Vehicle lamp optical system and vehicle lamp assembly using the same
By using reflective surface structures with different focal lengths in the automotive lighting optical system, the problem of collimation structure being limited by the size of the light-emitting surface is solved, achieving flexible adaptation of light coverage and improved light efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHANGZHOU XINGYU AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING SYST CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
In existing automotive lighting optical systems, the size of the collimation structure is limited by the size of the light-emitting surface, resulting in low luminous efficiency, uneven illumination, and difficulty in flexibly adapting to different sizes of light-emitting ends.
By employing a first and a second reflecting surface with the same focal point but different focal lengths, the light coverage range is changed through two reflections. Combined with a light guide and a collimated light structure, flexible light coverage is achieved.
It achieves flexible adaptation of light coverage, maintains reasonable spacing between light sources, avoids cost increases, and improves light efficiency and uniformity of illuminance distribution.
Smart Images
Figure CN224498268U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive lighting technology, and in particular to an automotive lighting optical system and an automotive lighting assembly using the same. Background Technology
[0002] In conventional automotive lighting systems, concentrators and parabolic surfaces are frequently used as the primary optical structure to convert light emitted from the light source into parallel rays, thereby achieving the desired light intensity distribution. The size of the primary optical structure typically depends on the size of the emitting surface, ensuring that the effective area of the primary optical structure can cover the entire emitting surface to illuminate it. Concentrators and parabolic surfaces have a relatively ideal size range, maintaining good performance in terms of efficiency, uniformity, and spatial dimensions. However, when the required size of the emitting surface exceeds this range, structures such as concentrators and parabolic surfaces are prone to defects, such as low luminous efficiency and uneven illumination.
[0003] Based on the above, an optical system is needed that can free the dimensions of collimating structures such as condensers and parabolic surfaces from the limitations of the light-emitting surface, keeping them within a relatively ideal parameter range, and efficiently and simply changing the coverage of the collimated light generated by the condenser, parabolic surface, and other structures to suit the size of the light-emitting surface.
[0004] Regarding the above problems, some existing related technologies involve dividing the collimated light beam into multiple regions and redistributing the distribution area of the collimated light beam using multiple total internal reflections. For example, patent CN116241824A discloses an extremely narrow light-emitting light guide structure, and another example is a thick-walled structure with extremely narrow light emission disclosed in CN219530643U. For the above-mentioned technologies, on the one hand, the collimation structure is still limited by the size of the light-emitting window; on the other hand, the collimated light produced by the collimation structure itself is not evenly distributed, and redistribution can easily aggravate this situation, resulting in lighting uniformity defects.
[0005] Therefore, given the existing problems with optical systems used in automotive lights, it is necessary to further optimize their structure by simply changing the coverage of the light generated by the first optical structure to flexibly adapt to the size of the light-emitting surface. Utility Model Content
[0006] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle lighting optical system that addresses the technical problem of adapting the coverage of light emitted from a first optical structure to accommodate light-emitting ends of different sizes.
[0007] The second objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle lamp assembly that solves the technical problem of adapting the coverage of light generated by the first optical structure to different sizes of light-emitting ends.
[0008] The vehicle lighting optical system of this utility model is implemented as follows:
[0009] An automotive lighting optical system includes: a light source, a light guide disposed on the light-emitting side of the light source, and a collimated light incident structure disposed between the light source and the light guide;
[0010] The light guide has an incident end, an exit end, a first reflective surface, and a second reflective surface; wherein
[0011] The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are two curved surfaces with the same focal point but different focal lengths;
[0012] The light emitted by the light source becomes parallel light after passing through the collimated light incident structure and enters the light incident end of the light guide. After being reflected twice by the first and second reflecting surfaces, it is emitted from the light exit end.
[0013] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the first reflecting surface is a concave curved surface and the second reflecting surface is a convex curved surface.
[0014] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the light source is located at the focal point of the collimated incident light structure.
[0015] In an optional embodiment of this invention, both the first and second reflecting surfaces are parabolic surfaces.
[0016] In an optional embodiment of this invention, both the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are curved surfaces formed by parabolic stretching.
[0017] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the length of the second reflective surface along the direction from the light-incident end to the light-exit end is less than the length of the first reflective surface along the direction from the light-incident end to the light-exit end, so that the light reflected by the first reflective surface is suitable to be fully received by the second reflective surface.
[0018] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are on the same side of the focal point, and the collimation directions of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are the same.
[0019] In an optional embodiment of this invention, the collimation direction of the first reflective surface is the same as the collimation direction of the collimated incident light structure; or
[0020] The collimation direction of the first reflecting surface is opposite to the collimation direction of the collimated incident light structure.
[0021] In optional embodiments of this invention, the collimated incident light structure may employ a condenser or a Fresnel lens.
[0022] The vehicle headlight assembly of this utility model is implemented as follows:
[0023] A vehicle lighting assembly, comprising: the aforementioned vehicle lighting optical system.
[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: The automotive lamp optical system and the automotive lamp assembly using it, through the cooperation of a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface with the same focal point but different focal lengths designed in the light guide, on the one hand, the collimated light generated by the first reflecting surface is overall focused or amplified, which can maintain a good illuminance distribution; on the other hand, the light rays with different sizes in the same solid angle range at the corresponding focal point are different. In the two reflections, the coverage range of the light generated by the collimated light incident structure is changed, which can adapt to different sizes of light-emitting ends. Thus, the first reflecting surface is no longer limited by the size of the light-emitting end, so that the first reflecting surface and the collimated light incident structure can be kept within the ideal parameter range. This also means that a reasonable light source spacing and number can be maintained to avoid the problem of increased costs. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the vehicle lighting optical system of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second reflecting surfaces of the vehicle headlight optical system of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the coverage of the emitted light when the first and second reflecting surfaces of the vehicle lamp optical system of this utility model are parabolic.
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the coverage of the emitted light when the first and second reflecting surfaces of the vehicle headlight optical system of this utility model are curved surfaces formed by parabolic stretching.
[0029] In the diagram: light source 1, light guide 2, light entrance 21, light exit 22, first reflecting surface 23, parabola of the first reflecting surface 231, second reflecting surface 24, parabola of the second reflecting surface 241, collimated light entrance structure 3, focal point P, light coverage area of the light entrance K1, and light coverage area of the emitted light K2. Detailed Implementation
[0030] To make the contents of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0031] Example 1:
[0032] Please see Figures 1 to 4As shown, this embodiment provides a vehicle lamp optical system, including: a light source 1, a light guide 2 disposed on the light-emitting side of the light source 1, and a collimating light-incident structure 3 disposed between the light source 1 and the light guide 2. The collimating light-incident structure 3 can be, for example, but not limited to, a condenser or a Fresnel lens, or a combination of multiple such structures to achieve light collimation; this embodiment does not impose an absolute limitation on this. Based on the above structure, it should be noted that the light source 1 is located at the focal point of the collimating light-incident structure 3.
[0033] The light guide 2 has an incident light end 21, an exit light end 22, a first reflecting surface 23, and a second reflecting surface 24. The first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 are two curved surfaces with the same focal point P but different focal lengths. The first reflecting surface 23 is a concave curved surface, and the second reflecting surface 24 is a convex curved surface. The first reflecting surface 23 is closer to the incident light end 21 than the second reflecting surface 24. The collimated light incident structure 3 has an incident light end 21 with the first reflecting surface 23 in terms of direction and height, and an exit light end 22 with the second reflecting surface 24 in terms of direction and height. Based on this structure, the light emitted from the light source 1 becomes parallel light after passing through the collimated light incident structure 3 and enters the incident light end 21 of the light guide 2. After being reflected twice by the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24, it exits from the exit light end 22.
[0034] An optical surface can be designed at the light-emitting end 22 to change the direction of light emission. In addition, optical patterns can be added to the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 according to actual conditions to obtain a suitable diffusion angle and illuminance distribution.
[0035] More specifically, the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 are on the same side of the focal point P, and the collimation directions of the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 are the same. Here, the collimation direction of the first reflecting surface 23 is the same as the collimation direction of the collimated incident light structure 3. Alternatively, the collimation direction of the first reflecting surface 23 is opposite to the collimation direction of the collimated incident light structure 3. To optimize light efficiency, the maximum angle between the direction of the first reflecting surface 23 and the direction of the collimated incident light structure 3 should be less than the condition for total internal reflection, and the maximum angle between the second reflecting surface 24 and the light emission direction should be less than the condition for total internal reflection.
[0036] Based on the above, it should be noted that when the light coverage range K1 at the incident light end 21 is the same, in the first optional implementation, both the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 are parabolic surfaces. In this case, the height and width of the emitted light coverage range K2 will change (e.g., Figure 3 As shown); in the second optional implementation, both the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 are curved surfaces formed by parabolic stretching (as shown). Figure 2The first reflecting surface 23 shown is formed by stretching the first reflecting surface parabola 231, and the second reflecting surface 24 is formed by stretching the second reflecting surface parabola 241. In this case, only the height of the emitted light coverage area K2 will change (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). This achieves the goal of flexibly adapting to the size of the light output end 22.
[0037] Furthermore, it is necessary to explain that the length of the second reflecting surface 24 along the direction from the light-incident end 21 to the light-exit end 22 is less than the length of the first reflecting surface 23 along the same direction, so that the light reflected by the first reflecting surface 23 is suitable for being fully received by the second reflecting surface 24. Specifically, referring to the attached drawings, the first reflecting surface 23 extends from endpoint A to endpoint B, and the second reflecting surface 24 extends from endpoint C to endpoint D. Therefore, the curve length between endpoint A and endpoint B is greater than the curve length between endpoint C and endpoint D. The curvature of the first reflecting surface 23 gradually changes from endpoint A to endpoint B, and the curvature of the second reflecting surface 24 gradually changes from endpoint C to endpoint D. Based on this, to optimize the light effect, the light reflected from endpoint A of the first reflecting surface 23 is directed towards endpoint C of the second reflecting surface 24, and the light reflected from endpoint B of the first reflecting surface 23 is directed towards endpoint D of the second reflecting surface 24.
[0038] In summary, for the automotive lighting optical system of this embodiment, the light emitted by the light source 1 becomes parallel light after passing through the collimating incident light structure 3. This parallel light then enters the thick-walled component and strikes the first reflecting surface 23. Since the direction of the parallel light is the same as the direction of the first reflecting surface 23, and assuming the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 are parabolic surfaces, according to the principle of a parabola, the light is reflected by the first reflecting surface 23 and strikes the focal point P. Again, according to the principle of a parabola, the light converging towards the focal point P contacts the second reflecting surface 24, is reflected by it, and strikes the opposite direction of the collimating direction of the second reflecting surface 24, exiting from the light-emitting end 22. Because the focal lengths of the first reflecting surface 23 and the second reflecting surface 24 are different, the size of the light rays within the same solid angle range at the corresponding focal point P is different. Through these two reflections, the coverage range K2 of the emitted light is changed to adapt to the size of the light-emitting end 22. With this scheme, the coverage range K2 of the emitted light can be changed by simply changing the focal length of the second reflective surface 24 to adapt to different sizes of the light-emitting end 22. This makes the first reflective surface 23 no longer limited by the size of the light-emitting end 22, so that the first reflective surface 23 and the collimated incident light structure 3 can be kept within the ideal parameter range. This also means that a reasonable spacing and number of light sources 1 can be maintained to avoid the problem of increased costs.
[0039] Example 2:
[0040] Based on the vehicle lamp optical system of Embodiment 1, this embodiment provides a vehicle lamp assembly, including: the vehicle lamp optical system of Embodiment 1.
[0041] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this utility model and are 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.
[0042] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0043] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0044] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0045] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0046] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
Claims
1. A vehicle lighting optical system, characterized in that, include: A light source, a light guide disposed on the light-emitting side of the light source, and a collimated light-incident structure disposed between the light source and the light guide; The light guide has a light input end, a light output end, a first reflective surface, and a second reflective surface; in The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are two curved surfaces with the same focal point but different focal lengths; The light emitted by the light source becomes parallel light after passing through the collimated light incident structure and enters the light incident end of the light guide. After being reflected twice by the first and second reflecting surfaces, it is emitted from the light exit end.
2. The vehicle lighting optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reflecting surface is a concave curved surface, and the second reflecting surface is a convex curved surface.
3. The automotive lighting optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source is located at the focal point of the collimated incident light structure.
4. The vehicle lighting optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Both the first and second reflecting surfaces are parabolic surfaces.
5. The vehicle lighting optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Both the first and second reflecting surfaces are curved surfaces formed by stretching a parabola.
6. The vehicle lighting optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The length of the second reflective surface along the light-incident end to the light-exit end is less than the length of the first reflective surface along the light-incident end to the light-exit end, so that the light reflected by the first reflective surface is suitable to be fully received by the second reflective surface.
7. The vehicle lighting optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are on the same side of the focal point, and the collimation directions of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are the same.
8. The vehicle lighting optical system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The collimation direction of the first reflecting surface is the same as the collimation direction of the collimating incident light structure; or The collimation direction of the first reflecting surface is opposite to the collimation direction of the collimated incident light structure.
9. The automotive lighting optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collimated light incident structure employs a condenser or a Fresnel lens.
10. A vehicle lighting assembly, characterized in that, include: The vehicle lighting optical system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.