to deflect light coupled out from the curved region of the light conductor, such that the light, after passing through the second optical element, hits the entire second segment of the light incident surface of the first optical element.

[0012] This results in the advantage that the entire light-incident surface of the first optical element, particularly the entire edge region or outer region of the light-incident surface, can be illuminated by a light-emitting mechanism preferably including a single light source. The first region of the light conductor can be straight or have curvature, wherein in this case, the curvature of the first region is preferably less than the curvature of the curved region of the light conductor. The second optical element is preferably designed to redirect light emitted radially or non-parallel from the curved region of the light conductor, on the one hand, toward the entire second segment of the light-incident surface of the first optical element, so that the second segment is fully illuminated, and on the other hand, to make the light beams parallel to each other when exiting the second optical element. After exiting the second optical element, the light beams are oriented parallel to each other, particularly in the vertical and horizontal directions. The light beams are preferably orthogonal to the first and / or second segments of the light-incident surface after exiting the second optical element. The light-incident surface can have a stepped structure, wherein the light beams are preferably orthogonal to the stepped segments arranged parallel to each other after exiting the second optical element, the stepped segments being substantially parallel to the first region of the light conductor.

[0013] It can be proposed that the first region of the light conductor and the first segment of the optical element are oriented substantially parallel to each other. Thus, light emitted from the first region of the light conductor can enter the first segment of the first optical element particularly effectively.

[0014] It can be proposed that, after being coupled out from the optical conductor, the light beam is oriented orthogonally to a first region of the optical conductor and / or preferably orthogonally to the light incident surface of the first optical element. The optical conductor may be elongated or cylindrical, wherein the light beam is preferably coupled out from the optical conductor orthogonal to its longitudinal extension or orthogonal to the axis of the cylinder. Preferably, the light beam is oriented along the x-direction after coupling out, wherein the x-direction corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle having the lighting device.

[0015] It can be proposed that the light coupled out from the first region of the optical conductor only hits the first segment of the light incident surface of the first optical element. In other words, the light emitted from the first region of the optical conductor does not hit the entire second segment of the light incident surface of the first optical element.

[0016] It can be proposed that the second optical element has an incident optical system on the surface facing the curved region of the light conductor, the incident optical system being designed to deflect light coupled out from the curved region of the light conductor toward the second segment of the first optical element as it enters the second optical element. The incident optical system can be configured as a facet extending in a uniform grating on the surface facing the curved region of the light conductor. The incident optical system is particularly designed to deflect the light beam such that it illuminates the entire second segment of the first optical element after exiting the second optical element.

[0017] It can be proposed that the second optical element has an outgoing optical system on its surface facing the first optical element, the outgoing optical system being designed to deflect light as it exits the second optical element such that the beam exiting the second optical element is parallel to the orientation of the beam coupled out from the first segment of the light conductor. The outgoing optical system can be configured as facets that make the beams parallel to each other during emission.

[0018] It can be proposed that the second optical element be substantially prismatic, wherein preferably the first face of the prism faces the curved region of the light conductor and the second face of the prism faces the light incident surface of the second segment of the first optical element. The second optical element can also be wedge-shaped. In particular, the second optical element at least partially or completely fills the space between the curved region of the light conductor and the second segment of the first optical element. Thus, a particularly compact and space-saving configuration can be achieved.

[0019] It can be proposed that the optical conductor and the second optical element are spaced apart from each other and / or the first optical element and the second optical element are spaced apart from each other. This results in the advantage that the optically active surface is not damaged by undesirable contact, for example, due to vibration.

[0020] It can be proposed that the curvature of the surface of the second optical element facing the light conductor is substantially the same as the curvature of the curved region of the light conductor. The spacing between the surface of the second optical element facing the light conductor and the curved region can be constant.

[0021] It can be proposed that the surface of the second optical element facing the first optical element is substantially parallel to the light incident surface of the first optical element.

[0022] It can be proposed that the first optical element is designed to generate light, particularly signal light. For example, it can be provided by means of lighting equipment for side marker lights, daytime running lights, driving direction indicators, or position lights for motor vehicles. The light emitted from the first optical element is preferably emitted in the direction HV.

[0023] It can be proposed that the second optical element be constructed as a transparent solid. Alternatively, the second optical element can be constructed as a hollow body.

[0024] It is proposed that the curved region of the light conductor and the second optical element be constructed as a single piece. In this case, the light conductor and the second optical element can be made of different materials, wherein the two materials can have different refractive indices. At the boundary between the curved region of the light conductor and the second optical element, light can be refracted in the direction of a second segment of the light incident surface of the first optical element, such that the entire second segment is illuminated after exiting the second optical element. The curved region of the light conductor and the second optical element can also be constructed as a single piece and made of the same material. Alternatively, it is proposed that the first optical element and the second optical element be constructed as a single piece.

[0025] According to the present invention, a motor vehicle headlight system is provided, comprising at least one, preferably two, motor vehicle headlights and an illumination device, wherein the illumination device is preferably disposed between the two motor vehicle headlights. This results in the advantage that, for example, on the front side of a motor vehicle equipped with the motor vehicle headlight system, a signal light function can be generated by means of the illumination device in addition to the light from the two headlights. The signal light function can be emitted above, below, and / or between the two headlights. Alternatively, the motor vehicle headlight system may include at least one, preferably two, motor vehicle headlights, wherein the illumination device may, for example, be disposed within the motor vehicle headlights, preferably in their edge region, to provide additional light function for the motor vehicle headlights.

[0026] It can be proposed that the light conductor of the lighting device has a first end and a second end, wherein at each end, light is coupled into the light conductor by means of a light source.

[0027] According to the present invention, a motor vehicle is provided having a lighting device or a motor vehicle headlight system, comprising at least one, preferably two, motor vehicle headlights and the aforementioned lighting device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The present invention will now be further described with reference to preferred embodiments, but the invention should not be limited to these embodiments. The accompanying drawings show:

[0029] Figure 1 Showing detailed views of a lighting device according to the prior art;

[0030] Figure 2a , 2b 3 and 4 show detailed views of the lighting device according to the invention; and

[0031] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1A portion of a lighting device 1a for a motor vehicle according to the prior art is shown. The lighting device 1a includes a light-emitting mechanism 2 for generating and emitting light and a light conductor 3, wherein light from the light-emitting mechanism 2 is coupled into the light conductor 3 and coupled out at a coupling output surface of the light conductor 3. The light conductor 3 has a first region 3a and a curved region 3b immediately adjacent to the first region 3a. The coupling output surface extends over the first region 3a and the second region 3b. The light conductors are configured such that light beams are oriented parallel to each other after being coupled out from the first region 3a. The lighting device 1a includes a first optical element 4 having a light incident surface having a first segment 4a and a second segment 4b adjacent to the first segment. The first optical element 4 is configured relative to the light conductor 3 such that light coupled out from the first region 3a of the light conductor 3 strikes the first segment 4a of the light incident surface of the first optical element 4. Light coupled out from the curved region 3b of the light conductor 3 strikes only a sub-region of the second segment 4b of the light incident surface of the first optical element 4.

[0033] After being coupled out from the first region 3a of the optical conductor 3, the light beam is orthogonal to the first region 3a of the optical conductor 3 and orthogonal to the light incident surfaces 4a and 4b of the first optical element 4. The light beam can also be oriented along the x-direction after coupling out. The light coupled out from the first region 3a of the optical conductor 3 only hits the first segment 4a of the light incident surface of the first optical element 4 and can also illuminate a sub-region of the second segment 4b. Disadvantageously, due to the curvature of the optical conductor, the second segment 4b of the light incident surface is not fully illuminated.

[0034] Figure 2a , 2b and Figure 3 The details illustrate a lighting device 1 according to the invention. The lighting device 1 has components of a lighting device 1a and additionally includes a second optical element 5, which is positioned and designed between a curved region 3b of a light conductor 3 and a second segment 4b of the light incident surface of a first optical element 4, for redirecting light coupled from the curved region 3b of the light conductor 3, such that after passing through the second optical element 5, the light strikes the entire second segment 4b of the light incident surface of the first optical element 4. The first region 3a of the light conductor 3 and the first segment 4a of the first optical element 4 are oriented substantially parallel to each other. The second optical element 5 has an incident optical system on its surface 5a facing the curved region 3b of the light conductor 3, which is designed to redirect light coupled from the curved region 3b of the light conductor 3 towards the second segment 4b of the first optical element 4 as it enters the second optical element 5.

[0035] The second optical element 5 has an outgoing optical system on its surface 5b facing the first optical element 4. The outgoing optical system is designed to redirect light as it exits the second optical element 5 such that the light beam exiting the second optical element 5 is parallel to the orientation of the light beam coupled out from the first segment 3a of the light conductor 3.

[0036] The second optical element 5 can be configured substantially prismatically, wherein the first face of the prism faces the curved region 3b of the light conductor 3, and the second face of the prism faces the light incident surface of the second segment 4b of the first optical element 4. The curvature of the face 5a of the second optical element 5 facing the light conductor 3 is substantially the same as the curvature of the curved region 3b of the light conductor 3. The face 5b of the second optical element 5 facing the first optical element 4 is oriented substantially parallel to the light incident surfaces 4a and 4b of the first optical element 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the second optical element 5 is spaced apart from the first optical element 4 and the light conductor 3.

[0037] Figure 2b Views of light incident surfaces 4a and 4b are shown. Light incident surfaces 4a and 4b may have a stepped structure.

[0038] Figure 4 A view showing a second embodiment of the lighting device 1 is provided. In this embodiment, the light conductor 3 has a first end and a second end, wherein light is coupled into the light conductor 3 at each end by means of a light-emitting mechanism 2, and the light is emitted onto the light incident surface of the first optical element 4 after being coupled out of the light conductor. Bending regions are respectively adjacent to the first and second ends of the light conductor 3, wherein a configuration can be provided at each of the two bending regions according to... Figure 2a , 2b And the second optical element 5 of 3. Thus, optical coupling input to both sides of the optical conductor 3 can be achieved.

Claims

1. Illumination device (1) for a motor vehicle or for a motor vehicle headlight system, wherein the illumination device comprises the following parts: - a light generating mechanism (2) for generating and emitting light, - a light guide (3), wherein the light of the light generating mechanism (2) is coupled in and coupled out at a coupling-out face of the light guide (3), wherein the light guide (3) has a first region (3a) and a curved region (3b) next to the first region (3a), wherein the coupling-out face extends over the first region (3a) and the curved region (3b) and is designed in such a way that the light beams are oriented parallel to each other after being coupled out of the first region (3a), - a first optical element (4) having a light entry face with a first section (4a) and a second section (4b) adjoining the first section, wherein the first optical element (4) is arranged relative to the light guide (3) in such a way that light coupled out of the first region (3a) of the light guide (3) falls onto the first section (4a) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4) and light coupled out of the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) falls onto a subregion of the second section (4b) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4), characterized in that the illumination device (1) has a second optical element (5) arranged between the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) and the second section (4b) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4) and designed for diverting the light coupled out of the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) in such a way that the light falls onto the entire second section (4b) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4) after passing through the second optical element (5), wherein the second optical element (5) has an entry optical system on a face (5a) facing the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) which is designed for diverting the light coupled out of the curved region (3b) of the light guide (3) when entering into the second optical element (5) in the direction of the second section (4b) of the first optical element (4), and wherein the second optical element (5) has an exit optical system on a face (5b) facing the first optical element (4) which is designed for diverting the light when exiting from the second optical element (5) in such a way that the light beams exiting from the second optical element (5) are oriented parallel to the light beams coupled out of the first region (3a) of the light guide (3).

2. Illumination device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first region (3a) of the light guide (3) and the first section (4a) of the first optical element (4) are oriented essentially parallel to each other. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 3. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light beam is oriented orthogonal to the first area (3a) of the light guide (3) and / or orthogonal to the light entry face of the first optical element (4) after being coupled out of the light guide (3).

4. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light coupled out of the first area (3a) of the light guide (3) is only cast onto a first section (4a) of the light entry face of the first optical element (4).

5. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second optical element (5) is essentially prismatically configured.

6. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide (3) and the second optical element (5) are spaced apart from each other and / or the first optical element (4) and the second optical element (5) are spaced apart from each other.

7. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a curvature of a face (5a) of the second optical element (5) facing the light guide (3) is essentially the same as a curvature of the curved area (3b) of the light guide (3).

8. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a face (5b) of the second optical element (5) facing the first optical element (4) is essentially oriented parallel to the light entry face of the first optical element (4).

9. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first optical element (4) is designed for generating a light function.

10. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second optical element (5) is configured as a transparent solid body.

11. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the curved area (3b) of the light guide (3) and the second optical element (5) are configured in one piece.

12. The lighting device (1) according to claim 5, wherein a first face of the prism faces the curved area (3b) of the light guide (3) and a second face of the prism faces the light entry face of the second section (4b) of the first optical element (4).

13. The lighting device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first optical element (4) is designed for generating a signal light function.

14. A motor vehicle headlamp system comprising at least one motor vehicle headlamp and a lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The motor vehicle headlamp system according to claim 14, wherein the light guide (3) of the lighting device (1) has a first end and a second end, wherein on each end light is coupled into the light guide (3) by means of a light source.

16. The motor vehicle headlamp system according to claim 14, wherein the motor vehicle headlamp system comprises two motor vehicle headlamps.

17. The motor vehicle headlamp system according to claim 14, wherein the lighting device (1) is arranged between the two motor vehicle headlamps.

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