Optical components and light-emitting devices that improve light distribution

Abstract

This utility model discloses an optical component and a light-emitting device for improving light distribution, belonging to the field of automotive lighting technology. The optical component for improving light distribution includes several optical surface groups arranged sequentially along a specific direction. Each optical surface group includes at least one optical surface and one optical surface. The first optical surface is used to initially refract or reflect the incident light, changing its propagation direction. The second optical surface reshapes the adjusted light, further dispersing and uniformly distributing it in the light-emitting direction, thereby effectively reducing local light intensity differences. The optical component for improving light distribution provided by this utility model achieves layer-by-layer optimization of light through a multi-level modulation structure, resulting in a wider final light-emitting angle and a more uniform light intensity distribution. Compared to the single optical processing method in traditional processes, this utility model significantly improves the visual comfort and safety of the illuminated area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive lighting technology, and to a light-emitting device, particularly to an optical component that improves light distribution. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive lighting systems, light uniformity has a direct impact on driving safety and visual comfort. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in traditional structures, when light from a light source propagates through an optical component in an optically dense medium, some of the light undergoes total internal reflection at the interface before being projected onto the light-emitting surface. Due to the limitation of the total internal reflection angle, concentrated bright spots or uneven brightness appear on the light-emitting surface. To achieve uniform light distribution, traditional optical components typically employ processes such as adding diffusion patterns, textures, or aluminum plating to the optical components.

[0003] However, in practical applications, due to structural and other factors, when observing the light-emitting surface of the optical component from a specific angle, there is still a noticeable contrast between bright spots and dark areas. This not only results in poor lighting effect and significant graininess, but also has an adverse effect on the overall visual aesthetics and lighting performance. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: in order to solve the problem of uneven light distribution on the light-emitting surface of existing optical components, resulting in obvious contrast between bright spots and dark areas, this utility model provides an optical component that improves light distribution. By optimizing the optical design, the light intensity distribution at the light-emitting surface is changed, effectively avoiding local over-brightness or over-darkness.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: an optical component for improving light distribution, including a plurality of optical surface groups, wherein the plurality of optical surface groups are arranged sequentially along a specific direction, the optical surface groups receive part of the projected light from the light-receiving surface, and redistribute the light through refraction and / or reflection, thereby expanding the light-emitting angle, reducing the peak light intensity per unit area, so that the emitted light forms a continuous and smooth brightness transition in space, weakening the contrast between bright spots and dark areas, and improving the softness and consistency of the overall lighting; The optical surface assembly includes at least optical surface one and optical surface two. Optical surface one is used to initially refract or reflect the incident light, changing its propagation direction. Optical surface two reshapes the adjusted light, further dispersing and making the light more uniformly distributed in the light-emitting direction, thereby effectively reducing local light intensity differences. Compared with the single optical processing method in traditional processes, this utility model achieves layer-by-layer optimization of light through a multi-level shaping structure, thereby expanding the final light-emitting angle.

[0006] Furthermore, the optical surface group also includes an optical surface three. One side of the optical surface one is connected to the optical surface three, and the other side of the optical surface three is connected to the optical surface two, forming a continuous multi-level shaping structure. The optical surface three receives the refracted or reflected light from the optical surface one and performs secondary shaping, so that the angle of the light is pre-adjusted before it is projected onto the optical surface two; thereby providing better incident conditions for the final shaping of the optical surface two.

[0007] Furthermore, optical surface one, optical surface three, and optical surface two constitute an N-type structure, which is the interface between an optically denser medium and an optically less dense medium. Optical surface one receives the incident light and refracts it into the optically less dense medium. Optical surface three receives the light refracted by optical surface one and refracts it again into the optically denser medium. Optical surface two receives the light emitted from optical surface three and performs total internal reflection. Thus, the N-type structure improves the incident angle of reflection by refractioning the light projected onto its surface twice, thereby effectively reducing the limitation of the critical angle of total internal reflection and making the light uniformly distributed in the emission region. This structure, through the rational design of the refractive index difference between the media, allows the light to be orderly transmitted between multiple interfaces, avoiding energy concentration or dissipation, and further weakening the boundary between light and dark.

[0008] Furthermore, the angle between the incident ray from optical surface one and the outgoing ray from optical surface two is defined as β, and the angle between the incident ray from optical surface one and the normal in a specific direction is also defined as β. 2， The angle between the outgoing ray from optical surface two and the normal in a specific direction is β1; the angle between optical surface one and the specific direction is α1, the angle between optical surface three and the specific direction is α2, and the angle between optical surface two and the specific direction is α3; the refractive index of the optically denser medium is n1, and the refractive index of the optically less dense medium is n2; the angle between the incident ray from optical surface one and the normal to optical surface one is θ1, and the angle between the refracted ray from optical surface one and the normal to optical surface one is θ2; the angle between the incident ray from optical surface three and the normal to optical surface three is θ3, and the angle between the refracted ray from optical surface three and the normal to optical surface three is θ4; the angle between the incident ray from optical surface two and the normal to optical surface two is θ5, and the angle between the outgoing ray and the normal is θ6. The relationship between optical surface one, optical surface three, and optical surface two is as follows: ; ; ; ; ; ; Therefore, by coordinating the design of α1, α2 and α3, and by precisely constraining the angles from θ1 to θ6 in combination with the difference in refractive index, the size of the β angle can be dynamically controlled, thereby adapting the light output characteristics under different lighting requirements and achieving efficient, uniform and continuous visual light effects.

[0009] Furthermore, optical surface one, optical surface three, and optical surface two are smooth curved surfaces or planes.

[0010] Furthermore, the optical surface one, optical surface three, or optical surface two are provided with patterns or textures, thereby improving the light distribution.

[0011] Furthermore, a transition surface is provided between adjacent optical surface groups. The transition surface can be a continuous smooth curved surface, a continuous folded surface, or a plane. The length of the transition surface can be set according to requirements. One side of the transition surface is smoothly connected to the second optical surface of the adjacent optical surface group, and the other side is smoothly connected to the first optical surface of the next adjacent optical surface group, ensuring that light is continuously transmitted between modules without abrupt changes or breaks.

[0012] Furthermore, the adjacent optical surface groups are overlapped, so that the optical surface two of the previous module can be used as the optical surface one of the next module to realize the cascading reuse of the optical structure, effectively reducing the number of components and improving space utilization.

[0013] Furthermore, optical surface one, optical surface three, and optical surface two form a concave structure. The angle between optical surface one and optical surface three is obtuse, and the angle between optical surface two and optical surface three is also obtuse. Optical surface one, optical surface three, and optical surface two are all total internal reflection surfaces. After receiving a portion of the incident light, optical surface one guides the light to optical surface three through total internal reflection. After receiving reflected light or directly incident light from optical surface one, optical surface three redirects the light to optical surface two through total internal reflection. Optical surface two then guides the light to the emission region through total internal reflection. Thus, during the total internal reflection transmission of light between multiple interfaces, the matching relationship between the incident angle and the emission angle is gradually adjusted, changing the direction and spatial distribution of the final emitted light, thereby achieving precise control of the light intensity distribution.

[0014] Furthermore, the side of optical surface two that is away from optical surface three is connected to optical surface one of the next optical surface group.

[0015] Furthermore, one end of optical surface one is connected to optical surface two, and the other end of optical surface two is connected to optical surface one of the next optical surface group. Optical surface one and optical surface two are in the form of a broken line intersecting at a point. Both optical surface one and optical surface two are total internal reflection surfaces, and the included angle at the intersection point is optimized to achieve efficient total internal reflection transmission of incident light between the two surfaces. Thus, after optical surface two receives the incident light, it reflects the light back to optical surface one. After optical surface one receives the light reflected from optical surface two or the directly incident light, it guides the light to the exit area through total internal reflection. This ensures that the light is uniformly projected onto the target area, weakens the difference between light and dark, and improves the visual comfort of the illuminated area.

[0016] A light-emitting device includes the aforementioned optical components that improve light distribution.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are that it is an optical component for improving light distribution. It is provided with an optical surface group, which adjusts the direction and spatial distribution of the final emitted light by adjusting the optical surface group, thereby expanding the final emission angle to the required range, weakening the difference between light and dark, and improving the uniformity of lighting and visual comfort.

[0018] This invention is an optical component for improving light distribution. The optical surface group uses a light path design of refraction -> refraction -> total internal reflection. The initial incident light is refracted by optical surface one and optical surface three and then the incident angle of the light is adjusted to be projected onto optical surface two so that it meets the condition of total internal reflection. After total internal reflection by optical surface two, the light is guided to the emission area, so that the final emitted light tends to the central area, thereby weakening the contrast between light and dark and improving the overall uniformity of lighting.

[0019] This invention is an optical component for improving light distribution. The optical surface group achieves orderly transmission and directional control of light between the optical surfaces through multiple total internal reflections, effectively expanding the angular range of the emitted light and optimizing the light intensity distribution. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the distribution of traditional light rays.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the optical component in Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the optical surface group in Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the optical surface group.

[0025] Figure 5This is a simulation comparison diagram between the scheme of Example 1 and the traditional scheme.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical surface assembly in Embodiment 2.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the optical surface assembly in Embodiment 3.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the optical surface assembly in Embodiment 4.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Side wall; 11. Optical surface one; 12. Optical surface two; 13. Optical surface three; 2. Light-emitting part. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the present invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the present invention.

[0031] Example 1: As Figure 2 As shown, a thick-walled component includes a light-receiving section, a sidewall section 1, and a light-emitting section 2. The light-receiving section receives light incident from an external light source, and the light-emitting section 2 is positioned in the light-emitting direction of the light-receiving section. The sidewall section 1 connects the light-receiving section and the light-emitting section 2, and guides the incident light to the light-emitting section 2. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 5 Traditionally, the sidewall 1 is usually a straight-wall structure. Due to total internal reflection, a large amount of light rays from an excessively angled incident angle are reflected and projected onto the edge region B of the light-emitting part 2. However, the light intensity at region A of the light-emitting part 2 is relatively low. This results in uneven lighting and noticeable graininess at the light-emitting part 2 when observed from a certain angle (e.g., Figure 5 The light-emitting section 2 of the traditional thick-walled component located in the upper layer affects visual comfort. This embodiment optimizes the sidewall structure as follows: Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 The sidewall portion 1 is provided with several optical surface groups, which are arranged along the long side of the sidewall portion. The optical surface groups include optical surface one 11, optical surface two 12, and optical surface three 13. Optical surface one 11, optical surface three 13, and optical surface two 12 are connected in sequence to form an N-shaped structure. The angles between optical surface one 11 and optical surface three 13, and between optical surface three 13 and optical surface two 12 are both acute angles. The angle between optical surface one 11 and the initial extension direction of the sidewall portion 1 is α1, the angle between optical surface three and the extension direction of the sidewall portion 1 is α2, and the angle between optical surface two 12 and the end extension direction of the sidewall portion 1 is α3. 3；Adjacent optical surface groups are connected by a transition surface or partial overlap; in this embodiment, adjacent optical surface groups are connected by overlap, that is, optical surface 12 is the next group's optical surface 11; if a filter surface is used, the transition surface can be a plane, a continuous smooth curved surface, and / or a continuous folded surface, and the length of the transition surface can be set according to requirements (i.e., such as...). Figure 3 The transition surface (a continuous folded surface connecting the three optical surface groups) is smoothly connected on one side to optical surface 12 of the adjacent optical surface group, and on the other side to optical surface 11 of the next adjacent optical surface group.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 Optical surface 11 receives part of the incident light from the light-incident part. When the incident angle meets the refraction condition, the light is refracted out of the thick-walled part and projected onto optical surface 3 13. After being refracted by optical surface 3 13, it is projected onto optical surface 2 12. At this time, the incident angle of optical surface 2 12 meets the total internal reflection condition. After the light undergoes total internal reflection on optical surface 2 12, it is guided to the light-out part 2, effectively avoiding the reflection of some over-tilted light and its projection onto the edge area of ​​the light-out part.

[0033] The refractive index of the thick-walled component is defined as n1, the refractive index of air as n2, and the angle between the incident ray from optical surface 11 and the outgoing ray from optical surface 12 is β. The incident ray from optical surface 11 and the normal in a specific direction (the normal in a specific direction is as follows) are also defined. Figure 4 The angle formed by the dashed line perpendicular to the horizontal plane is β. 2， The angle between the outgoing ray from optical surface 12 and the normal in a specific direction is β1, according to the following formula: ; ; ; It can be deduced that: ;in: ; .

[0034] This is achieved through the collaborative design of α1, α2 and α3, and by combining the differences in refractive index to precisely constrain each angle from θ1 to θ6, the size of the β angle can be dynamically controlled, thereby adapting to the light output characteristics under different lighting requirements and achieving efficient, uniform and continuous visual light effects.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5In this embodiment, the sidewall portion employs an orderly arrangement of multiple sets of N-shaped optical surfaces. This allows the initially incident light to be systematically shaped during its progressive transmission. Each set of optical surfaces progressively corrects the light path, enabling the light to redistribute spatial angles through the combined effects of total internal reflection and refraction. The final outgoing light exhibits a wide-angle uniform distribution. Specifically, the optical surfaces guide some of the light projected onto region B to region A, significantly reducing the difference in illumination intensity between region A and region B, thus achieving a uniform improvement in overall light efficiency (e.g., ...). Figure 5 The light-emitting section 2 of a traditional thick-walled component located in the lower layer.

[0036] Example 2: Based on Example 1, another structural form is proposed, as follows: Reference Figure 6 Optical surface 11, optical surface 3 13, and optical surface 2 12 are all smooth curved surfaces. At least one of optical surface 11, optical surface 3 13, and optical surface 2 12 has a pattern or texture, thereby improving the light distribution.

[0037] Example 3: Based on Example 1, a replacement scheme for the structure of the optical surface group is proposed, as follows: Reference Figure 7 Optical surfaces 11, 3, and 2 form a concave structure. The angle between optical surfaces 11 and 3 is obtuse, as is the angle between optical surfaces 2 and 3. All three surfaces are total internal reflection surfaces. Optical surface 11 receives part of the incident light and guides it to optical surface 3 through total internal reflection. Optical surface 3 receives reflected or directly incident light from optical surface 11 and then redirects it to optical surface 2 through total internal reflection. Optical surface 2 then guides the light to the exit region through total internal reflection. Thus, during the total internal reflection process between multiple interfaces, the matching relationship between the incident and exit angles is gradually adjusted, changing the direction and spatial distribution of the final exit light, thereby achieving precise control of the light intensity distribution.

[0038] The side of optical surface 12 away from optical surface 13 is connected to optical surface 11 of the next optical surface group.

[0039] Example 4: The difference from Example 1 is: The side wall portion 1 is provided with a plurality of optical surface groups, which are arranged along the long side of the side wall portion. The optical surface groups include optical surface one 11 and optical surface two 12, as shown in the figure. Figure 8One end of optical surface 11 is connected to optical surface 12, and the other end of optical surface 12 is connected to optical surface 11 of the next optical surface group. Optical surface 11 and optical surface 12 are in a zigzag shape, and both optical surface 11 and optical surface 12 are total internal reflection surfaces. Thus, after optical surface 12 receives incident light, it reflects the light back to optical surface 11. After optical surface 11 receives the light reflected by optical surface 12 or the directly incident light, it guides the light to the exit area through total internal reflection. This ensures that the light is evenly projected onto the target area, weakens the difference between light and dark, and improves the visual comfort of the illuminated area.

[0040] It should be noted that the above embodiments use thick-walled components as carriers for optical surface groups only for ease of understanding. In practical applications, optical surface groups can also be integrated onto thin-walled light guide structures or curved carriers, and equivalent optical functions can be achieved by adjusting the surface curvature and relative angles.

[0041] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of this utility model, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optical component for improving light distribution, characterized in that: It includes several optical surface groups, which are arranged sequentially along a specific direction. Each optical surface group receives part of the projected light from the incident light surface and expands the light output angle through refraction and / or reflection. The optical surface group includes at least optical surface one (11) and optical surface two (12). Optical surface one (11) is used to initially refract or reflect the incident light to change its propagation direction. Optical surface two (12) receives the adjusted light and reshapes it so that the final emitted light is uniformly projected and the emission angle is expanded.

2. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The optical surface group also includes optical surface three (13), one side of optical surface one (11) is connected to optical surface three (13), and the other side of optical surface three (13) is connected to optical surface two (12); The third optical surface (13) receives the refracted or reflected light from the first optical surface (11) and performs secondary shaping so that the angle is pre-adjusted before the light is projected onto the second optical surface (12).

3. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The optical surface one (11), optical surface three (13) and optical surface two (12) constitute an N-type structure, which is the interface between an optically dense medium and an optically sparse medium; The first optical surface (11) receives the incident light and refracts it into the optically less dense medium. The third optical surface (13) receives the light refracted by the first optical surface (11) and refracts it again into the optically denser medium. The second optical surface (12) receives the refracted light from the third optical surface (13) and performs total internal reflection.

4. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Let β be the angle between the incident ray from optical surface one (11) and the outgoing ray from optical surface two (12), and let β be the angle between the incident ray from optical surface one (11) and the normal in a specific direction. 2， The angle between the outgoing ray from optical surface 2 (12) and the normal in a specific direction is β1; the angle between optical surface 1 (11) and the specific direction is α1, the angle between optical surface 3 (13) and the specific direction is α2, and the angle between optical surface 2 (12) and the specific direction is α3; the refractive index of the optically denser medium is n1, and the refractive index of the optically less dense medium is n2; the angle between the incident ray from optical surface 1 (11) and the normal of optical surface 1 (11) is θ1, and the angle between the refracted ray from optical surface 1 (11) and the normal of optical surface 1 (11) is θ2; the angle between the incident ray from optical surface 3 (13) and the normal of optical surface 3 (13) is θ3, and the angle between the refracted ray from optical surface 3 (13) and the normal of optical surface 3 (13) is θ4; the angle between the incident ray from optical surface 2 (12) and the normal of optical surface 2 (12) is θ5, and the angle between the outgoing ray and the normal is θ6; The optical surface one (11), optical surface three (13), and optical surface two (12) satisfy the following relationship: ； ； ； ； ； 。 5. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The optical surface one (11), optical surface three (13) and optical surface two (12) are planar or smooth curved surfaces, and at least one of the optical surface one (11), optical surface three (13) and optical surface two (12) is provided with a pattern or texture.

6. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 5, characterized in that: A transition surface is provided between adjacent optical surface groups. The transition surface can be a continuous smooth curved surface, a continuous folded surface, or a plane. The length of the transition surface can be set according to the requirements. One side of the transition surface is smoothly connected to the optical surface two (12) of the adjacent optical surface group, and the other side is smoothly connected to the optical surface one (11) of the next adjacent optical surface group.

7. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The adjacent optical surface groups are arranged in an overlapping manner, that is, the second optical surface (12) is the first optical surface (11) of the next optical surface group.

8. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The optical surface 1 (11), optical surface 3 (13) and optical surface 2 (12) form a concave structure. The angle between optical surface 1 (11) and optical surface 3 (13) is obtuse, and the angle between optical surface 2 (12) and optical surface 3 (13) is also obtuse. Optical surface 1 (11), optical surface 3 (13) and optical surface 2 (12) are all total reflection surfaces. The side of optical surface 2 (12) away from optical surface 3 (13) is connected to optical surface 1 (11) of the next optical surface group. After receiving part of the incident light, the optical surface one (11) guides the light to the optical surface three (13) through total internal reflection. After receiving the reflected light or direct incident light from the optical surface one (11), the optical surface three (13) redirects the light to the optical surface two (12) through total internal reflection. The optical surface two (12) receives the reflected light from the optical surface three (13) and guides the light to the emission area through total internal reflection.

9. The optical component for improving light distribution as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One end of optical surface one (11) is connected to optical surface two (12), and the other end of optical surface two (12) is connected to optical surface one (11) of the next optical surface group; optical surface one (11) and optical surface two (12) are in the shape of a broken line, and optical surface one (11) and optical surface two (12) are both total reflection surfaces.

10. A light-emitting device, characterized in that: Includes optical components for improving light distribution as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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