Optical assembly and vehicle lamp

Abstract

The utility model provides an optical assembly and an automobile lamp, and relates to the technical field of automobile lamps, the optical assembly comprises a first reflection element and a second reflection element, the first reflection element and the second reflection element are sequentially arranged along a light path, the first reflection element comprises a plurality of first curved surfaces, adjacent first curved surfaces form steps, and the second reflection element is provided with a smooth base surface. The light is reflected to the second reflection element through the first curved surface of the first reflection element, and is emitted after being reflected by the second reflection element. Through cooperative work of the two reflecting elements, the optical assembly realizes unification of functions and shapes. On one hand, the appearance design of the second reflecting element can meet the modeling requirement of the automobile lamp, and the requirements of modern automobiles for streamline and attractiveness are met; and on the other hand, through optical cooperation of the two, the light propagation direction is accurately adjusted, high collimation of the light is achieved, and the comprehensive performance and the user experience of the automobile lamp are improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of automobile lamps, in particular to an optical assembly and a vehicle lamp. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous advancement of industrialization, automobiles have become an indispensable means of transportation in people's daily life. As a core component of the automobile lighting system and the automobile signaling system, vehicle lamps play a crucial role in improving the performance and safety of automobiles. In the vehicle lamp system, the reflector system is one of the key components.

[0003] However, the traditional reflector system is usually composed of multiple bowl-shaped reflection cavities, which achieves light aggregation through relatively simple geometric design. However, this design has great limitations in modeling flexibility, making it difficult to meet the increasingly complex and variable appearance design requirements of modern automobiles. To solve this problem, free-form surface reflector systems have emerged. Based on complex free-form surface geometric design, this system can well meet the modeling trend of vehicle lamps, thereby meeting the requirements of automobile design for aesthetics and streamlined appearance. However, free-form surfaces cannot well collimate light, resulting in ineffective control of some light, thereby reducing the regulatory efficiency of the system. In addition, uneven light distribution can also cause local brightness to be too high, thereby causing the risk of "super-brightness", which poses a hidden danger to driving safety. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide an optical assembly and a vehicle lamp to address the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solutions adopted by the embodiments of the present application are as follows:

[0006] In one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, an optical assembly is provided, which includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element. The first reflective element and the second reflective element are arranged in sequence along the optical path. The first reflective element includes a plurality of first curved surfaces, and adjacent first curved surfaces form a step. The second reflective element has a smooth base surface. Light is reflected by the first curved surfaces to the second reflective element and then reflected by the second reflective element to exit.

[0007] Optionally, the second reflective element includes a plurality of patterned reflective surfaces arranged on the base surface.

[0008] Optionally, the first curved surface has a first optical axis, the patterned reflective surface has a second optical axis, the first optical axis and the second optical axis have a first included angle, and the normal line of the patterned reflective surface coincides with the angle bisector of the first included angle.

[0009] Optionally, the first included angle is 90°.

[0010] Optionally, a second included angle between the base surface of the second reflective element and the first optical axis is less than 45°.

[0011] Optionally, the first reflective element is a mirror structure, and the light rays form collimated light rays towards the second reflective element after being reflected by the first curved surface.

[0012] Optionally, the first curved surface is a parabolic surface.

[0013] Optionally, the first reflective element is a light guide structure, and the light guide structure further comprises a light guide-in light surface, and the light rays form collimated light rays towards the second reflective element after being reflected by the first curved surface after entering the light guide-in light surface.

[0014] In another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a vehicle lamp is provided, comprising a light source and the optical assembly of any of the above, the first reflective element of the optical assembly is located on the light-out side of the light source, the vehicle lamp comprises a light-out area, the second reflective element of the optical assembly is visible in the light-out area, and the first reflective element is at least partially blocked in the light-out area.

[0015] Optionally, the vehicle lamp comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in sequence in the transverse direction, and the optical assembly comprises a plurality of first reflective elements arranged in sequence, and the light rays emitted by the plurality of light sources are reflected by the first curved surfaces of the first reflective elements to the second reflective element of the optical assembly, respectively.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present application include:

[0017] The present application provides an optical assembly, comprising a first reflective element and a second reflective element, the first reflective element and the second reflective element are sequentially arranged along an optical path, the first reflective element comprises a plurality of first curved surfaces, adjacent first curved surfaces form a step, the second reflective element has a smooth base surface, light rays are reflected by the first curved surfaces of the first reflective element to the second reflective element, and then are reflected by the second reflective element and exit. Through the cooperative work of the two reflective elements, the optical assembly realizes the unity of function and modeling. On the one hand, the appearance design of the second reflective element can meet the modeling requirements of the vehicle lamp, and meet the requirements of modern automobiles for streamline and aesthetics; on the other hand, the optical cooperation of the two realizes the high collimation of the light rays through the accurate adjustment of the direction of the light rays, and guarantees the excellent performance of the vehicle lamp in terms of illumination distance, brightness distribution and light efficiency, thereby improving the comprehensive performance and user experience of the vehicle lamp. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present application, and therefore should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope, and for those skilled in the art, other related drawings can also be obtained without creative labor.

[0019] Figure 1 Structure diagram of a first optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 Light path diagram of light propagation in an optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 Structure diagram of a second reflecting element according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 Structure diagram of a first optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 Structure diagram of a second optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 Cross-sectional view along X-X;

[0024] Figure 6 Structure diagram of a second optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 7 Structure diagram of a third optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 8 Structure diagram of a fourth optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 9 Structure diagram of a fifth optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 10 Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along Y-Y;

[0029] Figure 11 Structure diagram of a fifth optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 12 Structure diagram of a fifth optical assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Legend: 11 - first reflecting element; 11a - light guiding structure; 111 - first curved surface; 12 - second reflecting element; 121 - patterned reflecting surface; 20 - light source; a - first optical axis; b - second optical axis; c - normal line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the following will be combined with the accompanying drawings for the embodiments of the present application to make a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present application, but only represents selected embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that the various features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other without conflict, and the combined embodiments are still within the protection scope of the present application.

[0034] It should be noted that: similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in the subsequent drawings.

[0035] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly placed when the product of the present application is used, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and therefore cannot be understood as indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the like are only used for differentiation in description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In addition, the terms "horizontal", "vertical" and the like do not mean that the components must be absolutely horizontal or vertical, but can be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is relatively more horizontal than "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly inclined.

[0037] In the description of the present application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "arrangement", "installation", "connection", "connection" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixedly connected, or detachably connected, or integrally connected; it can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, an optical assembly is provided, comprising a first reflective element 11 and a second reflective element 12, arranged sequentially along an optical path. The first reflective element 11 is concealed within the interior of a headlight to avoid interfering with the headlight's exterior design. The second reflective element 12 is a crucial component of the headlight's exterior, and its surface design must fully consider the styling trends of modern vehicles.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first reflective element 11 includes a plurality of first curved surfaces 111. Adjacent first curved surfaces 111 form steps. Specifically, to collimate the light source 20, the first curved surfaces 111 can be paraboloids, ellipsoids, quasi-paraboloids, quasi-ellipsoids, or the like, with adjacent first curved surfaces 111 forming a series of steps. In some embodiments, the steps are formed by the difference in the end portions of two adjacent first curved surfaces 111. In other embodiments, the steps are formed by the angle between the end portions of two adjacent first curved surfaces 111.

[0040] Through this design, the first curved surface 111 can collimate light into parallel light in one or two directions and then reflect it to the second reflective element 12, where it is reflected by the second reflective element 12 and then emitted. The second reflective element 12 can achieve total internal reflection, and the total internal reflection process ensures that the light maintains a high light intensity during the reflection process, maximizing the utilization of the reflected light. In addition, when the first curved surface 111 only collimates the light in one direction, the second reflective element 12 can also collimate the light in the other direction during the reflection process, ensuring that the light beam remains parallel and directed toward a specific target area.

[0041] In practice, the second reflective element 12, a key visible component of the headlight, can be designed with a smooth freeform surface or flat surface to balance aesthetics and structural integrity, ensuring consistency with the overall vehicle design. Furthermore, other design parameters for the second reflective element 12, such as its angle and position, should be determined based on the headlight's exterior design requirements. These parameters ensure the headlight's streamlined appearance and visual appeal while also laying the foundation for the subsequent light propagation direction and collimation performance.

[0042] After determining the parameters of the second reflective element 12, the design parameters of the first curved surface 111 can be further derived based on its optical performance requirements and light propagation characteristics. The curvature, angle, and dimensions of the first curved surface 111 must precisely match the characteristics of the second reflective element 12 to ensure that light emitted from the light source 20 is collimated by the first reflective element 11 and reflected onto the second reflective element 12. This ensures that the entire optical assembly achieves both efficient light collimation and meets the design requirements of the vehicle lamp.

[0043] Overall, through the cooperation of the two reflective elements, the optical assembly can achieve the unity of function and style. On the one hand, the appearance design of the second reflective element 12 can meet the modeling requirements of the car light, meeting the requirements of modern cars for streamline and aesthetics; on the other hand, the optical cooperation of the two can achieve high collimation of light through precise adjustment of the direction of light propagation, ensuring excellent performance of the car light in terms of illumination distance, brightness distribution and light efficiency, thereby improving the overall performance and user experience of the car light.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first curved surface 111 has a first optical axis a. The base surface of the second reflective element 12 has a third optical axis. There is a second included angle between the first optical axis a and the third optical axis. The first optical axis a and the third optical axis are the main directions of propagation of light after passing through the first curved surface 111 and the base surface of the second reflective element 12, respectively. By setting the included angle between the first optical axis a and the third optical axis, the reflection path of the light can be effectively controlled, thereby ensuring that the light can be emitted in the desired direction. The design that the normal line of the base surface of the second reflective element 12 coincides with the angle bisector of the second included angle can ensure that the light is reflected and collimated at the best angle when passing through the second reflective element 12.

[0045] If in the above manner, the second reflective element 12 usually needs to be arranged at an angle of about 45° (compared to the exit surface of the light source 20). However, in the application of car light, an inclination angle of 45° is not aesthetically pleasing in the appearance design of the car light. Therefore, optionally, a plurality of patterned reflective surfaces 121 are designed on the base surface of the second reflective element 12, which are arranged longitudinally in sequence. These patterned reflective surfaces 121 can use the small geometric differences to adjust the propagation path of the light through multiple reflections and refractions of the light, thereby effectively controlling the direction and shape of the light, while not affecting the base surface design of the second reflective element 12 in the appearance design of the car light, and not seeing obvious steps when observing.

[0046] Specifically, each patterned reflective surface 121 can be regarded as a micro reflective unit, and its surface morphology is accurately designed so that the light can be accurately reflected and collimated when incident. Since the light will be fine-tuned when passing through these small structures, the direction of propagation of the light can be finely controlled, thereby achieving the functions of total reflection and collimation of the light, and the second reflective element 12 does not need to be inclined at a large angle, thereby avoiding the incoordination in the appearance design of the car light.

[0047] Optionally, as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first curved surface 111 has a first optical axis a. The patterned reflective surface 121 has a second optical axis b. There is an included angle between the first optical axis a and the second optical axis b, which is referred to as a first included angle. The first optical axis a and the second optical axis b are the main propagation directions of the light rays after passing through the first curved surface 111 and the patterned reflective surface 121, respectively. By setting the included angle between the first optical axis a and the second optical axis b, the reflection path of the light rays can be effectively controlled, thereby ensuring that the light rays can be emitted in the desired direction. The design that the normal line c of the patterned reflective surface 121 coincides with the angle bisector of the first included angle can ensure that the light rays are reflected and collimated at the best angle when passing through the patterned reflective surface 121. This design utilizes the law of reflection of light, i.e., the incident angle is equal to the reflection angle. By precisely controlling the included angle, the patterned reflective surface 121 can not only achieve effective reflection of the light rays, but also can fine-tune the direction of the light rays during the reflection process, so that the light rays can remain parallel and propagate toward the predetermined direction. Through this precise reflection and collimation mechanism, the light rays can finally provide efficient and stable illumination effect in optical equipment such as vehicle lamps.

[0048] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the included angle between the first optical axis a and the second optical axis b is 90°, and the included angle between the normal line c of the patterned reflective surface 121 and the second optical axis b is 45°. When the light rays enter the second reflective element 12 from the first curved surface 111, since the first optical axis a and the second optical axis b form a right angle, this makes the light rays be reflected in the second reflective element 12 in a very stable manner, maximally ensuring that the light rays on the patterned reflective surface 121 remain in a parallel state, thereby ensuring the uniformity and stability of the illumination.

[0049] It should be noted that the position change of the light source 20 will change the angle of the light rays incident on the first reflective element 11, thereby affecting the direction after reflection. Adjusting the distance between the light source 20 and the first reflective element 11 can effectively control the convergence and divergence degree of the light rays, so that they have more optimal optical distribution characteristics when reaching the second reflective element 12. The adjustment of the angle of the first reflective element 11 and the optical axis of the first curved surface 111 can affect the reflection direction of the light rays, so that the light rays can enter the patterned reflective surface 121 of the second reflective element 12 in an ideal longitudinal path.

[0050] Optionally, the base surface of the second reflective element 12 can be a plane or a free-form surface, thereby making the optical system highly flexible and adjustable. When the base surface of the second reflective element 12 is a plane, the angle between the base surface and the first optical axis a is less than 45°. This design can ensure that when the light is collimated by the first curved surface 111 and enters the second reflective element 12, it can be reflected at an ideal angle to achieve a predetermined light beam propagation direction. When the base surface of the second reflective element 12 is a free-form surface, the light propagation path and reflection effect become more complicated. A free-form surface is a curved surface with a certain curvature, thereby making the minimum angle between the base surface and the first optical axis a less than 45°, while meeting the requirements of the headlight styling, ensuring that the patterned reflective surface 121 can adjust the reflection path of the light.

[0051] Alternatively, as Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the first curved surface 111 is a parabola. Paraboloids also include quasi-paraboloids. As an optical surface, a parabola has excellent light convergence and reflection properties, capable of focusing light from a point light source 20 or a parallel light source 20 in a specific direction after reflection, thereby achieving efficient light control. Quasi-paraboloids are optimized variations of standard paraboloids. Based on specific optical requirements, the ability to adjust the light propagation path is further enhanced by adjusting the surface parameters.

[0052] Optionally, a patterned structure is provided on the first curved surface 111. Patterned structures include, but are not limited to, horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, a mesh pattern, or a fisheye pattern. This patterned structure has the effect of evenly distributing and diffusing light. This design, by forming a microstructure on the first curved surface 111, effectively expands the coverage of light, ensuring that light emitted by the light source 20 is evenly distributed across a wider range of angles on the first curved surface 111.

[0053] Optionally, the first reflective element 11 is a reflector structure, and the light is reflected by the first curved surface 111 to form a collimated light toward the second reflective element 12. As a common first reflective element 11, the reflector structure can control the incident angle and reflection angle of the light through its surface shape (such as a plane or a curved surface), adjust the direction of the light, and achieve precise reflection and collimation of the light. In addition, the first reflective element 11 can also use other optical elements with good collimation performance, such as optical lenses, prisms or microstructured optical components, to guide and focus the light through their specific optical properties. By selecting and combining these elements, the performance requirements of different optical components can be met.

[0054] In practical applications, the selection of the first reflective element 11 is usually based on the characteristics of the light source 20, the module space limitations, and the target optical performance. For example, for a highly directional light source 20 (such as a laser or a focusing LED), a reflector can be used to achieve simple and efficient light adjustment. For a diffuse light source 20 with a wide light emission angle, a lens or a microstructured optical element can be used to optimize the light direction through its optical collimation performance. In addition, in a complex optical system, it may be necessary to use a reflector in combination with other optical elements to achieve more flexible light control and distribution effects. Regardless of the element selected, it is necessary to ensure that the direction of light emission is consistent with the design direction of the first reflective element 11 to ensure the stability of the overall performance of the optical component.

[0055] Alternatively, as Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the first reflective element 11 is a light-guiding structure 11a, which also includes a light-introducing surface for receiving light from the light source 20 and guiding it to the first curved surface 111. Light enters through the light-introducing surface of the light-guiding structure 11a, and during its propagation inside, the light energy loss is reduced through refraction, reflection or total reflection effects, while the light maintains efficient directional transmission, and is finally reflected from the first curved surface 111 to the second reflective element 12 at an optimized angle and direction. This design can not only achieve light guidance, but also improve the uniformity of light distribution, laying the foundation for further optical processing of the second reflective element 12. In addition, through special design of the light-guiding structure 11a (such as surface curvature adjustment or surface coating), the distribution and direction control of light can be further optimized, so that it can achieve the expected exit conditions at the light-exiting surface.

[0056] Another aspect of the present application provides a vehicle lamp comprising a light source 20 and any of the aforementioned optical assemblies. The first reflective element 11 of the optical assembly is located on the light-emitting side of the light source 20 to initially reflect and collimate the light emitted by the light source 20. The vehicle lamp includes a light-emitting region, and the second reflective element 12 of the optical assembly is visible in the light-emitting region. The first reflective element 11 is at least partially obscured in the light-emitting region, thereby ensuring the aesthetic requirements of the vehicle lamp's appearance. Because the vehicle lamp utilizes the aforementioned optical assembly, it also has the same beneficial effects as the optical assembly and will not be further described here.

[0057] Optionally, the headlight includes a plurality of light sources 20 arranged in sequence along the horizontal direction, and the optical component includes a plurality of first reflective elements 11 arranged in sequence. The light emitted by the plurality of light sources 20 is reflected by the first curved surface 111 of each first reflective element 11 to the second reflective element 12 of the optical component.

[0058] In a specific implementation, the light source 20 is usually a high-brightness LED or other types of small light source 20 to ensure sufficient light density when arranged in a transverse direction. The arrangement spacing between the plurality of first reflecting elements 11 is determined according to the design requirements of the light source 20, which ensures that the light can seamlessly cover the entire illumination area and avoids excessive overlap between the light, which leads to energy waste or hot spot phenomenon. The light emitted by each light source 20 passes through the first curved surface 111 of the corresponding first reflecting element 11 in turn and is reflected to the second reflecting element 12 of the optical assembly after collimation. This design allows the light of each light source 20 to be collimated through an independent reflection path, thereby avoiding the problem of light intersection between different light sources 20 and ensuring independent control of the light. This design can accurately control the light propagation direction and illumination effect of each light source 20 according to the area to be illuminated by the vehicle lamp.

[0059] Further, the vehicle lamp of the present application can be a high-low beam module, a signal lamp, an angle lamp, a fog lamp, etc., and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0060] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical component, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first reflecting element (11) and a second reflecting element (12), wherein the first reflecting element (11) and the second reflecting element (12) are arranged in sequence along an optical path, the first reflecting element (11) comprises a plurality of first curved surfaces (111), adjacent first curved surfaces (111) form steps, the second reflecting element (12) has a smooth base surface, and light is reflected from the first curved surface (111) to the second reflecting element (12), and then emitted after being reflected from the second reflecting element (12).

2. The optical component according to claim 1, wherein The second reflective element (12) comprises a plurality of patterned reflective surfaces (121) arranged on the base surface.

3. The optical component according to claim 2, wherein: The first curved surface (111) has a first optical axis (a), the patterned reflective surface (121) has a second optical axis (b), a first angle is formed between the first optical axis (a) and the second optical axis (b), and a normal line (c) of the patterned reflective surface (121) coincides with an angle bisector of the first angle.

4. The optical component according to claim 3, wherein: The first angle is 90°.

5. The optical component according to claim 3, wherein: A second angle smaller than 45° is formed between the base surface of the second reflecting element (12) and the first optical axis (a).

6. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The first reflecting element (11) is a reflector structure, and light is reflected by the first curved surface (111) to form collimated light directed toward the second reflecting element (12).

7. The optical component according to claim 6, wherein: The first curved surface (111) is a parabola.

8. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The first reflective element (11) is a light-guiding structure (11a), and the light-guiding structure (11a) further comprises a light-introducing surface. After light enters the light-introducing surface, it is reflected by the first curved surface (111) to form collimated light directed toward the second reflective element (12).

9. A vehicle lamp, characterized in that: The invention comprises a light source (20) and an optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first reflective element (11) of the optical component is located on the light-emitting side of the light source (20), the headlight comprises a light-emitting area, the second reflective element (12) of the optical component is visible in the light-emitting area, and the first reflective element (11) is at least partially blocked in the light-emitting area.

10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 9, characterized in that The vehicle lamp comprises a plurality of light sources (20) arranged in sequence along a transverse direction, the optical component comprises a plurality of first reflective elements (11) arranged in sequence, and light emitted by the plurality of light sources (20) is reflected to the second reflective element (12) via the first curved surface (111) of each of the first reflective elements (11).

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