Lights for motor vehicles

Abstract

A hybrid function LED auxiliary lamp is provided. The auxiliary lamp includes a housing and a lighting assembly disposed in the housing. The lighting assembly includes a plurality of LED light sources mounted on a printed circuit board. An optical distribution seat including a plurality of reflective cavities is mounted on the printed circuit board. Each reflective cavity defines a respective focal point. The LED light sources are aligned relative to the optical distribution seat so that the center of each respective LED light source corresponds to a respective focal point of the reflective cavity.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 880,564 filed on August 3, 2022 and International Application No. PCT / CN2022 / 103680 filed on July 4, 2022. The entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Suitable vehicle lights (including headlights, taillights and auxiliary lighting) improve safety, improve the decorative appearance, functionality and versatility for vehicles. For example, auxiliary lights work in conjunction with regular lights to provide additional visibility under certain complex conditions. Auxiliary lights include fog lights, running lights, yaw lights, etc. Auxiliary lighting is customized for optimal visibility in adverse weather conditions (such as rain, smoke or fog) or where additional lighting may be needed for safe driving. For example, unlike conventional lights that reflect light from water droplets in the air back to the driver's eyes, fog lights minimize the amount of return glare. This is achieved by producing a wider lower beam projected downward onto the road. On the other hand, road lighting lamps are designed to provide visibility of objects at a greater distance in front of the vehicle. When used in conjunction with conventional lights, running lights allow drivers to see farther down the road. However, in order to prevent dazzling oncoming motor vehicle personnel, regulatory agencies can specify the construction of such lamps based on, for example, the height, beam angle and other parameters of the lamp that should be mounted relative to the ground. It is desirable to have a hybrid lighting assembly that can provide all of the above functions and can also be configured to meet applicable local regulations. Summary of the invention

[0004] A hybrid function LED auxiliary lamp is provided. The auxiliary lamp includes a housing and a lighting assembly disposed within the housing. The lighting assembly includes a plurality of LED light sources mounted on a printed circuit board. An optical distribution seat defining a plurality of reflective cavities is mounted on the printed circuit board. Each reflective cavity is formed to define a respective focal point. The LED light sources are aligned relative to the optical distribution seat so that the center of each respective LED light source corresponds to a respective focal point of the reflective cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] A more detailed understanding may be obtained from the following description given by way of example in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1A is an exploded view of a hybrid function auxiliary lamp assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An enlarged view of a portion of an exemplary optical distribution seat shown in;

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an optical distribution seat according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3A is a diagram showing the Lambertian radiation pattern;

[0010] Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating the principle of a parabola;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A and Figure 2 A front perspective view of an example of an optical distribution seat shown in B;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A front plan view of the optical distribution seat shown in FIG.

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an optical assembly according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the legally required driving beams; and

[0015] Figure 8 is a diagram showing standard light distribution for optical signal transmission. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Examples of implementations of different light illumination systems and / or light emitting diodes ("LEDs") will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examples are not mutually exclusive, and features found in one example can be combined with features found in one or more other examples to achieve additional implementations. Therefore, it should be understood that the examples shown in the accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and they are not intended to limit the present disclosure in any way. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0017] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used to distinguish an element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0018] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" or extending "on" another element, the element may be directly on or directly extending to the other element, or there may also be an intermediate element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "extending directly onto another element", there may be no intermediate element. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to another element and / or connected or coupled to another element via one or more intermediate elements. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there is no intermediate element between the element and the other element. It will be understood that these terms are intended to cover different orientations of elements other than any orientation depicted in the figures.

[0019] Relative terms such as "below," "above," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," or "vertical" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0020] Automobile headlights perform two basic functions. One function is to illuminate the road and objects in the direction of the vehicle's movement. Vehicle lights that perform this function include driving beam headlights, passing beam headlights, front fog lights, turning fog lights, etc. The second function is the signal transmission function, that is, to provide a visible signal that conveys information that is useful to other road users. For example, information about the presence, identification and / or movement changes of the vehicle. Vehicle lights that perform the signal transmission function include position lights, parking lights, daytime running lights, etc.

[0021] Automotive lights generally include three different types of systems. They are electrical systems, optical systems, and mechanical systems. The electrical system generally includes an LED module and an electronic control gear that controls the light source. The optical system includes a reflector with reflective properties and / or a lens with refractive properties. The mechanical system includes a lamp body portion and an external lens portion for heat dissipation and protection. These systems can be combined to form an automotive auxiliary lamp that can be powered by the vehicle's DC power supply.

[0022] As the complexity of driving applications increases, automotive auxiliary lights will be required to perform both road lighting functions and signaling functions to cope with each increased lighting and signaling demand. However, existing automotive lights are usually separated by function. Automotive lights that perform road lighting functions usually include one or more groups of corresponding independent optical components and LED modules. They can also use printed circuit board assemblies that are independent and separate from the PCBAs used by automotive signaling lights. These assemblies themselves can be divided into multiple groups of light elements, where different groups perform different functions.

[0023] Due to the physical and functional separation of automotive lamps, the number of optical components, LED modules, fastener connections, and process flows required to produce automotive lighting components has increased as lighting performance requirements have increased. This has led to high costs for research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and operations. At the same time, the increased complexity of lamps has challenged lamp reliability.

[0024] In response to the above problems, attempts have been made to reduce the number of optical components required to achieve multiple lighting functions. For example, CN215411718U discloses a multifunctional light distribution structure of a lamp, which includes a housing, a light-transmitting cover, an illumination light source module, and an indication light source module. The indication light source module includes a lens and a plurality of indication LEDs. This has the advantages of universal applicability and the ability to emit different functional light shapes.

[0025] As another example, CN 216010708 U discloses a lens lamp, which includes a bottom shell, a lamp panel, a plurality of lamp LEDs with different functions, and a PC lens with non-direct total reflection. This has the advantages of good versatility in product material selection and convenient assembly. These methods reduce the number of optical components to achieve a given optical signal transmission function and provide more versatility in the selection of components. However, the optical signal transmission function still relies on independent optical components for its implementation. When it comes to reducing the number of components and the cost of vehicle lighting components and solving performance reliability challenges, it is even more necessary to implement these contents.

[0026] Figure 1A 1 is an exploded view of a hybrid function light emitting diode (LED) auxiliary lamp 100 for a motor vehicle. The auxiliary lamp 100 performs a road lighting function and a light signal transmission function. The auxiliary lamp 100 includes a housing 110, an integrated lighting assembly 200, and an outer lens 300. The housing 110 provides a lamp body to support the lighting assembly 200 and an electrical wiring 105 that transmits power to the lighting assembly 200. The lens 300 is configured to transmit light and also serves as a protective barrier to prevent external contaminants. The integrated lighting subassembly 200 includes an optical distribution seat 230, a plurality of road lighting LED modules 215, and a plurality of light signal transmission LED modules 220 mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 210. The subassembly 200 integrates an LED light source and an optical component that performs a road lighting function with an LED light source and an optical component that performs a light signal transmission function. Advantageously, the optical distribution seat 230 of the lighting assembly 200 integrates an optical reflector component configured to implement a light signal transmission function and an optical reflector component configured to implement a road lighting function. The LED roadway lighting element 215 is arranged on the PCB 210 together with the LED signaling lighting element 220 .

[0027] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A 230 is an enlarged view of a portion of the optical distribution seat 230 shown in FIG. The optical distribution seat 230 includes a distribution seat main structure 220, and the distribution seat main structure 220 includes a plurality of curved portions 236 (two are shown), and each corresponding curved portion 236 includes a respective corresponding reflective inner surface 246. Each curved portion 236 defines a free-form surface reflection cavity 232. As described herein, the surface reflection cavity 232 is configured to realize a variety of different lighting functions. The optical distribution seat 230 further includes one or more groups of reflectors 240, and the size of the one or more groups of reflectors 240 is relatively small relative to the size of the surface reflection cavity 232. The reflector 240 is arranged in the optical signal transmission reflection cavity 250 and is configured to support the optical signal transmission function. The relatively large surface reflection cavity 232 is configured to realize the road lighting function.

[0028] As from Figure 1A and Figure 1B As can be seen in the figure, the hybrid function LED automotive auxiliary lamp 100 provided by the present disclosure integrates the optical system supporting the optical signal transmission function into the optical system supporting the road lighting function. In the exemplary auxiliary lamp 100 shown, the same optical distribution seat 230 is used for two types of auxiliary lighting functions. Compared with the conventional LED automotive auxiliary lamp, the lamp 100 has fewer parts, fewer optical signal transmission parts, fewer corresponding fastening assembly parts, etc.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A and Figure 1B 2 is a perspective view of an example 430 of an optical distribution seat 230 shown in FIG. The optical distribution seat 430 includes five groups of optical signal transmission reflectors 240, each group 240 being disposed in a corresponding one of five optical signal transmission reflection cavities 250. Each optical signal transmission reflection cavity 250 is formed at an intersection 260 of two road lighting reflection cavities 246. In this position on the optical distribution seat 230, light reflected from the reflector 240 has a negligible effect on light reflected by the road lighting reflection cavity 246 to illuminate the road. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 4 , one optical group of reflectors 240 disposed in one optical signal transmission reflection cavity 250 is provided for each two light illumination reflection cavities 246 including the optical distribution seat 430. The signal transmission reflection cavity 250 may be formed at each node 260 of the two light illumination reflection cavities 246.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, LED signaling module 220 (best shown in FIG. 1 ) is configured to exhibit near-Lambertian radiation, such as Figure 3A. The radiation pattern describes the relative light intensity in any direction from the light source. The apparent brightness of a Lambertian surface to an observer is the same regardless of the observer's viewing angle. When the LED signal transmission module 220 is configured to present a near-Lambertian radiation pattern, the light reflected from the reflector 240 will have little effect on the central light intensity output by the LED roadway lighting module 215 using the roadway lighting reflective cavity 246. Therefore, the light signal transmission function does not interfere with the roadway lighting function provided by the auxiliary lamp 100.

[0031] In some applications, it is desirable to have a specified distance between the edges 260 of adjacent road lighting reflective cavities 246, as indicated at 9. Further, in some applications, it is desirable to have a specific distance between the optical signal transmission reflective cavities 250. In some jurisdictions, there are regulations that specify the spacing distances between various vehicle lights. For example, existing regulations may require that vehicle position lights be spaced no more than 75 mm apart. In such applications, the optical distribution seat disclosed herein can be configured accordingly. Figure 4 In the example of , the distribution seat 730 includes reflectors 240 at positions 1, 2, and 3. The reflectors 240 can support the function of light vehicle position lights. In order to meet the above exemplary regulations, the distribution seat 730 can be configured so that the spacing between each reflector 240 (e.g., between the reflector at position 1 and the reflector 240 at position 2) is a specified 75 mm.

[0032] Figure 5 is a front plan view of an exemplary optical distribution seat 530 according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 The example of FIG. 5 shows an application in which the dispensing seat 530 is configured to comply with regulations. Figure 5 In the example of the reference axis direction of the optical signal function, the sum of the apparent surface areas of all reflective cavities 250 must meet the area range required by the regulations. In this example, the reflector 240 supports the daytime running light function. According to the exemplary regulations, in the direction of the reference axis (z) of the daytime running light, the apparent surface area should be no less than 25cm 2 And no more than 200cm 2 .like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , there are three groups of reflectors 240, each group of reflectors is arranged in a corresponding cavity 250, and each group of cavities has a surface area S1, S2, and S3. The surface area S1 of the first cavity 250 plus the surface area S2 of the second cavity 250 plus the surface area S3 of the third cavity 250 must be no less than 25 cm 2 And no more than 200cm 2 Therefore, S = S1 + S2 + S3, and ≥ 25 cm 2 ≤S≤200cm 2 .

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a lighting assembly 200 for a vehicle auxiliary lamp according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 6 As shown, each reflective cavity 246 is formed to define a corresponding focus. According to the optical principle of parabola ( Figure 3B ), the center of each road lighting LED light source 215 is positioned on the PCB 210 and aligned with the focus of the corresponding road lighting reflective cavity 246. Similarly, each optical signal transmission LED light source 220 is positioned on the PCB 210 and aligned with the focus of the corresponding optical signal transmission reflective cavity 250. This arrangement maximizes the light performance efficiency of the LED light source and the optical distribution seat when providing road lighting and optical signal transmission functions.

[0034] While meeting regulatory requirements, some exemplary implementations provide road lighting functions and light signal transmission functions. In an embodiment, the free-form surface of each reflective cavity 246 defines a parabola including multiple parabolic surface areas (three are indicated at 247, 248, and 249). Each parabolic surface area is defined by a radius of curvature. For given regulatory requirements, the radius of curvature of each parabolic surface area is adjusted so that the structure of the reflective cavity guides the light from the corresponding LED module in a manner that meets the given regulations.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram of the driving beam distribution requirements specified by ECE R149. Figure 8 This is a diagram of the optical signal transmission distribution requirements specified by ECE R148. Figure 6 , parabolic surface areas such as shown at 247, 248 and 249 of the road lighting reflective cavity 246 of the distributor 230 can be adjusted to meet the driving beam distribution requirements of ECE R149. The optical signal transmission reflective cavity 250 can be adjusted to meet the optical signal transmission light distribution requirements specified by ECE R418. By configuring each parabolic surface area so that the reflected light is directed according to a given regulation, a headlamp assembly specifically configured and constructed for use in a specific geographic market or regulatory market can be provided.

Claims

1. A vehicle auxiliary lamp, comprising: shell; A lighting assembly is disposed in the housing, the lighting assembly comprising: Printed circuit board (PCB); An optical distribution seat mounted on the PCB, the optical distribution seat comprising a plurality of reflective cavities, each reflective cavity defining a respective focal point; A plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light sources are mounted on the PCB and aligned relative to the optical distribution seat so that the center of each respective LED light source corresponds to a respective focal point.

2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of reflective cavities include: an array of intersecting road lighting reflective cavities; and A plurality of light signal transmission reflection cavities are formed at corresponding intersections of the road lighting reflection cavities.

3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of LED light sources include: A plurality of road lighting light sources, wherein the center of each road lighting light source is aligned with the focus of the respective corresponding road lighting reflective cavity; A plurality of optical signal transmission light sources, the center of each of the signal transmission light sources is aligned with the focus of the corresponding road lighting reflection cavity.

4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the road lighting cavities defines a parabola and includes a plurality of curved surfaces, each curved surface being defined by an individually adjustable radius of curvature so that light reflected from the road lighting LED light source will be distributed according to a predetermined light distribution requirement.

5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein: The vehicle lamp provides a road lighting function using light reflected from the road lighting cavity, and also provides a signal transmission function using light reflected from the optical signal transmission cavity.

6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein: The total surface area of ​​the optical signal transmission reflection cavity is greater than or equal to 25 square centimeters and less than or equal to 200 square centimeters.

7. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein: An optical signal transmission cavity is formed at every other intersection of the road lighting cavities.

8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein: An optical signal transmission cavity is formed at the intersection of each of the road lighting cavities.

9. A lighting assembly for a vehicle auxiliary lamp, comprising: Printed circuit boards; an optical distribution seat mounted on the printed circuit board, the optical distribution seat comprising a plurality of reflective cavities, each reflective cavity defining a respective focal point; A plurality of LED light sources are mounted on the printed circuit board and aligned relative to the optical distribution seat so that the center of each respective LED light source corresponds to a respective focal point.

10. The lighting assembly of claim 9, wherein: The plurality of reflective cavities include: an array of intersecting road lighting reflective cavities; and A plurality of light signal transmission reflection cavities are formed at corresponding intersections of the road lighting cavity.

11. The lighting assembly of claim 10, wherein: The plurality of LED light sources include: A plurality of road lighting light sources, wherein the center of each road lighting light source is aligned with the focus of the respective corresponding road lighting reflective cavity; A plurality of signal transmission light sources, the center of each signal transmission light source is aligned with the focus of the corresponding road lighting reflection cavity.

12. The lighting assembly of claim 10, wherein: Each of the road lighting cavities defines a parabola and includes a plurality of curved surfaces, each curved surface being defined by an individually adjustable radius of curvature so that light reflected from the road lighting LED light source will be distributed according to a predetermined light distribution requirement.

13. The vehicle lamp according to claim 11, wherein The vehicle lamp provides a road lighting function using light reflected from the road lighting reflection cavity, and also provides a signal transmission function using the light signal transmission reflection cavity.

14. The vehicle lamp according to claim 10, wherein: The total surface area of ​​the optical signal transmission reflection cavity is greater than or equal to 25 square centimeters and less than or equal to 200 square centimeters.

15. The lighting assembly of claim 11, wherein: An optical signal transmission cavity is formed at every other intersection of the road lighting cavities.

16. The lighting assembly of claim 11, wherein: An optical signal transmission cavity is formed at the intersection of each of the road lighting cavities.

17. An optical distribution seat for vehicle auxiliary lights, the optical distribution seat comprising a plurality of reflective cavities, each of which defines a respective focal point, and the respective focal points are aligned with the centers of the respective LED light sources to provide a road lighting function and an optical signal transmission function.

18. The optical distribution seat according to claim 17, wherein: The multiple reflection cavities include multiple road lighting reflection cavities and multiple light signal transmission reflection cavities.

19. The optical distribution seat according to claim 18, wherein: Each of the road lighting reflective cavities defines a parabola and includes a plurality of curved surfaces, each curved surface being defined by an individually adjustable radius of curvature so that light reflected from the road lighting LED light source will be distributed according to a predetermined light distribution requirement.

20. The optical distribution seat according to claim 19, wherein: Each of the optical signal transmission reflective cavities defines a parabola and includes a plurality of curved surfaces, each curved surface being defined by an individually adjustable radius of curvature so that light reflected from the optical signal transmission reflective cavity will be distributed according to a predetermined optical signal transmission light distribution requirement.

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