Optical coupling and optical systems

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of optical coupling part and optical system, the optical coupling part includes: first light adjusting unit and second light adjusting unit;The first light adjusting unit is used to converge received light to a place;The second light adjusting unit includes second collimating component and second refractive component, the second collimating component is used to collimate received light, the second refractive component is located in the light-emitting direction of second collimating component, and the second refractive component is used to converge the light of second collimating component collimation to another place;The first light adjusting unit and second light adjusting unit share a light source, and the utility model has the advantages of meeting small caliber modeling, and reducing occupied space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive lighting technology, specifically relating to light guide structures, and more particularly to a light coupling part and optical system. Background Technology

[0002] A common approach involves using a primary optical structure to create a light distribution, which is then further imaged by an imaging system to project the desired road surface effect. However, this approach has drawbacks: using multiple such structures to achieve the desired function results in increased space requirements and higher costs. Furthermore, since the angle of light emitted from a single structure is larger than that of light emitted from a small-sized structure, the corresponding receiving unit is also relatively large, which is not conducive to small-aperture designs. Therefore, based on the aforementioned shortcomings, this paper proposes an optical coupling unit and optical system to meet the requirements of small-aperture designs and reduce space requirements. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] Therefore, this utility model proposes an optical coupling part and an optical system, which has the advantages of meeting the requirements of small-diameter design and reducing space occupation.

[0005] The optical coupling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first dimming unit and a second dimming unit; the first dimming unit is used to converge received light to one place; the second dimming unit includes a second collimating component and a second refractive component, the second collimating component is used to collimate the received light, the second refractive component is located in the light output direction of the second collimating component, and the second refractive component is used to converge the collimated light to another place; the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit share a common light source.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first dimming unit includes a first collimation component and a first refraction component. The first collimation component is used to collimate the received light, and the first refraction component is located in the light output direction of the first collimation component and is used to converge the collimated light to one place.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first dimming units is multiple.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the second dimming units is multiple.

[0009] An optical system comprising any of the optical coupling units described above.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it includes at least one light pattern component, the light pattern component having the shape of a light-dark cutoff line, and the light pattern component being located in the light emission direction of the light coupling section.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit are respectively associated with light pattern components, and the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit respectively focus the light they receive onto their corresponding light pattern components.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an imaging system is included, the imaging system being used to project and image the light distribution of a first dimming unit and a second dimming unit on a focal plane.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the imaging system includes multiple imaging units, and the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit are respectively associated with imaging units.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the imaging unit images in at least one direction.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are that it divides the primary optical part into a first dimming unit and a second dimming unit, that is, the primary optical part is divided into multiple parts. Therefore, the emission angle of each corresponding light is much smaller than the emission angle of the light from the complete optical part. Thus, when the light emission opening is small, this solution can receive as much light as possible, thereby achieving higher light efficiency. Most importantly, it is very suitable for small-sized openings. Furthermore, since the emission angle of a single area is small, the size in the light emission direction does not need to be as large as usual and can be reduced, thus reducing the footprint of the entire optical system.

[0016] Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a side view of the light path when the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit of the present invention are arranged vertically. Figure 2This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model when the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit are horizontally arranged; and in this diagram, the imaging unit is a lens that images in one direction only. Figure 3 This is a top view of the overall structure of this utility model when the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit are horizontally arranged; and in this figure, the imaging unit is a lens that images in one direction only. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model with two first dimming units located at the bottom and two second dimming units located at the top; and in this diagram, the imaging unit is a lens that images in various directions; Figure label: 1. Light source; 21. Second dimming unit; 211. Second collimation component; 212. Second refraction component; 22. First dimming unit; 221. First collimation component; 222. First refraction component; 3. Imaging unit; 4. Light pattern component. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] The optical coupling part and optical system of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the optical coupling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first dimming unit 22 and a second dimming unit 21; the first dimming unit 22 is used to converge received light to one point; the second dimming unit 21 includes a second collimating component 211 and a second refractive component 212, the second collimating component 211 is used to collimate the received light, and the second refractive component 212 is located in the light-emitting direction of the second collimating component 211, and is used to converge the collimated light to another point; the first dimming unit 22 and the second dimming unit 21 share a light source 1. The light source 1 is located at or near the focal point of the optical coupling unit. The first dimming unit 22 and the second dimming unit 21 can converge light to a point or a small area.

[0024] In this embodiment, both the second dimming unit 21 and the first dimming unit 22 are part of the condenser. By dividing a single optical coupling part into the first dimming unit 22 and the second dimming unit 21, at least two different and independent light distribution regions are generated. Each light distribution region can then have its own corresponding imaging unit 3 or other optical units. Finally, these different regions are superimposed with light patterns. Therefore, it is equivalent to a single optical coupling part corresponding to multiple sub-optical systems. In contrast, existing common methods typically have a single optical coupling part corresponding to one subsystem, resulting in only one type of light distribution. Therefore, this solution firstly provides a new approach, breaking away from the traditional technology where a single primary optical unit can only achieve a single light distribution. Furthermore, since the primary optical part is divided into multiple parts, the emission angle of each corresponding light ray is much smaller than the emission angle of the complete optical ray. Thus, when the light emission aperture is small, this solution can receive as much light as possible, resulting in higher light efficiency. Most importantly, it is very suitable for small-sized apertures. Moreover, since the emission angle of a single region is small, the size in the light emission direction does not need to be as large as usual and can be reduced, thereby reducing the footprint of the entire optical system.

[0025] Specifically, both the second dimming unit 21 and the first dimming unit 22 are part of a condenser, wherein the second dimming unit 21 and the first dimming unit 22 are arranged vertically, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the first dimming unit 22 can directly focus the light to F1. When both the second dimming unit 21 and the first dimming unit 22 need to be equipped with corresponding light pattern components 4, that is, when both need a light cutoff line, the second collimation component 211 is used to collimate the upper half of the light emitted by the light source 1, and then the light is focused by the second refraction component 212, so that the light received by the second dimming unit 21 can be fully focused to F2 of its corresponding light pattern component 4, ensuring the utilization rate of the light.

[0026] Additionally, the second dimming unit 21 and the first dimming unit 22 can be arranged left and right. The second dimming unit 21 and the first dimming unit 22 can be part of a condenser. They can also be reflectors or lenses that can collimate or converge light.

[0027] The first dimming unit 22 includes a first collimation component 221 and a first refraction component 222. The first collimation component 221 is used to collimate the received light, and the first refraction component 222 is located in the light output direction of the first collimation component 221 and is used to converge the collimated light to one place.

[0028] In other words, both the first dimming unit 22 and the first dimming unit 22 first collimate the received light and then converge the light. At this time, the first collimation component 221 and the second collimation component 211 can jointly form a complete light concentrator with collimation function, and then the light distribution is adjusted by the first refraction component 222 and the second refraction component 212.

[0029] There can be multiple first dimming units 22. For example, multiple first dimming units 22 and one second dimming unit 21 can be arranged in a circular direction around the optical axis of the light source 1 to achieve a greater light distribution.

[0030] The number of second dimming units 21 can be multiple. For example, multiple second dimming units 21 and one first dimming unit 22 can be arranged in a circular direction around the optical axis of the light source 1 to achieve more light distribution. Or, multiple second dimming units 21 and multiple first dimming units 22 can be arranged in a circular direction around the optical axis of the light source 1 to achieve more light distribution.

[0031] An optical system comprising any optical coupling unit.

[0032] It also includes an imaging system for projecting the light distribution of the first dimming unit 22 and the second dimming unit 21 onto the focal plane. The imaging unit 3 images in at least one direction.

[0033] The imaging system includes multiple imaging units 3, with a first dimming unit 22 and a second dimming unit 21 corresponding to each imaging unit 3. Each imaging unit 3 has a focal point located at or near the convergence area of ​​its corresponding dimming unit.

[0034] In other words, the light distributions formed by the first dimming unit 22 and the second dimming unit 21 are projected and imaged by their respective imaging units 3 in at least one direction.

[0035] It also includes at least one light pattern component 4, which has the shape of a light-dark cutoff line and is located in the light-emitting direction of the light coupling section.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a light pattern component 4 is provided between the optical coupling unit and the imaging system. The first dimming unit 22 and the second dimming unit 21 are respectively associated with the light pattern component 4. The first dimming unit 22 and the second dimming unit 21 respectively focus the light they receive onto their corresponding light pattern component 4. Then, through their corresponding imaging unit 3, a lighting effect with a cutoff line between light and dark is formed.

[0037] The optical coupling unit, optical pattern component 4, and imaging system are integrated into one piece to simplify assembly steps, reduce assembly tolerances, and ensure optical performance.

[0038] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical coupling unit, characterized in that, include: The first dimming unit (22) is used to focus the received light into one place; The second dimming unit (21) includes a second collimation component (211) and a second refraction component (212). The second collimation component (211) is used to collimate the received light, and the second refraction component (212) is located in the light output direction of the second collimation component (211). The second refraction component (212) is used to converge the collimated light from the second collimation component (211) to another location. The first dimming unit (22) and the second dimming unit (21) share a light source (1).

2. The optical coupling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first dimming unit (22) includes a first collimation component (221) and a first refraction component (222). The first collimation component (221) is used to collimate the received light, and the first refraction component (222) is located in the light output direction of the first collimation component (221) and is used to converge the collimated light of the first collimation component (221) to one place.

3. The optical coupling unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the first dimming unit (22) is multiple.

4. The optical coupling unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the second dimming unit (21) is multiple.

5. An optical system, characterized in that, Includes the optical coupling unit as described in any one of claims 1-4.

6. The optical system according to claim 5, characterized in that, It includes at least one light pattern component (4), the light pattern component (4) having the shape of a light-dark cutoff line, and the light pattern component (4) being located in the light-emitting direction of the light coupling section.

7. The optical system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first dimming unit (22) and the second dimming unit (21) are respectively equipped with light pattern components (4). The first dimming unit (22) and the second dimming unit (21) respectively focus the light they receive onto their corresponding light pattern components (4).

8. The optical system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The system includes an imaging system for projecting the light distribution of the first dimming unit (22) and the second dimming unit (21) onto the focal plane.

9. The optical system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The imaging system includes multiple imaging units (3), and the first dimming unit (22) and the second dimming unit (21) are respectively associated with imaging units (3).

10. The optical system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The imaging unit (3) images in at least one direction.

Images