Light guide element and vehicle lamp
By designing the light guide element and utilizing the prism microstructure of the light guide body and decoupling part, the problems of structural complexity and low efficiency of automotive lamp optical components are solved, achieving a simple, efficient light emission effect and brightness uniformity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VALEO LIGHTING HUBEI TECHN CENT
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the optical components of vehicle lights have complex structures, occupy a large space, are costly and inefficient, making it difficult to achieve a simple and efficient light-emitting effect.
The light guide element is used, including a light guide body and a decoupling part. The first end face of the light guide body serves as the light incident surface. The decoupling part is configured with multiple prism microstructures in the first side to reflect light. The light is emitted from the second side, and a reflective film is provided on the second end face to improve brightness and uniformity.
It achieves a simple and efficient light-emitting effect, reduces structural complexity and cost, and improves the brightness and uniformity of light.
Smart Images
Figure CN224454409U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive lighting technology, and more specifically to a light guide element and an automotive lamp. Background Technology
[0002] In light-emitting optical systems, such as lamps, especially in vehicle headlights, optical components are often required to achieve the desired light emission or illumination effect. For example, in existing technologies, when a patterned light emission effect or signal indication effect is required, a structure combining light guides, light sources, reflectors, and reflective screens can be used. However, this results in problems such as complex structure, large space occupation, high cost, and low efficiency.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a simple and efficient light component that can achieve the desired light emission effect. Utility Model Content
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a light guide element is provided, characterized in that it comprises:
[0005] Optical guide body;
[0006] A light incident surface, provided by a first end face of the light guide body and configured to allow light from a light source to enter the interior of the light guide body via the light incident surface; and
[0007] A decoupling section is disposed within a first side surface of the light guide body and configured to reflect a portion of the light incident on the light incident surface and propagating within the light guide body, so as to be emitted through a second side surface of the light guide body, the second side surface being opposite to the first side surface.
[0008] According to one embodiment, the decoupling unit includes a plurality of prism microstructures, each prism microstructure including at least one reflective facet recessed from the outside of the first side toward the interior of the light guide body, the at least one reflective facet being configured to reflect a portion of light incident on the light incident surface and propagating within the light guide body away from the light guide element via the second side.
[0009] According to one embodiment, each prism microstructure includes two reflective facets, and the first included angle between the two reflective facets is at least greater than 75 degrees, preferably 90 degrees.
[0010] According to one embodiment, the decoupling unit includes a plurality of prism microstructures arranged in a desired pattern.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the second end face of the light guide body is formed as a light reflecting surface, and the second end face and the first end face are opposite end faces of the light guide body.
[0012] According to one embodiment, an aluminum reflective film, a silver reflective film, or a mercury reflective film are applied to the second end face.
[0013] According to one embodiment, the second end face of the light guide body is formed to include a first sub-end face and a second sub-end face, a second included angle is formed between the first sub-end face and the second sub-end face, and the second included angle is preferably 90 degrees.
[0014] According to one embodiment, the light guide element further includes an additional light incident surface provided by a second end face of the light guide body and configured to allow light from an additional light source to enter the interior of the light guide body via the additional light incident surface, wherein the second end face and the first end face are opposite end faces of the light guide body.
[0015] According to one embodiment, the light guide element further includes a recessed band located within a first side surface, the recessed band including at least one recess recessed from the outside of the first side surface toward the interior of the light guide body, the at least one recess extending laterally within the first side surface in the direction of light propagation.
[0016] According to one embodiment, a recessed band is disposed between the light incident surface and the decoupling portion.
[0017] Another aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle lamp, including the aforementioned light guide element. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments described herein.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the decoupling portion of the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside of the first side view.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the decoupling portion of the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside of the first side.
[0022] Figure 4-6 These are a perspective view of one embodiment of the lighting device according to the present invention and two cross-sectional schematic views viewed from different perspectives;
[0023] Figure 7-8 These are, respectively, a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0024] Figure 9-11 These are a perspective view and two cross-sectional views of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention, respectively, showing a recessed band.
[0025] The features of this utility model will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals always identify corresponding elements. In the drawings, similar reference numerals generally denote identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings provided throughout this application should not be construed as being drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0027] However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present invention.
[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The term "comprising" as used herein indicates the presence of features, steps, or operations, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.
[0029] The terms "first," "second," etc., used herein are for descriptive purposes only, such as distinguishing different components, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one feature. In the description of this application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact, or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. The use of terms such as "above" and "below" to describe relative positions in this application is not intended to limit absolute concepts; for example, it may be used to indicate the relative positions of several features in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0032] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.
[0033] See Figures 1 to 11 This utility model discloses several embodiments of a light guide element.
[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the light guide element includes a light guide body 100, in... Figure 1 The upper side is the first end face 111 of the optical guide body 100, and the lower side is the second end face 112 of the optical guide body 100. Figure 1 In the first end face 111 and the second end face 112 are opposite to each other; however, in other embodiments, the light guide body 100 may be curved, for example, curved into a near semicircle, in which case the first end face 111 and the second end face 112 may be located on the same side, but they are still considered to be opposite end faces.
[0035] In other embodiments of this utility model, the light guide body 100 may have other shapes, such as the shape required according to the actual application scenario.
[0036] The light guide body 100 also includes a first side surface 121 and a second side surface 122 between the first end surface 111 and the second end surface 112. That is to say, the light guide body 100 can have a certain thickness and can be a thin plate shape overall. Figure 1 The light guide body 100 of the light guide element shown in the figure has a generally rectangular shape; however, it can have any desired shape without changing the fact that light propagates within the light guide body 100 by total internal reflection from the light incident surface.
[0037] exist Figure 1 In the light guide element shown, the first end face 111 of the light guide body 100 is formed as a light incident surface. Figure 1 One form of light incident surface is shown, but other forms may be present in other embodiments, as long as the light from the light source can be incident into the light guide body 100 through the light incident surface.
[0038] In this embodiment, the light guide element includes a decoupling section 200, which is disposed within the first side surface 121 of the light guide body 100 and configured to reflect a portion of the light incident on the light incident surface and propagating within the light guide body 100, so that it is emitted through the second side surface 122 of the light guide body 100. That is, the light from the decoupling section 200 can be seen from the outside of the second side surface 122.
[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the decoupling unit 200 as viewed from inside the optical guide body 100 is shown. Figure 3 This diagram shows a view of the decoupling unit 200 from the outside of the optical guide body 100. (As shown...) Figure 2-3 As shown, the decoupling unit 200 includes a plurality of prism microstructures 210, each prism microstructure 210 including at least one reflective surface 211, 212 recessed from the outside of the first side surface 121 toward the interior of the light guide body 100. Figure 2 Two reflective facets 211 and 212 are shown. The reflective facets 211 and 212 are configured to reflect a portion of light incident on the light incident surface and propagating within the light guide body 100 away from the light guide element via the second side facet 122. Figure 2 In the light guide element, the upper reflective surface 211 reflects incident light from the upper side (first end face 111) to the outside of the second side face 122; the lower reflective surface 212 reflects incident light from the lower side (second end face 112) to the outside of the second side face 122. However, it should be understood that even if the second end face 112 of the light guide element does not provide a light source, each prism microstructure 210 may have a lower reflective surface 212. According to an embodiment, the first included angle between the two reflective surfaces 211, 212 is at least greater than 75 degrees. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first included angle between the two reflective facets 211 and 212 is close to 90 degrees.
[0040] In other embodiments, each prism microstructure 210 may include only one reflective facet, such as the upper reflective facet 211.
[0041] In Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment, multiple prism microstructures 210 are arranged in multiple rows, such as a rectangle; in other embodiments, as Figure 1 shown, multiple prism microstructures 210 form a decoupling portion 200 having a "return" shaped pattern. In additional examples, the decoupling portion 200 may also be arranged in other shapes. In other embodiments of the present utility model, the decoupling portion 200 may have a desired shape by arranging multiple prism microstructures 210. The size of each prism microstructure 210 can be selected according to actual needs. The reflective facets 211, 212 can be rectangular or other shapes.
[0042] In one embodiment, the second end face 112 of the light guide body 100 of the light guiding element is formed as a light reflecting surface. This is advantageous. A part of the light incident from the first end face 111 into the light guide body 100 is reflected by the multiple prism microstructures 210 of the decoupling portion 200 to the outside of the second side face 122. Most of the light propagating in the light guide body 100 is propagated to the second end face 112 and reflected by the light reflecting surface of the second end face 112. A part of the reflected light is reflected again by the multiple prism microstructures 210 to the outside of the second side face 122, for example, reflected to the outside of the second side face 122 by the lower reflective facet 212 of the multiple prism microstructures 210.
[0043] In the first embodiment, a reflective film is applied to the second end face 112 to provide a light reflecting surface. For example, an aluminum reflective film. In additional examples, it may also be a silver reflective film, a mercury reflective film or other light reflective films. The reflective film can be achieved by processes such as coating or electroplating.
[0044] In the first embodiment, the second end face 112 of the light guide body 100 is formed to include a first sub-end face 112-1 and a second sub-end face 112-2, as Figure 4-6 shown, a second included angle is formed between the first sub-end face 112-1 and the second sub-end face 112-2; in one embodiment, the second included angle is 90 degrees.
[0045] Light incident from the first end face 111 into the light guide body 100 propagates within the light guide body 100 to the second end face 112. A portion of the light is reflected by the first sub-end face 112-1 towards the first side face 121, and a portion is reflected by the second sub-end face 112-2 towards the second side face 122. In this embodiment, a portion of the light reflected towards the first side face 121 directly enters the lower reflective surface 212 and is subsequently reflected by the reflective surface 212 to the outside of the second side face 122. A portion of the light reflected by the first sub-end face 112-1 and the second sub-end face 112-2 does not directly enter the lower reflective surface 212 but is reflected to the first side face 121 and the second side face 122. Subsequently, it undergoes multiple reflections within the light guide body 100 via total internal reflection from the first side face 121 and the second side face 122. A portion of the light is reflected to the lower reflective surface 212 and then reflected by the reflective surface 212 to the outside of the second side face 122. In this embodiment, by forming the second end face 112 into a form including a first sub-end face 112-1 and a second sub-end face 112-2, the brightness of the decoupling section 200 is advantageously doubled compared to the case where the second end face 112 is formed as a plane.
[0046] In other embodiments of this invention, the second end face 112 is formed to include a first sub-end face 112-1 and a second sub-end face 112-2, and the first sub-end face 112-1 and the second sub-end face 112-2 are respectively coated with a reflective film, such as an aluminum film, a silver film, a mercury film, or other optical reflective films. In this embodiment, advantageously, the brightness of the decoupling section 200 is further improved.
[0047] In one embodiment of this utility model, the light guide body 100 of the light guide element further includes an additional light incident surface, that is, in addition to the light incident surface at the first end face 111, it also includes an additional light incident surface at the second end face 112, such as... Figure 7-8 As shown. In this embodiment, the additional light incident surface may have the same structure or shape as the light incident surface of the first end face 111. The additional light incident surface is provided by the second end face 112 of the light guide body 100 and configured to allow light from another light source to enter the interior of the light guide body 100 via the additional light incident surface, wherein the second end face 112 and the first end face 111 are opposite end faces of the light guide body 100.
[0048] In the above embodiment, the light guide element has two light incident surfaces, respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the light guide body 100. In this configuration, two light sources can be provided to the light guide element, illuminating it from the upper and lower sides via the light incident surfaces and another light incident surface, respectively. The light propagates within the light guide body 100 and is reflected by the reflective surfaces 211 and 212 to the outside of the second side surface 122. In this implementation, advantageously, the brightness of the decoupling section 200 can be doubled.
[0049] According to one embodiment, in addition to the decoupling portion 200, the light guide element may also include a recessed strip 300 located within the first side surface 121. For example... Figure 9-11 As shown, in this embodiment, the recessed band 300 includes at least one recess 301 recessed from the outside of the first side surface 121 toward the interior of the light guide body 100. The at least one recess extends laterally within the first side surface 121 along the direction of light propagation. Here, "lateral" refers to the direction from the first end face 111 toward the second end face 112; however, it should be understood that it is not a strictly vertical relationship. For example, light incident from the first end face 111 can propagate from the first end face 111 toward the second end face 112 in a vertical direction as shown, and each recess 301 can extend horizontally; however, the recess 301 does not need to extend strictly horizontally, but only in the lateral direction described herein. Figure 9-11 Especially Figure 11 The diagram shows a recessed band 300 consisting of three recesses 301. In this embodiment, the recessed band 300 is advantageous. In embodiments without the recessed band 300, light from the light source propagates from, for example, the first end face 111 towards the second end face 112 within the light guide body 100. The uppermost edge region of the decoupling section 200, i.e., the light intensity generated by one or more prism microstructures 210, is significantly higher than other regions of the decoupling section 200. This results in uneven light emission intensity of the light sheet generated by the decoupling section 200; simply put, when the decoupling section 200 emits light, the uppermost edge near the light source appears brighter than the middle region. In embodiments where the first end face 111 and the second end face 112 simultaneously provide the light source, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the decoupling section 200 are brighter than the middle region. In embodiments with the recessed band 300, advantageously, there is no brighter edge phenomenon when the decoupling section 200 emits light, and the light sheet generated by the decoupling section 200 has uniform brightness.
[0050] In one embodiment of this invention, a recessed band 300 is provided between the decoupling portion 200 and the first end face 111 of the light guide element, and a recessed band 300 is provided between the decoupling portion 200 and the second end face 112, with both recessed bands 300 extending laterally. In one embodiment, in addition to the two recessed bands 300, the light guide element includes providing a light incident surface at the first end face 111 and another light incident surface at the second end face 112. In another embodiment, in addition to the two recessed bands 300, the light guide element includes providing a light incident surface at the first end face 111 and a light reflecting surface at the second end face 112, such as a reflective surface formed by aluminum plating, silver plating, or mercury plating, or providing, for example, first sub-end faces 112-1 and 112-2 forming an angle at the second end face 112.
[0051] Another aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle lamp, including the aforementioned light guide element.
[0052] In one embodiment of this utility model, a signal light is provided, including the light guide element described above. In this embodiment, the decoupling portion 200 of the light guide element can be configured into a specific shape, such as text or a pattern, to provide a specific indication meaning when the decoupling portion 200 emits light.
[0053] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that implementations not illustrated or described in the drawings or the main text of the specification are forms known to those skilled in the art and have not been described in detail. Furthermore, the definitions of the components described above are not limited to the various specific structures, shapes, or methods mentioned in the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can easily modify or substitute them.
[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this utility model can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this utility model. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this utility model can be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this utility model. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this utility model.
[0055] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A light guide element, characterized in that, include: Optical guide body (100); A light incident surface is provided by a first end face (111) of the light guide body and configured to allow light from a light source to enter the interior of the light guide body via the light incident surface; as well as A decoupling section (200) is disposed within a first side surface (121) of the light guide body and is configured to reflect a portion of the light incident on the light incident surface and propagating within the light guide body, so as to be emitted via a second side surface (122) of the light guide body, the second side surface (122) being opposite to the first side surface.
2. The light guide element according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decoupling unit (200) includes a plurality of prism microstructures (210), each prism microstructure (210) including at least one reflective facet (211, 212) recessed from the outside of the first side surface (121) toward the interior of the light guide body, the at least one reflective facet being configured to reflect a portion of the light incident on the light incident surface and propagating in the light guide body away from the light guide element via the second side surface (122).
3. The light guide element of claim 2, wherein Each prism microstructure (210) includes two reflective facets (211, 212), and the first included angle between the two reflective facets is at least greater than 75 degrees.
4. The light guide of claim 1, wherein, The decoupling unit (200) includes a plurality of prism microstructures (210) arranged in a desired pattern.
5. The light guide of claim 1, wherein, The second end face (112) of the light guide body is formed as a light reflecting surface, and the second end face (112) and the first end face (111) are opposite end faces of the light guide body.
6. The light guide of claim 5, wherein, The second end face (112) is coated with an aluminum reflective film, a silver reflective film, and a mercury reflective film.
7. The light guide of claim 5, wherein, The second end face (112) of the optical guide body is formed to include a first sub-end face (112-1) and a second sub-end face (112-2), and a second included angle is formed between the first sub-end face and the second sub-end face.
8. The light guide of claim 1, wherein, It also includes an additional light incident surface, provided by the second end face (112) of the light guide body and configured to allow light from another light source to enter the interior of the light guide body via the additional light incident surface, wherein the second end face (112) and the first end face (111) are opposite end faces of the light guide body.
9. The light guide of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a recessed band (300) located within the first side surface (121), the recessed band (300) including at least one recess (301) recessed from the outside of the first side surface (121) toward the interior of the light guide body, the at least one recess extending laterally within the first side surface (121) in the direction of light propagation.
10. The light guide element of claim 9, wherein, The recessed band (300) is disposed between the light incident surface and the decoupling part (200).
11. A vehicle lamp characterized by Includes the light guide element according to any one of claims 1-10.